Job Discussion Forums

spanglish · Joined: 21 May 2009 Posts: 742 Location: working on that

Hmm, maybe I'll check out Quito/Ecuador if the jobs are plentiful there. PM me anybody if you have any leads for next year for Latin America.

I was looking for work in Bogota, but my course finished at the end of November. Bogota pretty much shuts down for the month of December and many schools don't start up again until well into January. I had lots of work opportunities, but those were for jobs I could have done without the CELTA and would have required me to work illegally for a shady employer (generally the definition of a shady employer is one who asks you to work under the table).

The teaching quality of my course was excellent, but they did very little to orient us to the local market, provide work contacts or prepare us for the job search. Colombia also might be a bit more difficult than Ecuador because of the onerous process to get the work visa (requires leaving the country). Most employers don't have the know how or desire to sponsor an applicant.

I did find work a few months later, and now I'm about to finish that contract. I'm excited to see where I end up next.

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Wed Oct 14, 2009 11:53 pm Post subject:

If Ecuador looks interesting, get in touch.

Justin

norwalkesl · Joined: 22 Oct 2009 Posts: 366 Location: Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-China

jayciro · Joined: 23 Dec 2009 Posts: 14 Location: Oakland, Ca

You all have very helpful information here. But my question to all of you is...

How do you find the right TESOL/ESL/EFL training program overseas? I am currently looking to experience Costa Rica, and there are soooo many options out there. I understand that going this route is the "Safer" route and more satisfying route, but how to choose the right program is my question!!

Cheers -

jc Very Happy

rlp5321 · Joined: 26 Jul 2009 Posts: 15 Location: Hamburg, Germany

Hi All,

There is another option for people who want a TESOL certification, but don't want to quit their jobs and attend a 4 week full time program.

Some schools offer a part time TESOL. The part time TESOL usually takes 12-15 weeks, costs as much as the full time program, has a teaching practicum and covers all of the same material as the full time 4 week program. Students usually attend two nights and Saturday of each week. I attended a part time TESOL and it worked out perfectly! I finished my program earlier this month, I am still working in my full time US job, and volunteering as a part-time teacher to gain experience.

In a few months, I'll be able to quit my job and make that leap abroad. Since I've worked the entire time I've saved more money and talking with other students and teachers at the school helped me to refine my teaching abroad plans.

I am glad I did a 140 hour TESOL - I feel more knowledgable as a teacher doing the actual certification vs. an online certificate.