Job Discussion Forums

Fionna · Joined: 01 Sep 2005 Posts: 3

I have been reading this forum for a while doing research on my next move, so a brief introduction: My husband (US) and I (Australian) did the CELTA course in Bangkok May of this year, and have now decided to get our first experience teaching in Buenos Aires. We're expecting to arrive mid-October, and I look forward to meeting some (or all!) of you when we get there... I've really appreciated all of the information on this forum while researching where to go and have found it very helpful.

Just a few questions which I haven't managed to find previously posted:
1. Should we bring some kind of teaching materials like workbooks to use? We're open to teaching in a school or privates, but expect we might only be able to get privates. I'm assuming that if we're doing privates we'll need to provide workbooks, so is it best to get those here before we leave? Is there one which someone could recommend? Not sure if there is one that more suits teaching in Sth America?

2. General dress code for teaching? Schools and privates? In Asia we had to be pretty clean-cut, is it much the same as that?

3. Accommodation. I'm a little confused about how you guys are doing it. We were hoping to get an apartment of our own, but from the sounds of things we need a recommendation from a local etc., which we obviously wouldn't have. Also, it sounds like you need to sign a 2-year contract, which we won't want to do. Has anyone managed to get a shorter contract? Or get an apartment without a recommendation/reference? Those in share housing, did you just manage to find an ad to share with locals, or are you with other ESLs? Of course, if anyone needs a roommate (and doesn't mind a couple - I promise we're not serial-killers) in mid-October...

Sorry about all of the questions, I managed to figure the rest out on my own.

Oh one more, just to confirm I am assuming it's not too difficult to get wi-fi in an apartment, I know at least one person has it set up so I'm assuming that that's not going to be much of an issue. Let me know if I'm wrong.

Thanks for any feedback, like I said I'm new to the forum (registration was closed for a little while) and I'm looking forward to joining in!

Fiona

sheena maclean · Posted: Sat Sep 03, 2005 12:16 am Post subject:

Well here the some information I hope I can help with:
Starting with material it might help to bring some materials with you especially if you only plan to teach private students. If you teach in insitutes the won�t let you take any books out of the building so it�s very hard to copy whole text books, in fact they are totally neurotic about this in my opinion. but I have managed to sneak a few extra copies in here and there. There is a British Council here which has a resouce centre, I believe that you can join aswell as some other place I forget what it is called now but do a google search and you should find something. As this is my first time teaching hard core business english the only thing I wish I had was a business English dictionary as sometimes I feel quite overwhelmed by all the business jargon in the books.
I don�t know many people who survive on just private classes. I don�t have any myself, but I�ve only been here 6 weeks. Most people teach business people and work thru institutes, which pay around $15 an hour which is the average. I�m currently working 24 a week with (if there are no cancellations).
The dress code here is smart, but I don�t think me have to wear a suit or tie just trousers and a shirt will do. I snuck on a pair of jeans today for my classes as it�s casual on a Friday.
the accomodation situation here is really a nightmare and I am still living in a hostel after 6 weeks!!! Be prepared to pay around $500 a month for a shared flat or $1000 for a place to yourself, this should be furnished. This should cover all expense and agencies commision. there is little point in looking in the paper etc as far as I can work out cos as you said you need a 2 year contract and a garuantor and they are nearly all unfurnished aswell. This is the biggest pain in the arse about living here to be honest but otherwise I really can�t complain.
Ok that all I can think of for now
take care and enjoy your trip
Sheena
PS all the prices are in Arg pesos!

BA Expat · Joined: 31 Aug 2005 Posts: 6

1. Should we bring some kind of teaching materials...

Yes, bring your regular supplies and perhaps some games that they do not sell here, there ae many great used books stores around.

2. General dress code for teaching? Schools and privates? In Asia we had to be pretty clean-cut, is it much the same as that?

Yes, expect to look sharp. I have spent time in Asia as well, and I would say the look is semi-formal at all times.

