Job Discussion Forums

[Albatross]

I will be going to Argentina, I believe, in several months. Can anyone tell me what the average wages are for teachers down there vs. the standard of living? I've been looking on this site and see this information for other countries and areas, but haven't for BA.

I expect to take a TEFL course down there and to start looking for a job afterwards. (At least that is my plan now.) I think that is the best route to take from what I'm reading. I have seen the health insurance posts and they are helpful. I am wondering whether the prices are all in pesos or the US dollar. The posts seem to mix the two. I can't help but wonder what else I need to be thinking about. Visas-Are work visas easy to get in Argentina?

I'm a bit apprehensive since I am making a major career/life change. I have a Masters in Political Science and have worked in my career for 12 years now. I am making this shift because it is something I always wanted to do. I think BA is going to be a good first place to start.

Thank you, in advance, for any information you can provide.

[Albatross]

I have read the Forum. I just haven't found the speciific information that I've identified, e.g., I've seen 6-month tourist visa but nothing about work visas.

Just wanted people to know I have tried my due diligence.

Thanks!

[Phil_b]

A work Visa for Argentina is going to be very hard to get hold of.... Basically, because (whatever the law may say....) you don't NEED to have one, in practical terms that is, very few employers are going to go through the various bureaucratic hoops to get you one. You'll just be another person working 'en negro'.

As far as I am aware for a work visa you need to sign your contract of employment in front of the consul of your home country (based on your nationality), though looking at www.migraciones.gov.ar that may have changed.

Most foreigners who teach English in Argentina do so on a tourist visa and leave the country every three months - it's that simple - cross the border, come back and they stamp your passport again - and you get another three months. Most of the time they don't ask you any questions at all....

It can be a real pain in the ass (especially if you're in Cordoba - it's at least 10 hours to any border) - You won't have a DNI which can make things like opening bank accounts and renting flats difficult/impossible, but it's the reality of the situation...

if you read Spanish check out www.migraciones.gov.ar or try getting in touch with the embassy/consulate in your country - they may be able to give you more information.

[Smidge]

Many teachers here I believe either work a lot to cover their costs, or end up using parts of their savings to sustain themselves through the slow patches.

Salaries for everyone are generally pretty low compared to the cost of living. Accomodation is the area that generally ends up costing the most. Prices have increased a lot recently and I don't think the salaries have kept up. When I was teaching about a year ago, salaries in many institutes were around 15 pesos an hour. I saw another more recent post mentioning 18 pesos an hour. As for the number of hours per week, that will vary a lot per person. There is work available.

I know that some of that sounds negative. There are a lot of people that come here, stay for a few months and then leave. There are also a lot of people that come and end up staying for a long time. And almost everyone enjoys their time doing it. So I'd say bring some savings if you can, and be flexible.

Also I agree with what Phil_b says about visas.

[Albatross]

This is great information. Thank you both for this helpful info.