Job Discussion Forums

Newt · Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Posts: 10 Location: Toronto, Canada

Hi,

I live in Canada and want to teach English overseas anywhere from 3-8 months. All the places I find are for a year.

Does anyone have any info on whom I can contact or where I can look?

Thanks,

Marco
Toronto, Canada.

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

3 is a little short, but 6 month stints are common throughout Latin America in language schools. A language school isn't likely to offer an actual contract to sign though.

Newt · Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Posts: 10 Location: Toronto, Canada

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

Not common at all for schools in Latin America to pay for flights or accommodations. It's a rare gem if you found one that does. Think Asia if you want to earn more momey or have more benefits including flights and housing.

Go reading in the Latin America forums. There are a lot of links there for school info. check the job board on Dave's too for current job ads.

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

You might want to look into China. They will hire people for about any length of time. furthermore most jobs provide housing.

If you want to work in South America for 6 months, you should check out the IICA program in Brazil. You can apply to work for 6 months and they provide housing. The salary is low but I have heard that it is plenty to survive on. If you are just doing this for the pleasure of living in another country this would be a great program. I have not personally participated in the program. If you want some feedback from past participants go to the Brazilian forum and post your questions.

Here is an internet site with some information about the IiCA program
http://www.teachesl.com/listingsp3.cfm/listing/25234

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

Chinese schools do offer short 2-3 month summer jobs. The pace tends to frantic (30+ hours per week).
Yeah, you might be able to stumble into piece meal jobs in Latin America, but don't expect to be well-paid; you'll earn just enough to pay for your rent and food.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

You're probably going to find 1-year contracts a lot because they are often tied to your visa length of stay.

Here in Japan, the only place that offers shorter contracts is Westgate Corporation, with 3-month contracts (non-consecutive, so you have to fend for yourself between contracts).

Might I add two things?

1. It would help us to know your qualifications. Just to ask for contract lengths doesn't mean you are qualified for the job.

2. Moving abroad will likely mean setup costs on your part. Employers rare pay for airfare in Japan, and even fewer pay for housing. So, to make ends meet and to break even on setup costs, you are going to have to consider staying places about 6 months at a minimum, depending on the cost of living.

Super Mario · Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2006 11:28 pm Post subject:

Single semester contracts are common in China. This equates to about 20 weeks. Most commonly you'd get a one way airfare and housing.
Most jobs pay enough to live comfortably and save for your fare back home!
ps generally you wouldn't get your incoming fare paid until the end of your contract.

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

Super Mario · Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 6:37 pm Post subject:

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 7:40 pm Post subject:

In Latin America, you're virtually guaranteed not to break even on start up costs on anything less than a year.

Housing and airfare are rare, except for the coveted top level jobs, which will not be going for 3-8 month contracts, but more likely for one or two years.

In general, there are costs and hassles involved in hiring a new teacher. Frequently, the best schools don't want to go through them any more frequently than necessary. Consider it from the school's point of view: If we offer a six month contract, we have to go through all the headaches twice as often than if we offer annual contracts. Would you? This is even more the case for schools that offer expensive benefits. (Airfare, etc)

That said, there is quite a lot of short term work in SA. But it's the "turn up and find it" kind of work, not the "visa,accomodation, and airfare provided" kind of work. Many schools in Quito are willing to hire for even only two or three months, but for that you get hourly pay for classes taught. Nothing else.

Enjoy,
Justin