3. Accommodation. I'm a little confused about how you guys are doing it.

Ok, this one is also not that hard. Call my cousin's real estate agent, if you mention me to the director, and that I just relocated around the corner he should know, they might give you a discount, 4806-6874. They have many offers, shared aparments, good prices, etc- they are quite fair. If you need more information, call them if you like. As far as buying, that is simple too, if you have the money you can buy something, if you don't, rent. In any case you are going to want to get out of the hostel situation, they are fun for a short stint, but any longer than that and you are punishing yourself and should really join the local community.

It is very easy to get wi-fi in an apartment, it takes a little time which could be an issue if you are in a pinch. but no worries... Try fibertel, telecentro, or an indy, after 3 months all the prices spike something awful so look out!

See you at the BBQ.

sheena maclean · Posted: Sat Sep 03, 2005 12:33 pm Post subject:

So if we mention we know someone called BA Expat He�ll know who we mean will he?
Can your friend help with shared accomodation as well orn only flats? What kind of prices are you talking about like $500 each all in for 2 people or less?
Sheena

Ackerley81 · Joined: 20 Oct 2004 Posts: 49

Yes, definitely bring any teaching materials you might have. Most institutes have their own, but you don't get to take them with you so you have to go to their location all the time to make copies. TEFL books are ridiculously pricey here. Most books in English are very expensive here, too so if you are a bookworm you might want to bring a few regular reads as well Smile

See you in October.

Sarah

Fionna · Joined: 01 Sep 2005 Posts: 3

Thanks for all the responses - still wondering with Sheena if we refer to BA Expat will they know who we mean??? That will be a great contact to have if we can pull it off (the real estate agent).

Traveling_Saint · Joined: 23 Jan 2006 Posts: 1

Hi,

Having read your post it occurred to me that what you asked is remarkably similar to the sort of things I worrying / thinking about. I'm still in the UK but am looking to arrive in Bs As in late Feb early March. This will be my first teaching experience having recently attained my CELTA in Barcelona.

So I thought I'd write and ask you how you have found things since you arrived? Is the housing nightmare really as bad as people make out? Was work easy enough to come by and were you able to get by well enough on the money?

In short this is my first (of many) posting looking for advice and general tips and would be grateful for any suggestions comments.

Cheers,

Fionna · Joined: 01 Sep 2005 Posts: 3

...as I bailed on Bs As due to "external forces", but do continue to search this website, it is a veritable font of priceless information...

ATTORNEY

1. You will probably find teaching material here, its just more expensive, but there are english bookstores in the city.

2. Dress code? clean-cut, modest, i consider ourselves laid back and classic when in comes to fashion (am i wrong?)

3. Accommodation. You can find a two bedroom apartment for u$s 500 (american dollars) a month in Palermo, with all expenses included !!, telefone, furnished, cable, internet, maid. So you dont need to go for the 2 yrs lease nor to care about the guarantee.

For WIFI just bring a wireless router from the US (linksys or Dlink) its about u$s 50 (they cost u$s 100 here), then you just connect it here and thats it, all set.

Cheers, Attorney Redley Razz

learningspanish · Joined: 25 Jan 2006 Posts: 2

It appears you have received a lot of good information that will help you before your arrival in Buenos Aires.

When you arrive in Buenos Aires there is one place that will be of enormous help to you. There is a restaurante/bar in Recoleta/Barrio Norte that is sort of the unoficial hang-out for non-argentinos living or visiting Buenos Aires. It is always filled with Americans, Europeans (mostly Brits) who have struggled with the topics you are asking about.
Everyone speaks English - even the Argentina staff. You will be able to share the experiences of people who already have arrived in Buenos Aires and are living in Argentina. It is not necesarilly a student hang-out.
There are lots of students but half the people are doctors, lawyers, stock brokers, ex-chiefs of police etc from the United States.

Another plus, if you are a fan of American sports it is probably the only place in Argentina that receives all American sporting events - college sports are not available in Argentina except in this place.

They have a ad in the Buenos Aires Herald everyday. I am reading the ad now. Their website is www.elalamobuenosaires.com

Hope this helps