Job Discussion Forums

[littlesarah53]

Hi,

I am just wondering if anyone can tell me the basic requirements for working in South America.
Is a degree required?
Or is a TEFL sufficient?
Will a TEFL from Thailand be accepted in South America?
When is the best time to look for a job?

I haven't taken my TEFL course yet, but am planning on doing so at the beginning of June. As yet i am still undecided as to where to go - Thailand, or South America, maybe Argentina, or Mexico.
Is there anyone that has been to both continents, and can recommend one against the other?

Thanks

[amy1982]

don't hate me for this...

i don't have much experience with either of your questions. but there was a thread not too long ago about south america versus other places ("South America v The World...?")

as far as qualifications, every other post asks that question and gets a few responses. ok, maybe not every other post, but there are many.

hopefully you'll get some helpful responses too, but if not, i recommend browsing the forum. you really won't have to go far.

best of luck

[naturegirl321]

There are places that require a degree and others that don't. Same with TEFL certs. A teFL cert should have at least 120 hours, plus 6 hours of teaching. Jobs usually start arund Jan to March, then July and August.

Personally I would recommend Asia over Latin America, cheaper, more convenient, and no spilt shifts.

[MixtecaMike]

[ElNota]

Yeah... I would recommend the same. I'm doing it! The first year is fun because everything is new. Some like it, some don't. I personally haven't liked it since my girlfriend left for New Zealand (and we parted company), but I know why I'm here (to save money), and where I'm headed (to Latin America).

I am pretty sure that you can find a job in Korea, but you might have to fly here on your own peso. With a degree they offer to fly you here and a return ticket when you finish, free housing, a salary of $1750-2750 per month, and a months bonus for finishing a year. All and all its a good way to go.

Without a degree you probably can get free housing and $20 per hour, but I don't know about the benefits as they tend to be tied to immigration status which is tied to a degree I believe. Don't quote me on that.

[MixtecaMike]

To teach legally in the ROK you need a degree and a passport from an English speaking nation.

To work illegally you need to be discrete.

The money is better for the second option, but being a law-abiding citizen and too old to want run risks I'm on option one.