Job Discussion Forums

[Mickey Nutz]

I know this question has been asked in a variety of ways, but not exactly in the way that I'm wondering.

THE SPARK: This entire process began with an advert email from Bridge Linguatec (Who I booked a Spanish school in Cusco with some years ago.) "Teach English in Chile" it read. The email got me thinking and I eventually decided to stop visiting Latin America and just go to live for a while. Six months to a year in different places for 2 years or so. That sort of thing.

MY CREDENTIALS: I have a BA in Social Studies, a CA and NJ Teaching Certificate, 10 years of experience teaching social studies, a MEd. in Eduacational Adminstration, 6 years experience as a curriculum and instruction supervisor for Social Studies and World Languages.

MY QUESTION: Should I go to Costa Rica and get the TEFL certification I've explored through Bridge Linguatec ($1700 inclusive) or to some similar institution? I keep reading conflicting reports on these message boards about the value of TEFL certification. I certainly already know "how to teach." I've been teaching, and teaching others how to teach, for many years. Still, I've not taught ESL. Also, my main concern is not the training as much as the recognized international certification. I don't want to be ineligible for the best jobs (highest paying, best environment, perks, benefits, etc) in universities or private high schools, because I don't have a TEFL certification. I can afford the training--but certainly don't want to spend $1700 bucks on something I totally don't need. That is a lot of cervezas, for sure!

REPHRASED QUESTION: Can I get the best ESL jobs in Latin America without a TEFL cert?

ADDITIONAL QUESTION: If TEFL certification is advisable, then are the Bridge Linguatec schools good ones? Other recommendations for TEFL certs in LA?

Any info is much appreciated!

Mike

[naturegirl321]

It's difficult to get a work visa, so if you don't mind working under the table, you'll be fine, you might have to leave every three months and re-enter on a new tourist visa. Pay is about 5 USD the hour.

HOwever with your credentials, you should have no prob getting a job in an international school. Yet they will want you to commit at least a year, sometimes two.

I would say skip the TEFL cert, you don't need it.

If you have QTS Qualified Teaching Status, that weights a lot more than a TEFL cert.

Teaching English isn't the only option, Social Studies, Science and Math are in high demand as there are few teachers. Look here for a list of schools.

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=4556

AS it is, I have a BA in Liberal Arts, five years experience and although am not at an international school, get the perks, like 14 payments a year, insurance, transport, lunch. With yours, you could earn 20K USD in an international school. Schools pay better than unis.


If you have more questions, feel free to PM me

[naturegirl321]

I forgot to mention that many private schools will get the work visa for you, at least in Peru. And work visas are hard to come by.

Like I said, schools are better, summer's off and you work full time. On the other hand, unis are usually part-time, paying by the hour.

[Mickey Nutz]

Thanks for your replies. I certainly "don't mind" working under the table--if that isn't going to get me thrown into a Latin American jail! Can you work at schools/universities without being work legal?

Thanks for the international school idea--I hadn't really thought about that. Though, I must admit, part of me was looking to teach some young locals too, not just rich businessmen's kids.

Is there anyone out there who recommends the TEFL/CELTA? Anyone who was rejected from a job because you didn't have certification?

I see you are in Lima--how's that? I hear bad things: dirty/dangerous. Where else have you worked/lived? Anywhere you would recommend?

All experiences/ideas/suggestions/jokes are welcome.

M

And thanks for the job list links! I'll take as much info as I can get.

[naturegirl321]

[MELEE]

[Justin Trullinger]

Dear Mike,
If you're looking for work, you'll probably find it, in most of Latin America. Most people working here don't have your level of teaching training, or your experience.
But, have you ever taught EFL/ESL? Or language at all? If you're in a private high school, or international school, maybe it doesn't matter, as there are plenty of jobs like this that would involve teaching content, in English, to students who are already fluent in it. You already have a lot of experience in doing this, and I can't think why you'd need more training.
On the other hand, if you actually want to teach English, I'd recommend some further training- I don't know the Bridge Linguatec cert, but there are a lot of threads on here about various certs, and their merits. Some kind of introduction to EFL should definitely make you more aware of what's going on in a language classroom. Because teaching language is inherently different than teaching any thing else- when you learn Social Studies, you learn it through language. Only in language classes, and not even all of those, is the material to be learned also the medium for instruction. And it presents some interesting challenges.

Let me try it another way- I'm an experience EFL teacher, with a pile of qualifications and several years experience. Would you hire me to teach Social Studies?

Like I said, for international schools, teaching your subject, you have what you need- so keep your money and have a great trip! But if you want to teach English, I'd really recommend some further training.

Best,
Justin

[naturegirl321]

[naturegirl321]

[MELEE]

[Justin Trullinger]

[Mickey Nutz]

WOW--MUCH LOVE to you folks for taking the time to answer in such detail. If you're not sick of this thread yet--continue on:

[quote]In Peru, no. YOu will need a work visa in order to work at schools or unis, however, like I said, many schools will get you them.[/quote]

So, let me get this straight--you see an advert, you apply via computer or phone, or in person, and they offer you the job...are you then waiting months to get all this paperwork stuff straightened out, or do you work while you're dealing with this? And if you work under the table, do you have to lie that you're legal, to protect them, or is it all out in the open?

