Job Discussion Forums

galacticmisfit · Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Posts: 8

Hi everyone,

I'm a newbie trying to get as much info as I can about Argentina before I take the plunge. It looks like business english is the main market in BA. Are there jobs for teaching school children? Do they pay less than business english classes? Is it difficult finding a job working for a school (and getting paid under the table without a work visa)?

For your info, I'm 22, recent college grad with a BA in psychology and political science. I'm a Filipina American from California. I have a lot of experience with kids (though not teaching-related) and I've tutored ESL college students. I also plan on getting certified in BA when I get there who knows when... Smile

sheena maclean · Posted: Wed Mar 29, 2006 2:00 pm Post subject:

I don't think you'll find the TEFL course very helpful if you want to teach groups of kids. You can do a certificate called CETYL, Certificate of English Language teaching to Young Learners. this is like the CELTA and is awarded by th university of Cambridge. You can't of course do this in Argentina but I'm sure it's available somewhere in the US.

Phil_b · Joined: 14 Oct 2003 Posts: 239 Location: Back in London

I don't know if this is still true, but it was when I worked there:

You can do the CELTYL at the Centro Anglo-Paraguayo in Asuncion, Paraguay (www.anglo.edu.py) or at least you could when I worked there...

It might only be available part-time though.

Asuncion is about 18-20 hours away from Buenos Aires by bus.

galacticmisfit · Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Posts: 8

Thanks for the replies regarding certification. It was very helpful. Does anyone have info on teaching kids? Is it in demand? Is the pay good?

Phil_b · Joined: 14 Oct 2003 Posts: 239 Location: Back in London

I can only speak for Cordoba, not BA, but I suspect it's very similar. You are very likely to find yourself teaching kids - if nothing else, to fill out your timetable.

Adults courses run in the evening (and sometimes on Saturdays) because that's when people aren't at work/university.

Business courses usually run either early in the morning (before work) or at lunchtime/siesta time, so as not to interfere with the working day.

Kids in Argentina usually go to school either in the morning or the afternoon - not both. So they can have lessons during the day.

The most probable thing is that you will find yourself teaching at a number of institutions, and if you want to fill out your timetable you will teach kids and teenagers. To be honest, if you're working through institutes then the pay isn't really that different.

I think that high schools/public schools are unlikely to offer you work if you don't have residency papers - though if you do get in, they do pay holiday pay (eventually).

Good luck

chaquitamaria · Joined: 25 Aug 2005 Posts: 20 Location: Buenos Aires

This may only be my experience, but In Buenos Aires it is very unusual to come across jobs teaching children. I was sort of hoping to when I arrived and I teaching all business people. If you get in touch with individual private schools you may have some luck though - many employ native English speakers.