Job Discussion Forums

[dayton]

I have posted a similar thread in general discussions, but thought I would repost here in LA forums.

I am looking for employment in Ecuador come May. My big question is how realistic will it be to arrive on a one way ticket, with some money saved up, and find work within 3 weeks?

My qualifications are a BA in Psychology from University California, Santa Cruz, a CTESOL cert. from Transworld Schools, and conversational fluency in Spanish. I have teaching experience with my training program- I have been teaching an ESL class a week for the last 10 weeks.

Any advice those more experienced than I have to give would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you all.

[Mattaro]

Hi, You shouldn�t have a problem finding work immediately although it may take a few weeks to have a full teaching schedule. I work for Key Language Services (find them on the web), you can also try English First, Berlitz or just visit one of the many private institutions. They all seem to be requiring teachers on a regular basis as most teachers work here short term on a tourist visa. Pay is from about $5 - $8 an hour. I stay in a residential hostal with other foreign teachers, students, workers etc and there are several English schools nearby. I regularly get calls from school directors who are looking for teachers,
Cheers.

[Justin Trullinger]

Obviously, I would have to chime in here and mention the Experiment in International Living. It's been a great place for me at least. Pay is near the top of the range that the previous poster gave, and the environment is good fun!

Justin

PS- While I know lots of unbiased parties who seem to share my views on this, my view could in no way be considered unbiased. I've been at EIL for three years now, and am director of the English department. So you may want to take my view on this with a grain of salt...

[rlloydevans]

Actually EIL�s pay is good and the work environment is fun, but the English Department�s Director has his off days.

[kingkristopher]

You won't have any problems finding work in Ecuador. I used to be th DOS at a private language school there and we weer always hiring native speakers. With a degree, TESOL and experience you'll be able to walk into just about any place and secure a job, assuming it isn't about to go under. The pay scale someone esle posted is on the nose though, don't expect more than $6/hr to start unless you get lucky with Key or EIL. Also it will take a while until you're working a full schedule. You may have to beat the bushes for two or three gigs to hold you over until one of them takes off...

[bettina]

Hi,
Does EIL have a website and where are they located in Quito? I couldn�t find any information about them on the net, only KLS and Inlingua. Also how much is accomodation in Quito? thanks

[MO39]

Here's the website for the EIL in Ecuador, which is in Quito, though I've heard it's expanding to Guayaquil in the very near future:

www.eilecuador.org


I've only communicated with Justin by e-mail, but I can tell he's a really good egg and a jolly good fellow to boot!

[Justin Trullinger]

Thanks MO-
The thing about our website, although it's soon to be changing, is that it contains a lot about our volunteer programs, overseas programs, and Spanish training, but doesn't have much about the English department. (There is info, course schedules, and other things for STUDENTS of English, but all this info is currently only available in Spanish.)

Feel free to drop me a line, if the website leaves you wanting more info.

[email protected].

Justin

[Mattaro]

I also wanted info on the IEL english teaching program before I arrived but couldnt find anything. So perhaps so more info could be warranted.
I thought it may be beneficial to post some info about teaching in Quito to assist those os thinking about it. First of all, it is not the place to come if ou are only thinking about your bank balance. Having said that you can live comfortably and experience the culture within your teaching wage. I think that private classes return more dinero but you need to be vigilant with your students as far as punctuality and payment go. The political situation is also quite volatile, so if you want to travel on your time off queck what is happening before you go. There have been quite alot of blockades on main highways due to protests over the governments� intention to sign a free trade agreement with the US. Whether they are justified or not I dont know (moonraven might like to offer words of wisdom) but it can really disrupt travel plans. I like living and teaching in Quito because I can experience a culture different to mine (australian). There is a very high demand for english teachers, though the majority cannot afford $10 an hour private lessons. Most of my students are executives from petroleum, pharmacuetical companies etc. But there are many opportunities to teach voluntary. It really depends what you want out of your experience. Quito is alot nicer than Santiago and Lima in my opinion. It is also the best place to learn Spanish (value for money, clarity of language etc). Hope this helps any prospective teachers wishing to come, Chao

[Mattaro]

In answer to your question Bettina there is a few different accomodation options, you can stay in a Hostel which may negotiate a lower price for longer stays, you can rent an apartment which is more difficult because you need to pay deposits, sign a contract etc, and it is difficult to find furnished places. Otherwise just go to the internet cafes and look at the notice boards for shared apartments. I stay in a residential hostel with other foreign teachers, workers and students. It is located in the North part of quito close to English schools. If you want info about this go to www.vidaverde.com and look under accomodation button for casa vida verde, cheers

[elliewelliesj]

Just to back up what everyone else has said really - I am currently in Quito working for Key Language - they are fantastic, really well organised and well paid... they have a few teachers leaving now because of visas or time to move on....
My boyfriend works for English First here..they pay well too.

Accommodation is pretty easy to find.... we decided to remain in a residential hostal too. An apartment was just a bit too much, with bill included too. But saying that some of my colleagues share apartments at a good price.

But one word of advise...if you dont want to line up a job right now, it is still worth emailing the schools and letting them know when you are planning to be here. I did that---my first job fell throught when I got here, and consequently I panicked! but then Key needed me to work at short notice due to sudden demand, so I got lucky. If I hadn�t have emailed them prior to arriving here, they would never have known that I was here and available.

Good luck....