Job Discussion Forums

[TOBrian]

Hello everyone who reads this forum,

I am an English instructor living in Tokyo for the moment. My girlfriend and I want to move to Argentina around June/July. I have read several blogs on the forum regarding Visa inquiries and work opportunity. I wonder what the BOTTOM line is on the major questions.

1) Will it be relatively painless to aqquire a visa? I realize I can get a tourist visa and pop in and out of the country every three months. But will that option limit my work options. And if so, in what capacity?

2) As an experienced English teacher with a couple diplomas behind me(and a degree in my girlfriend's case), what type teaching options will I have and for what level of compensation(enough to send a small piece into my visa debt back home in Canada)?

3) Will it be difficult to find a decent apartment as a foreigner?

4) Finally, does anyone have any pressing warnings they may want to share? Maybe in regards to a rough experience you had and want others to avoid?

I really appreciate any time and answers you can offer. And my apologies if I sound a bit ignorant. But, I really need the straight lowdown.

Looking forward to all responses...

Sincerely,

TObrian

[parrothead]

What do you mean by "a couple of diplomas"?

[tinydizzy]

Hey, I've only been here for 5 and a half months but here's my take:

1) tourist visa - sure it's a cinch, you can pop in and out of the country yes, or just overstay the damn thing since they only fine you 50 pesos upon leaving anway. Work visa-- good luck. Will that limit you? yes. you won't be able to work for most schools, just "institutes" who hire you on a "freelance" basis. Basically if you're cool with 20 pesos an hour of teaching business folks - you can get almost as much as you want down here. You can also try to get outside privates on your own. working "full-time" for a bilingual school or the such is next to impossible w/o the work visa which i don't think you can even get from inside the country.

2) Don't come hear looking to make money. Can you subsist on what you make? Sure, especially if you and your girlfriend can share a one-bedroom. But unless you want to work crazy hours you won't be sending anything home.

3) difficult? no. Expensive - yes. You can't get a regular rental (2 years plus guaranteer required) so you'll have to get a short-term (i.e. month to month or something similar) apartment for foreigners. there are tons, and depending on where you live you can pay outrageous sums, or simply high sums given your salary. For example, I'm paying 750 pesos per month to share a 2 bedroom in Belgrano (nice neighborhood, but not Palermo or San Telmo) which includes all the bills and wifi. Finding much cheaper than that can possibly be done but it's tough unless you don't mind living in far out neighborhoods.

4)Warnings -- Beware the dog crap! Always save your coins, as there is a shortage and will need them for the bus. Don't expect cars/motorcycles/busses etc... to stop at red lights. Make sure you have an air-conditioner if you're planning on spending the summer here!

good luck,

dt