Job Discussion Forums

dayton · Joined: 09 Mar 2006 Posts: 4 Location: San Francisco, CA

Hi y'all....

I am new to this forum, new to the TESOL world. I will be finishing up my TESOL certificate in April, and then (hopefully) traveling to Quito in May to find work. How realistic is it that I will find work teaching there within a couple weeks if I show up in the first week of May?

My qualifications are a recently aquired TESOL certificate, a BA in Psycology from UCSC, and an "enthusiastic attitude"-whatever that is worth...

Please let me know if it would be feasible for me to find work in May. I do not expect to find work that lets me save tons of money, but I do not want to fly down to begin work and start losing dollars...

All advice is appreciated.

-D

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

Justin? Are you there?

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Sat Mar 11, 2006 3:20 pm Post subject:

I see I'm getting a bit of a rep as a prolific Ecuador poster...I wonder why?

Anyway, to the OP. In some ways, it's very much a teacher's market down here. There simply aren't enough good native teachers for all the people who want to learn English. Which means that there's work for good and bad teachers alike, somewhat unfortunately for the overall image of the profession. You will find work of some sort, and relatively immediately.

How good the work available to you will be depends on a lot of factors. What TESOL cert did you do? Have you done any teaching, even if not related to ESL? Are you presentable and professional?

This is, essentially, a pretty good market for newbies, as more experienced EFL hands often realize that they'd make more money somewhere else...practically anywhere else, really.

I'm a little edgy about your desire to start work practically immediately- let me ask you the really direct question: Is this because you don't have too much money saved? I ask, because arriving in Ecuador broke, or nearly broke, would not be the best thing. I arrived with some savings, which I still have, but you need to be ready for a few things in the first months. Are you able to put down a deposit, often two months rent, on an apartment? How about furniture, as cheaper apartments are usually unfurnished? I ask, just becuase arriving and expecting to live on your wages from the very beginning may present difficulties. The first month always has some necessary expenses, and you won't get paid until the end of your first month. Also, depending on how lucky you get, you may not work full time at the very beginning, which can be another problem...

If you're interested in knowing about the place where I work, PM me...

Best of luck,
Justin

khmerhit · Posted: Sat Mar 11, 2006 6:08 pm Post subject:

Wow, what blunt pragmatism. Reminds me of this visit I made to a dating agency in september. I got a call on my new Virgin mobile from this nice-sounding lady, so I went along for the free consultation at their bequest. Sat in a small room, filled out a form. Older chick in leather trousers comes in and gives a cheery hello and promptly gets down to business. Glancing at said form she assesses my assets and income, tells me I'm a lovely guy and shows me to the door--"You can let yourself out there."

I only hope you get a better welcome in Ecuador. If not, how about flying over to Cambodia? It's a whole 'nother ball game. Try it and see. Wink

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

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 5:45 pm Post subject:

Clarification:

I'm not saying it's impossible, or even especially unlikely, to start work practically upon arrival. It's fairly common.

But many people who come, wanting to start immediately, want that because they are broke, or nearly broke. I merely wanted to emphasize that broke or nearly broke is NOT an ideal situation for arrival in Ecuador, due to apartment deposits, necessary expenses, and other mundane details.

And I think you missed the middle parts of the quote, naturegirl. I agree with you that looking for a job and being rejected is depressing. What about getting accepted for a really great job that doesn't start for three weeks, and not being able to take it, because you need instant income? What about living in squalid hostels because it takes you several months to get a deposit for an apartment together?

I'm not opposed to starting work immediately, but I want to be clear that needing to do so for economic reasons limits your options in several ways. I was jumping to a conclusion in thinking that might be the OP's case, but it frequently is.

Best regards,
Justin

MO39 · Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 8:23 pm Post subject:

Hey, Justin,

How much money would you recommend that the OP (and anyone who arrives in Quito looking for a job) bring with him or her to cover expenses till the first paycheck arrives?

dayton · Joined: 09 Mar 2006 Posts: 4 Location: San Francisco, CA

Good question, MO38- I would love to know how much money would be neccecary (I never spell that word right. arg) to have a good cushion for arrival in Ecuador.

Secondly, I am looking very seriously as to buying a one way ticket in May- Justin, can you or anyone else tell me the possibilities of finding employment in that month?