Job Discussion Forums

[PeterDragon]

I'm currently teaching ESL in South Korea and am potentially interested in teaching in Latin America. (Yes, I' aware that it doesn't pay nearly as well as SK, but I don't think I'll ever be wholly comfortable in a Confucian culture, and I think Spanish will be much easier to learn/much more useful.)

It strikes me that most of the jobs in Argentina are only available to those already there. How does an outsider get into the job market to begin with? Is there any percentage in starting out in a "volunteer" or "small stipend" position and then looking for extra paying work in the coming months? I have a cushion of money saved up from teaching in Asia (around $10K at least); how much of that would get eaten up if I chose to enter the country on a job that pays little or nothing, then work my way in form there? Once I have established some paying work, how well does it pay versus cost of living? I also see a handful of positions being advertised on international job boards; are any of those companies worth trusting?

To any of you who've slogged through the above questions--- thank you. Hopefully I'll benefit from some of your answers/advice in the coming days.

[Phil_b]

I haven't been in Argentina for a couple of years now, but I doubt this has changed.... It is almost impossible to get a language school job from outside the country - they want to see you, in their office....

Having said that - if you're there at the right time of year, you shouldn't have any problems picking up work. You don't need to have a job in Argentina to find work in Argentina, but you do need to BE in Argentina.

[MattieBoi11]

Sorry, this isn't really an answer to your question. BUT, you saved 10K working in SK? Is that typical, and what kind of teaching experience/qualifications did you have?

[PeterDragon]

Saving 10k in the course of the year is fairly typical at entry level, and I've even seen some guys who are unusually careful manage to save up 15k. All I came in with was a four-year degree and zero teaching credentials, but people who come in with experience and a certificate may be able to save up 15k, even up to 20k for the very experienced and qualified. Aside from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, South Korea's probably the most lucrative ESL country in the world, and one of the easiest to get into. It's one of the reasons I *may* renew next year, but money isn't everything and I want to explore all my options. Lord knows I can always go back here if I miss the money.

Sorry I missed out on this thread the last few days.

Phil_b--- what IS the right time of year to enter Argentina? And what's the pay like? Will I be able to save up money? Mind you, I don't hold the delusion I'd be able to save up anywhere near what I'm making in Korea, but it'd be nice if I could send a few hundred home every month once I got myself established. Is that a pipe dream?

[Phil_b]

School year runs from March to Dec... be in Arg for Feb to find work, I wouldn't bother contacting places beforehand - in Argentina people start thinking about March on the 29th of Feb (every year )

[PeterDragon]

Once I arrive, how exactly do I look up prospective employers? Is there a list of them online, or do I want to check the yellow pages when I get there? Are there recruitment agencies that refer me to the schools like there are in most Asian countries?

[Sabine11]

Hi;

Right now is the ideal time to apply for jobs, and you can send your resume by email to some language institutes and I know they will respond right away..

Try this one: email: [email protected]
www.pls.com.ar

Try also Wall Street Institute.

They are currently hiring.
Suerte, Sabine.

[amymihyang]

I've heard bad things about Wall Street! They are massive. A bit like an army of English Teachers. I've also heard they don't always pay their teachers on time.

Anyone working for them are free to disagree. This is just what I've heard.