Job Discussion Forums

[Stewsly]

Do I still need to complete a TEFL (or similar) course to get a job teaching ESL internationally? In particlar... I'm thinking Latin America for a 6-12 month period.

I have 3 years experience as a cert. secondary science teacher. I'd be happy to do the neccessary training, but if my experience to date will stand alone, I would be more apt to save the money.

Thanks, in advance for any info./advice

[Justin Trullinger]

You could certainly find work, with or without further training, but I would strongly recommend some form of certificate or EFL specific instruction. Until you've tried it, you really can't appreciate the differences between teaching language and teaching content.

I want to be honest here- in Latin America, you'll find work. No problem. But I really think you'll feel more comfortable in the classroom if you go the extra mile.

Regards,
Justin

[Stewsly]

I have checked out the one month intesive program offered by "TESL International" (think that is the name). It seems like it would be a great experience to do an intensive program in Latin America first (there is one in Manuel Antonio, CR that I found), where I can get a feel fro what to expect, learn some teaching strategies, and work on my spanish. I WILL look into it, regardless. Thank you very much for you help.

One more Q... what are the best organizations that offer TESL training, in terms of quality, affordability, noriety, etc.

[Cdaniels]

Instituto Britanico in San Jose, Costa Rica, provides a CELTA certificate for about $1650. http://www.institutobritanico.co.cr/ing/index.html Any program which offers 100+ hours (four weeks) classroom and a teaching practicum is viewed equally well by employers in Latin America, although CELTA or Trinity cert is an advantage in Europe.

[denise]

I agree that a certificate will help you, despite your experience and qualifications back home. (And even though you probably won`t need one to get a job.)

A word of caution, though... Keep in mind that if you do a TEFL course, many of your fellow trainees will have no prior teaching experience. The trainers will expect you to follow their every move and basically do exactly what they say--fine (maybe...) for those who have never taught before, but you may enter the class feeling like your own ideas and strategies are better. They may well be, but you need to forget about them during the course! There is very little room for creativity on those courses. There were some experienced teachers in my course, and I think they found it difficult because they had to unlearn what they had learned and just learn to imitate.

Once you get through the course, of course, your skills will certainly help you!

d

[Stewsly]

Is Trinity pretty much the same as TESL?

My ego wont get in the way, nor will my philosophy. I may know a thing or two about teaching science in the U.S., but teaching ESL in a foreign country is probably very different. I just think the exposure these courses offer would be great, though it would be hard to put up the money if I didnt have to (travel money).

Ideally, I would like to take a one year leave from my job, teach for 6 months, then travel South America for a couple/few months. Then I could return to my job... or not. I hear that 6 month contracts are atainable in Latin America quite commonly, although Im not totally opposed to a full year.

[Henry_Cowell]

Don't ignore the possibility of teaching SCIENCE in one of those posh international schools abroad. Competition is keen, but there are jobs in most countries. Some are not quite as posh as others....

[Stewsly]

What do you mean by a "posh" school? Can you be more specific. Are you suggesting there would be more money in teaching Science? I wouldnt mind just teaching English though, it would be a great new experience.

In general, what could the average person expect for monthly pay, teaching ESL in Latin America? How might that compare to teaching content (i.e. science) at a "posh" school? Guesses are o.k.

Apologies, I'm just getting started here.

Thanks

[Henry_Cowell]

On average, international schools pay better than typical overseas TEFL jobs because they generally have stricter requirements.

Here's a very broad definition for you (there are of course exceptions): An "international school" is a K-8 or K-12 or 9-12 English-medium school that has an American or British curriculum. Many of the students are expats of various countries who choose an international school over the local government school system. International schools are private and charge high tuition compared to local schools. In large cities, for example, the top school will be the American International School or the British International School (or their equivalents). Their facilities are quite astonishing, often rivalling counterparts in California or London.

International schools have hiring practices that are often the equivalent of hiring practices in the U.S. and the U.K. That is, teachers need to be certified to teach at the grade level and in the subjects that they will teach abroad -- certified in the U.S. or U.K.

There have been quite a few threads on these forums about international schools. You can easily do a search to find more accurate and current information than I can provide.

[Stewsly]

That makes sense, thank you for explaining. I'll look into it.

As for the pay question... this is not a huge issue for me because its more about the experience, but can someone give me a ball park figure for the average ESL position in Latin America? Just curious.

[ls650]

Mexico will pay the highest generally. A university will generally pay $800 to $1200 US, depending on location: the higher the salary, the higher the living expenses in that area.
A private school will pay less, say $600 to $900. Outside of Mexico City and the more touristy areas, this is enough money to live in modest comfort, but you will have little extra money to save.

The rest of LA pays much less, but then the costs tend to be much lower as well. For example, I was offered a job at one of the better schools in Ecuador for about $400 US per month. A decent apartment might rent for $100 or so in the same area. Again, it's a good local salary, but you will have a great deal of difficulty saving money there.

And unlike Asia, most schools in LA do not reimburse you any of your costs for a plane ticket or work visa.

[Stewsly]

Is a work Visa necessary for 6 months to a year in Latin America? If so, what is the cost?

[ls650]

[Stewsly]

I would welcome input from anyone who has taught in Latin America. I'm not really thinking about Mexico, but I am interested in Costa Rica (the one place I have been, loved it), Guatemala, Argentina, Chile, and open to others. Being near the ocean and/or mountains would be a priority.

Also, I have read on this forum that its best to just go and find work, instead of setting up employment online. How can one go about doing that and finding work relatively soon? Should I just research an area and its schools, then start knocking on doors when I get there?

Thanks to all of you.

[Justin Trullinger]