Job Discussion Forums

[laura7101]

I'm looking to semi-retire in Ecuador and would like to know about availability of jobs for an American woman 61 years young. I should be able to qualify for a retiree visa and will have CELTA. My understanding is that those with a retiree visa can legally work. I'm looking to supplement my retirement income and I enjoy teaching.

My background is in human resources management. I've worked in corporate management, consulting, and government. I have an MS in Management and have taught university management courses for two years. I have experience in course design and exam construction. I have published in academic and professional journals as well as presented at international conferences.

My major concern is whether schools/universities will hire someone over 60. Or do they prefer younger instructors? If Ecuador is not a good choice in Latin America, is there a country that is more receptive to older workers? Is teaching English really a viable option for a newbie my age?

[No Moss]

Hey, Laura. I haven't taught in South America, but I have taught extensively in Asia. I wouldn't worry too much about the age thing if I were you. You will be automatically excluded from some jobs, but most jobs aren't worth having! You could teach in a university in your specialty, teach in a private school where your education and the fact that you're a female would be to your advantage, or teach privates.

Now HERE's what you ought to worry about. First, will you be happy living abroad? Ecuador is a little bit on the dangerous side, and not very cosmopolitan, as I understand. You might also consider Chile, Uruguay, Colombia, or Argentina, or maybe a nice area in DF (Mexico City). Find a place that you can be excited about and where you can enjoy living first, and then worry about the teaching second.

And then, worry about perfecting your English teaching skills. Even as an old guy, I've found that I'm a popular teacher, mainly because I've put a lot of effort into learning how to teach English. If you can teach English effectively, there'll always be a place for you. (Heck, is 61 even old anymore?)

The English language (and any other language, of course) is a surprisingly complex subject. Do you know what a schwa is? Can you explain a phrasal verb? A relative/adjective clause? Do you know what a sibilant phoneme is? (Yes, you really do need to know that.) Do you know the American English phonetic alphabet? Have you picked out a dictionary for your intermediate students yet? Can you explain the difference between "Do you wear glasses?" and "Are you wearing glasses?" What's the difference between the simple past and the present perfect? What we all believe that we know so well when we start, we end up getting humbled by.

Anyway. Don't worry about your age. Worry about your happiness--Ok, and your health. As far as money goes, it sounds like you've got a good start, and you can collect Social Security as soon as you want or need to. I've always found that I adjust perfectly to what I make--I seem to spend every penny whether I'm rich or I'm poor, and I don't find my happiness changes much either way--as long as I can afford a good cup of coffee in the morning and a couple of beers at night!

At first, you may find yourself defending your status--most of us do. In the US, you'll say, I had an important job with a good salary. Pretty soon that will fade away, and you'll start describing yourself as an English teacher. Things you once thought were essential you'll find superfluous. In the end, you'll find your path and learn to enjoy the walk.

[HLJHLJ]

Your age is unlikely to be a problem, especially if you have your own visa. It's a fairly common situation, because of the relative ease of getting a retirement visa. It sounds like this a long term plan for you, so I would suggest you get some certification, cut your teeth in one of the bigger language schools for a year or so and then start building up your own private students.

You may also be able to pick up some university work teaching your specialism. If you speak Spanish, you will definitely find something, but if you only speak English it will be harder. It's quite rare for universities to offer content classes in English and they tend to be medical rather than business, but don't rule it out as they will value your masters.

[laura7101]

Thanks so much for your advice. No Moss, I absolutely agree with you to choose where I want to live first. I focused on Latin America because I like the Latin culture. I chose Ecuador because I'm drawn to the indigenous culture and colonial history. But I've also considered all of the other countries you mentioned except Argentina. I'm surprised that you think Colombia and Mexico are less dangerous than Ecuador. I'd be interested in hearing the perspective of others on the relative level of danger in these countries. Chile is very attractive, but it's my understanding that it has a high cost of living. And Uruguay appears to be a relatively undiscovered jewel.

