Job Discussion Forums

rob456 · Joined: 29 May 2003 Posts: 4

I am a 22-year-old American male with a high school diploma, and an AA degree, but no BA/BS. Ideally I want to get certified to teach and then come down to Brazil to get a job. If there are any certification programs in Brazil, I would love to take one, but as of now I don�t know of any. Either way, I would like to come to Brazil to teach soon and am wondering if I would stand a chance if I had, say, a TEFL certificate (maybe from TEFL international�is that a bad idea?), and no BA/BS? If so, will I be able to make enough to live on in any of the bigger cities? I don't plan on saving, just getting by. I realize that a post like this is not always received well, and I am prepared for those of you who will feel the need to clown me based on my lack of knowledge. That�s fine. For the rest of you, any information would be really helpful and MUCH appreciated. Thanks.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

From what I've heard about South America, the main thing is that you are a native speaker. You could also tell prospective employers that you have a college degree and NOT tell them that it's only an Associcates.

I would recommend doing a TEFL programme. You will learn a lot about grammar and teaching. many people think that if you speak English, you can teach it, NOT TRUE.

Pay the money and get certified, especially if you want to be in the profession for a while.

In South America, most of the jobs that you will make barely enough to get by. But you will get by. It seems that money isn't any issue. That's good, I think that the main thing is the culture.

Read the job information journal here. There's tons of info in it.

A word of advice, learn a bit about the language and culture. It'll make for less of a culture shock.

As for TEFL schools. Go to Yahoo, of another search engine and type in TEFL certificate + Brazil, or something along that line.

HOpe that this helps. For the record, I've never taught in Latin America. But have been doing research because I want to go teach in Panama.

M.K. · Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2003 8:24 pm Post subject:

Bridge-Linguatech has a TEFL training program in Rio, I believe. It's kind of expensive, but probably worth it. Just do a search online and you should find their website. I was looking into doing their CELTA program in Denver, CO but changed my mind and am going to Costa Rica to get certified instead. I figured it makes sense to train in the country where I want to work.

Best of luck!

Veritas_Aequitas · Joined: 15 Jul 2004 Posts: 88 Location: Jalisco, Mexico

Don't waste your money on the TEFL certificate. Go down to Brasil, learn as much Portuguese as you can, dress nice, and smile when you go into language schools. One of them will hire you. Appearance is very important in Latin America. Whatever degree you have is still a degree. Flaunt it.

talllolyman · Joined: 15 Aug 2006 Posts: 5

One method, as opposed to just going to Brazil and taking your chances on finding a job or not. (I was just in Brazil and saw many unemployed American teachers) You could think about hiring a placement company. They do charge a fee, but they will place you with a school and negotiate a salary as well as help you find a place to live and negotiate the price and terms of that as well.

You could spend a lot of time and money trying to do this on your own, and paying a fee up front, may seem different, but when they help save you money in the process and stress of knowing you have a job waiting and a place to live in a safe place, you will be glad you paid whatever fee they charge.

Fees can range from $700-2000 dollars. If you are interested, let me know I can recommend some companies.

Another side note, most companies will not hire Americans off the street, and many will only hire from placement companies. Many of the companies only get paid by you and not the schools, so they work in your best interest.

demitrescou · Joined: 25 Apr 2007 Posts: 122

vista · Joined: 15 Mar 2007 Posts: 10

I have taught in Brazil, but currently trying to save some money- in Saudi- Arabia- Brazil, unfortunately, is very difficult to save money, teaching English, but you may support yourself.
I first taught english in Porto Alergre, with my BA only- not in English.
The director assured me I didn't need to know methodology, etc, because I was a native.
many young people were pre-college and wanted to know the rules, of grammar, and i didn't even know where to look=- embarrasing.

next time i went back I had an MA in Applied Linguistics/TESOL, from a university in the US.
Not that it helps with the salary that much, but at least you are better equipped to teach, and know where to find answers. and more confident of your abilities.
I don't recommend a certificate- unless you get one at home cheaply- you will probably never regain the cost.

I think that in your case, I agree with Veritas_Aequitas.

Go there, look presentable, and friendly, and look for a job. Knock on doors!
you might pick up a basic grammar book like Azar or Murphy- either where you are, or down there and look it over. Bring to class.
Also, communicate with some of the recent posters on this blog, who are actually down there, and have jobs. They may connect you directly to a vacancy.
I have a Brazil residence permit- like a green card- because I was married. But recently Brazil has been allowing tourists to stay only 6 months during one calendar year, and they count the days on your departure if you are overstayed, and fine you each day. you can elect to pay now or later, but if you come back, they will charge for all those days upon your arrival.
if you would like to communicate with me directly, my website and e mail cand be found here: http://www.oceansun.com,
Best to you