Job Discussion Forums

jessicah632 · Joined: 12 Jun 2005 Posts: 36 Location: Texas, USA

Hi all!

I'm from the US, have a 4-year Bachelor's degree in English Literature, and am curious about teaching ESL in Latin America with only the degree and no TEFL certification or TEFL teaching experience. I know in Asia this is (usually) no problem, but how about in Latin America? I do have experience teaching English, but only part-time and in a private school that is geared only to SAT-test prep. Given these credentials, how likely would it be for me to get a job without the TEFL cert?

I'm looking specifically for teaching in Ecuador or Colombia, or perhaps somewhere in Central America. I've travelled extensively through Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Uruguay, and Bolivia, and now want to see the northern parts of Latin America. I'm not looking for anything high-paying, really, just something that could maybe help me break even w/ my cost of living.

Also, is Spanish fluency a must?

Thanks for all your help!

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2005 9:54 pm Post subject:

Hi there,
I teach in Ecuador, so all my answers are really Ecuador centered. On a degree in English, and some (morginally relevant) teaching experience, you wouldn't find it that difficult to find work here. The better institutes tend to like people to have some TEFL training or experience, but there are a lot of possibilities. Even in the best institutes, a positive, well rounded application can be the most important thing. So can applying when they happen to need someone badly. (It's still mostly a teachers' market here, as salaries are not high compared to the rest of the world, and recruiting can be difficult.)

It's easy to live on a teacher's salary here, although you wouldn't save much, if at all. (Depends on your lifestyle.) Most teachers share accomodation, usually with other teachers, which tends to be the main expense that they have.

Spanish fluency would be nice, but many teachers don't have it, at least when they arrive. In fact, learning Spanish is one of the principle reasons people come to Ecuador. I've found that some Spanish can be a big factor in how well people adapt to living here, but in a way this is down to attitude. If you're willing to learn, you can pick it up fast once you're here. A lot of people arrive with no knowledge of Spanish, and do fine.

Regards,
Justin

travelinhobo · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 35 Location: U.S.

There didn't seem to be many places where you could obtain a TEFL certificate in Central America. I only found MExico and Costa Rica. Either way, do not waste your money, like I just did, at the Guad.Mexico school of ITTO. You will be so dissapointed.

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

I think you may be right. As far as I know, there are only TEFL course providers in Costa Rica and Mexico. Several providers, but only in those two countries. South America aso has a few.

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Thu Sep 01, 2005 6:51 pm Post subject:

I've heard good things about the SIT TESOL program in Costa Rica- but that�s all I know about Central America. There's a good program in Ecuador, coming soon...

Justin

jessicah632 · Joined: 12 Jun 2005 Posts: 36 Location: Texas, USA

Well, I was hoping to NOT need to have a TEFL certificate. My hope was that I could get a job without it, and with just my degree.

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Ah, yes, back to your first question. There are jobs where a TEFL course isn't required. But, you'll find that most schools doing the hiring are familiar with TESOL, CELTA, and TEFL and make it a requirement. Every school wants to see experience and for many, this is how they know you have the minimum qualifications.

Also, Spanish is helpful, to be sure, but often not a requirement at all.

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2005 2:29 am Post subject:

Everyday Eva 1984 · Joined: 28 Aug 2005 Posts: 11

Hi, I have a four year degree in English and a few friends that have gotten a certificate. I am taking a http://www.travellingteachers.com course in Latin America. I think it is important to get certified, but I don't think that an online certification is worthwhile. The onsite course seems to be the only logical way to do it, i'm taking the only one in Latin America that is endorsed by TT, and it is in Argentina. I do not know much more, but I thought if you had any questions, or advice we could help each other out Wink

-Eva

Aramas · Posted: Sun Sep 04, 2005 2:05 am Post subject:

I don't know what you're into, but Ecuador has some rather draconian laws. Being caught with a joint in your pocket lands you in prison with no bail possible (same category of crime as murder or armed robbery), and it usually takes from one to three years before your case is heard. Posession of any quantity of any drug carries a mandatory minimum sentence of twelve years in prison.

In contrast, Colombia, Venezuela and Peru have no penalties for small quantities for personal use, although they have their own problems, of course Smile

While people may pooh-pooh the relevence of drug related matters on this forum, we rarely have any control over what the people around us do. I'm sure the police won't much care that the little bag of dope in your freezer belongs to your flatmate or novia, or even the cop that 'found' it. I for one would prefer a more liberal country, given the choice.

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Now there's one out of left field!

I think the lesson is to research a country's laws before travelling there. Much of Latin America is fairly conservative, despite the obvious contradictions.

Cdaniels

Everyday Eva 1984 · Joined: 28 Aug 2005 Posts: 11

I agree the details are important too. That�s why I went with the people I�m going with, to ensure that the quality of the course and that it is above and beyond anything else around while I focus on confidence building and getting a solid grasp of what I�m doing in class. I�m seriously nervous about teaching, especially people older than me.

I also agree that it looks like CELTA is the way to get certified for acedemic purposes, but acedemic is not what i am looking for, I just got out of school! I could do that at home, besides I�m looking more for an experience. I want an affordable alternative where i meet a lot of friends and like to have fun like me, but I appreciate your concern.

I think it�s just easier to go with Travelling teachers. They informed me and my parents they have great quality control measures, sent me a tonne of info and I don�t know, I feel comfortable about them and their course. I feel that this is what matters, so i thought i�d post the option.

Thanks for the info everybody, Jessica I hope that my info helps I saw that TT doesn�t have a course in Ecudor though, good luck.

ps Guy, that left field comment was so funny. I�m still laughing it. cheers.

-Eva

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2005 12:30 am Post subject:

Aramas · Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2005 1:01 am Post subject: