Job Discussion Forums

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

I'm toying with the idea of doing some volunteering for a month or two when I get down to Latin America in a couple of months. I've started volunteering teaching English to refugees (mostly from Aghanistan) here in Texas, just to get some experience, and I find it very rewarding. And, I'm still kind of concerned about finding a decent job in Latin America with only a Bachelor's degree and no TEFL certificate and only a few months' experience, so I was wondering: are there any schools that you guys know of that might accept a teacher as a volunteer for the first month or so, and then decide to actually hire them? I'm asking specifically in reference to Ecuador, because I remember Justin talking about how, if you're planning on staying there long-term (more than six months, which I am) it might legally be better to arrange a job and a visa ahead of time. So I'm wondering if it's easier to get a job ahead of time VOLUNTEERING - thereby arranging for a volunteer visa rather than a work visa, and then just going ahead and working on that volunteer visa after a certain amount of time. Is that even possible? I'm just concerned because I don't think I'll be able to arrange a job ahead of time with my credentials. And you guys in other countries, what's the take on that individual country? Is it possible to volunteer beforehand if you know you're planning on staying long-term and therefore needing a visa and a job before you come?

Thanks!
--Jessicah

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2006 11:54 pm Post subject:

Jessicah632,
I think we've already been corresponding a bit, is that right? I have a hard time remembering the details of all the emails.
But get in touch with me, and let me know what kind of volunteering interests you. I may be able to help with this, and if not, I may know somebody who can.

Regards,
Justin

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

But, why don't you simply get a job as a teacher, that way you can get paid?

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

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

as a native speaker, you shouldn't have trouble getting a job. You have experience plus a degree. Just look around when you arrive.

keepwalking · Joined: 17 Feb 2005 Posts: 194 Location: Peru, at last

I came to Peru with much the same plan, but after chatting to some people based here, decided caution was the way to go. I got a job set up and then came here and looked for projects to get involved in. I am so relieved I did it that way, the NGO I was planning to work with have been repeatedly shut down since my arrival because of doubts over the way the donations were being spent.

This is not to say all NGO's are like this - but you do need to be cautious. Get a job, get to know people, see where the need is and where your skills will be of most use. It will also help to have good spanish skills, so if you haven't already cracked the lingo, give yurself time to do that too.

I've been in situ for a few months now and have found a project to get involved in - working with teenagers who want to work as volunteers in poorer areas of the city. Although I had a lot of time on my hands when I first got here, time I felt guilty about not using usefully, I am now in a much stronger position to actually help rather than just salve my own conscience, which is what I would have been doing if I had just dived straight in.

Volunteer work is a fantastic thing to do when in a developing country, it allows you to learn more about the people and place around you, and also means that your skills are used in a way that benefits more people.

Good luck

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

Hey, have you seen this ad on the jobs board?

http://www.eslcafe.com/joblist/index.cgi?read=10451

d

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

Thanks Denise! The pictures look lovely.

--Jessicah

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

You`re right, they do! I actually hadn`t even looked at the site before I posted it.

d

stevemc · Joined: 12 Jan 2006 Posts: 13 Location: London UK

Jessica,
There is a directory of free and low-cost volunteer opportunities
here: www.volunteersouthamerica.net

Many (not all) of the programs are kids/teaching based,
if you can commit to a decent stint (e.g. 3+ months) most of
the programs listed will bite your hand off.

Some programs may even arrange a project around your visit
don't be afraid to suggest that to a program you like the look of.
Good luck,
Steve