[quote]I work at both and although I have a work visa, the uni made me get translations and legalisations of my degrees, which took about a month in order to work there. [/quote]

Yikes. What exactly does THAT mean!? Is this something I can do in advance, before I leave?

[quote]AS far as Peru goes, I would recommend Trujillo or Arequipa. Piura and CHiclayo are also possibilities, but they are small and you will probably only get work at a couple places. Cusco is also possible, but because of loads of gringos, pay is low and there's lots of competition.[/quote]

I was in Cusco for a month, and while I liked lots of it, it was on the chilly side for me. Quito's also up there in elevation, but at least it's right on the Equator.

Thanks for the International School Lists--I will definitely begin exploring them. As for local private high schools--where would I get info/listings for them? That sounds good too. Is there a clearing house site for that, or will I have to look country to country?

[quote]Jeffery Harmer's How to Teach English is a good choice. [/quote]

Thanks. I've seen this mentioned several times. I'll get it.

[quote]As far as Mexico goes, it boils down to where you want to teach. Some of the best paying jobs in Mexico are at private colegios (K-12 schools) that operate bilingual or all English medium in Mexico City and other large cities. [/quote]

Where are you teaching/living? Oaxaca? Where's/How's that? What is your work situation?

[quote]On the other hand, if you actually want to teach English, I'd recommend some further training- I don't know the Bridge Linguatec cert, but there are a lot of threads on here about various certs, and their merits. Some kind of introduction to EFL should definitely make you more aware of what's going on in a language classroom. Because teaching language is inherently different than teaching any thing else- when you learn Social Studies, you learn it through language. Only in language classes, and not even all of those, is the material to be learned also the medium for instruction. And it presents some interesting challenges.[/[/quote]

Point very well taken. While I have not taught any language acquisition class, I have been a supervisor of world languages for the past four years. This was because social studies and languages aren't tested by the state of NJ, districts often combine them under one supervisor. At anyrate, since I've been responsible for this area--I have done a lot of research on language aquisition, the research, theory, strategies, etc. I actually was at a state conference today and had lunch with the presenter of my seminar. He was surprised at the level of knowledge I have achieved, being "a social studies guy." Plus, I have been studying teaching and learning as a process for years, working with teachers to make them as effective as possible, helping them integrate the latest research into their teaching. That's the gist of my job. Still, you are correct. I have never taught English, or any other language, so I would need some curriculum/book to work with or it would be tough.
Pluse, even if I don't "need" the cert, perhaps some place I'm applying will think I do.

As for Bridge Linguatec--the program I'm considering is in Playa Marindo in Costa Rica--which is a pretty sweet place I wouldn't mind being stuck in for a month. Other pluses--many years in the business, TEFL based on the Cambridge model, internationally accredited, and job placement. But, my fear is that after shelling out 1700 bucks I'll be sitting in there classes thinking--um, I really don't need this...

[quote]Another new option in the field is to self study and take a TKT exam. [/quote]

This is a new idea to me. Another thing to consider. UGH!!! I'll check it out.

I must admit, my primary goal is not to teach English in Latin America, that is only a means to an end. I mostly want to live there, travel around, get my Spanish to an advanced level, see cool shit, meet cool people, get into adventures, etc. So, if I can do all that teaching social studies (or other subjects--I'm also K-8 certified in basic elementary content) then I would be fine doing it that way.

[quote]Fun you shoudl mention that, last year I had to do two Social Studies classes because the teacher up and left. me not having studied SS since I was in school did this: Open your books, read, answer questions. That was my class.

Was it a good class? I've never seen you teach, and assume you managed as well as could be expected, but...frankly, it doesn't seem like you're too satisfied with the quality you were able to offer.[/quote]

I think it's fair to say the point of the class description was that it wasn't a very good class. I would fire any teacher who taught social studies or world languages that way.

[quote]You'll have to pardon me, but I guess I'm a little fed up with the idea that teaching English is just something you do- no preparation required. [/quote]

Again, point taken, and I agree. But, apparently, based on many other posts here--a 20 year old hippie with a high school diploma can get a low paying job teaching English at some places in LA. But, I agree, it doesn't mean she's any good at it. And, I'll take your indignation a step further--at least a native speaker knows English, And yes, anyone can look at the history or math or science book in a classroom and maybe understand it; what offends me is that people think they can be effective "teachers" without any formal training.

[quote]The OP is a well qualified teacher, and could do a lot with that, as I mentioned in my post- there are lots of things to teach in Latin America besides English. [/quote]

I suppose the key is to find out where those places are and how to apply.

Anyway, it's just tough to figure it all out from Princeton NJ!! I'm putting my house on the market and have already put in my resignation--so something is going to happen, one way or the other.

Thanks again to all who responded.

Mike
[/quote]

[Mickey Nutz]

OK--I'm retarded. How do you do the quote in the box?

[MELEE]

It looks like you just need to stick a space between the ] and the start of the quote so that the computer knows that it's code.

Oh and also make sure that the box under where you type to message that says Disable BBCode in this post is not checked.

[naturegirl321]