Job Discussion Forums

Eloise · Joined: 29 Oct 2005 Posts: 35 Location: UK

Hi, I've just been offered a job in Banos in Ecuador and was wondering if anyone knows much about the town. I'm a bit worried it might be really touristy as I know there are quite a few Spanish schools there. It would be nice to meet some other foreign teachers there but I don't want to be cut off from the community. I lived in a small town in Spain and I enjoyed being the only foreigner!

I hope someone can help me.
Eloise[/u]

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2005 3:06 pm Post subject:

Depends a lot on where your offer is from. It's true Ba�os is extremely dependent on the tourist industry, and it shows! But the foreign population is 90 percent short term backpackers, and relatively few long term expats. If you're in a decent school on a long term contract, I would think your odds of integrating, if you make the effort, are pretty good. Look into spending time in small communities near Ba�os, where the locals are friendly and no English is spoken.

I assume your Spanish is ok, after the village in Spain. (Where were you in Spain? I've been the only foreigner in a fair few villages myself...)

Justin

MELEE · Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2005 5:29 pm Post subject:

If you take the job, and you happen to stub your toe while in one of the baths, have it propperly cleaned ASAP! Shocked

A friend of mine nearly lost his big toe to gangreen!

But, its been ten years since I was in Ecuador Crying or Very sad

. So take anything you see from me on the topic with a grain of salt.

clean_sanchez · Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 7:37 pm Post subject:

From the little Ive read on it, it seems very touristy, but nice.

Natural hot springs, a zoo, and a semi-active volcano. What more do you need? Very Happy

Sounds fun... good luck

Eloise · Joined: 29 Oct 2005 Posts: 35 Location: UK

i was in Linares in Jaen. It was difficult at first to meet people but I ended up having much better friends and more money than I did when I moved to Valencia the following year. Thanks for the comments. Still not sure though!

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2005 8:28 pm Post subject:

It's more than a semi-active volcano. That thing is smoking and rumbling like nobody's business, if you see it on the right day.

The zoo is a bit sad, though. There's a good zoo in Ecuador, in Guayallbamba. But the one in Ba�os is gross. Some of the exhibits seem to be dead.

Other than that, it's a lovely place. Too touristy by half, but the advantage of that is seem in good restaurants and lots to do. (Good restaurants in Ecuador are a little hard to come by.) And you can choose your level of contact with the backpacker crowd.

Justin