For both of you, I'm pleased to hear that my age won't be a problem. When I started researching retirement ages in Latin America, I was surprised to find that most were 60 or under.

I was also encouraged to hear about teaching my specialty at universities. I sent out dozens of letters to multiple countries last year inquiring about such a position. I received only one reply that stated I needed to be local even to apply for a position. I feel I have more to offer if I teach my specialization, but I just want to teach. I expect teaching English is also very rewarding.

Once again, thanks for the feedback.

[HLJHLJ]

In Ecuador petty crime is a big problem, pickpockets, muggings, bag slashing, etc. but violent crime is relatively rare. Even when a mugging etc involves a weapon, it's rarely used, they just want your money. Give them it and they'll be gone. However, even at this level it can be largely avoided by being sensible, i.e. not wandering around quiet streets on your own after dark or around dodgy areas at any time. Don't flash cash, valuables or jewelry around (including costume jewelry that looks real). It's all common sense stuff and the same all over LatAm.

Guayaquil felt more dangerous to me than Quito, but I am told the crime rates are actually pretty similar. There is a problem with 'express kidnappings' in Guayaquil though, which is essentially a robbery that takes place while you are in a taxi. It happens occasionally in Quito and Cuenca, but it's big news when it does.

Personally I felt safer in Ecuador than I did in Colombia, but that might just be because I got to know Ecuador better and was only a tourist in Colombia. But I found the street drunks and druggies intimidating in Colombia. I've barely been to Mexico so I can't compare, but Ecuador is by far my favorite country in Central and South America.

Re: other countries, the teachers I knew who were working in Chile were on the same hourly rate as we were in Ecuador, but their living costs were more than double. I couldn't have lived in Chile on their earnings. Uruguay is far from undiscovered, but the cost of living is even higher there and typical ESL wages don't match it.

Throughout LatAm you get a job by knocking on doors and handing in your CV/resume, and being ready to start work tomorrow, even at university level. You have pretty much no chance of getting hired from abroad, or even getting an expression of interest. If you are there on the ground with your own visa it is an entirely different situation, so don't be disheartened. However, to get a 'better' job, especially at a university, you will need to have at least a bit of a reputation behind you first, contacts are king. So do be prepared to have to do 6-12 months in whatever job you can find while getting your name known.

[chica88]

Hi -

This is my little piece of wisdom...

I live in Latin America and teach.
And I am not in my twenties or some young little thing running around trying to find my first job.

I find in Latin America they don't care that much about age.
I have never had it be an issue ever.
And most of the teachers at schools I have been at tend to be my age or even older.

[laura7101]

I'm encouraged to hear that age probably won't be a problem. And I get that I'll need to find a job after I arrive, not before. I am concerned about the crime mentioned in Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca. Is there less crime in smaller cities in Ecuador, like Loja or Otavalo? How does the crime in Ecuador's major cities compare to that in Chile or Peru?

[HLJHLJ]

Yes, like almost everywhere in the world there is less crime in small towns than big cities, (although pick pocketing is a big problem at Otavalo market). However, most of the work is in the bigger cities, especially university work.

I haven't lived in Peru or Chile, but as a tourist, Lima and Santiago felt pretty similar to Quito. You still have to take care with taxis, and pickpockets and bag snatchers are a problem, etc. In general there are less drunks and druggies around on the streets in Quito (as long as you avoid the drunken tourists in Mariscal), and personally I found that made me feel safer in Quito.

But if worrying about crime is going to be a major stressor for you, you might want to reconsider a move to LatAm as it's an issue in every country.

[laura7101]

I understand that crime is a fact of life in any large city throughout the world. And I have lived in both San Francisco and Amsterdam and felt comfortable using basic common sense. I've also traveled to cities in Latin America and the Middle East and felt OK, again using common sense. However, I recognize that the level and type of crime varies in different cities around the world. It's helpful to get a feel for the relative level of crime from people who've actually lived in or visited those cities. Thanks for your perspective on Quito.