Job Discussion Forums

bru · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Posts: 5 Location: Santa Barbara, CA

Hi, I'm soon going to be following a friend out to Cairo, where I'll be teaching English, and I'm sure I'll love it. The thing is, I'd also like to teach English in Latin America, but I'm more unsure about it since I would be heading out all alone. I'm worried that I would end up living alone, and that I'd never talk to anyone and have no social life. Although I'm sure I could handle such a situation, it probably wouldn't exactly be the time of my life. I'm 23 year old guy; I need to have a social life.

So, all you people who have tons of experience with this, how do you get connected? Do you make sure to teach English in places where you'll be connnected with a group of other teachers? That seems like the ideal situation. I've heard of this at places like Intercultura in Costa Rica. However, it's also important for me to attain fluency in Spanish, so I'm not really sure how to work that in there.

Are year-long homestays a possibility? That seems like a perfect way to become fluent...Thanks for your help!

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

The first place you'll meet people is at work--the other teachers, both expats and locals. They're generally pretty friendly and helpful towards the new arrivals. Depending on where and what age group you end up teaching, you can also socialize with your students. Students and colleagues have the advantage of being able to talk in English or Spanish, depending on your Spanish level.

Once you learn your way around and have basic proficiency in the language, you'll meet people in the town--gyms, pubs, restaurants, on the street, etc. Some of them will become friends, and some will just be people that you chat with for a night.

Also, the longer you stay in this field, the more connections you will have around the world. Maybe in Cairo you'll meet someone with a friend of a friend in Latin America who can help you get settled in.

Above all, don't worry! It's very common to head somewhere on your own.

Good luck,
d

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Also here at DAve's you could meet people and then get together with them.

matttheboy · Joined: 01 Jul 2003 Posts: 854 Location: Valparaiso, Chile

Without wishing to sound crass, 23 year old foreign guys tend not to have too many problems in making friends in latin america. depending on where you head, you may be seen (by boys and/or girls) as a bit of a novelty, a ticket out of the country (eg ecuador), a step up in the social hierachy (as in 'knowing' a foreigner: eg Chile, Ecuador and most of lat am that i've seen, with the exception of argentina), or an honest, faithful and non-machista boyfriend the like of which is unfortunately quite rare amongst the native populace.

It's really easy to make friends with locals, some of whom are genuine and some of whom are not. You'll work who's who over time. Also, pretty much everywhere you go you'll meet other teachers and expats. Part of the problem with having other teachers and expats as friends is that you tend to have cycles; some months you'll have a load of mates and then suddenly everyone will leave and you'll have to start making new friends. That's why is good to take the time to integrate at least a little into the local scene. If you make proper friends with the locals, you'll never want for friends even when all your fellow foreigners leave.

bru · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Posts: 5 Location: Santa Barbara, CA

thanks everyone, that was really helpful.

MELEE · Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 3:31 pm Post subject:

Good responses, I have to say I agree with Matt, it doesn't matter what you look like, you will probably attract people (especially females) like meat attracts flies. Laughing

I also agree with Denise that if you want to do this for a while, the best jobs will come from connections. We hire about 50% of our teachers through referals of former teachers who've gone on to work in other countries. Network Network Network. Also there is a string of cities through Latin American often refered to as "the gringo trail" if you want to met other travellers you just plop down in a cafe in one of these cities a you will be surrounded by travellers from all over the world. At 23 there is a very good chance you will teach people around your age (or even quiet a bit older than you) and they will probably invite you places. Just show an interest in getting to know their town and they because gracious guides.

Good Luck and enjoy your adventure.