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vancanman · Joined: 10 Dec 2005 Posts: 29

Hiya All;

I spent from 1997 to the end of 2003 in Latin America mostly in Mexico City. Also hit Ecuador (Spanish study), and worked in Colombia (Medellin) and Santiago. Last 2 years in DF I ran my own consulting service with multi nationals and privates.

I was planning to start an ESL consulting co in China focusing on Business English training. Now I'm thinking of doing the same in Bogota or Brazil. To complicate things slightly I may bring my Chinese girlfriend who has HK citizenship. Possibly she can teach Mandarin.

Sure appreciate any feedback on this plan. I have no degree and 2 teaching certificates (only one original copy). None of this was any problem in the past however I'm not current with Colombia or Brazil on these points. As a point of interest I've always had photocopies accepted the few times requested; I always liked the informality of L.America! Seems if you specialize in Bus Eng or consulting there's a great market anywhere I've been.

Really China has been decent but the language is a killer along with pollution. And L.Americans are easier to work with and more decisive and direct. And, I think I left a piece of my heart in Colombia!

In Shenzhen I await your replies.

Good night and good luck.

vancanman · Joined: 10 Dec 2005 Posts: 29

In order to keep this post going I'll send my own replies!

Wondering if anyone can comment on general economic conditions in Colombia and Bogota in particular. Some posts indicate a pretty vibrant ESL scene and that privates are readily available and so on. How about starting an informal consulting service?

Also, as I may bring my Chinese girlfriend I am concerned regarding the general security situation.

It seems the general news about Colombia these days is pretty upbeat.

Is overstaying the visa a big deal?