Job Discussion Forums

[dobro]

Anyone taught in Coca? Is it safe? And is it possible to live there 2 weeks at a time without going bananas?

[Justin Trullinger]

Have you had an offer from an oil company, by any chance? That's mostly what goes on in Coca (Which is not its real name). And it's the oil companies who tend to use the 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off schedule.

Is it possible to live there without losing your mind- well, that mostly depends on you. It's not a big town, but it's in a beautiful area, and there's plenty to see. On the other hand, if you're working two weeks at a time, I imagine you'll be working pretty flat out while you're there, so this may not be much of an issue.

How's your Spanish? If it's good, that's a big advantage- you won't find too many English speakers in Coca, and it would be stressful to be two weeks without conversation outside of English class. If your Spanish isn't up to it, I would start studying, asap.

Is it safe? Well, compared to what? Probably safer than Ecuador's larger cities, but for heaven's sake, don't get isolated in unknown places at night, alright? With a bit of common sense and reasonable precautions, I haven't experienced Coca to be dangerous- but things can happen. It isn't Sao Paolo, Brazil, but it isn't Eugene, Oregon, either, if you know what I mean. If it's your first time in Latin America, please, please, please be careful- get to know locals, and take their advice, especially at the beginning. As a foreigner, you'll be a bit of a focus of attention- which can make you a target.

And good luck,
Justin