Job Discussion Forums

[Skijaybo97]

Hi all,
I have been looking to teach in a Spanish speaking country for a little while now. I have seen posts about life in Quito but none about life in Cuenca. I am wondering if anyone knows anything about the CEDEI school. I would also appreciate any information on life in the city and anything else you think someone moving there should know.
I would also like to know about cost of living. The school is offering free Spanish and Salsa classes as well as free internet access. This sounds good but they are only paying 296-310usd/mo. I live in New York right now so this sounds pretty low. Is this enough to live on down there?
Thanks,
-J

[naturegirl321]

Wow, way too low. Free internet isn't much, Spanish is something, but I thik you'd need about 500 USD to live off of. If you're just in it for the experience and have money saved up, then go for it.

BUt is it a part time position? If it is, then you might be able to teach at another insistute or privates to get a bit more cash.

[john_n_carolina]

...Skijaybo, i was in Cuenca in December, and went past CEDEI. didn't talk to any of the teachers.

$310 is livable, if you spend $150 rent & $150 food. but, the point is....you're putting in stockbroker's hours for $310? at first, it's a novelty...but wait a few year's and it will gnaw at your stomach making so little. especially, when students don't show up.

search the archives here for Cuenca. there was a bit of an argument about this school last year sometime. here's the old thread:
http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=57573&highlight=cedei

when i was Cuenca this past December, the thing that really struck me was the pollution. i went for a jog around 730AM and the pollution was unbearable, had to turn around. the morning dew just holds the pollution down in that city, with very little wind.

in addition, i don't think you can teach 'outside' the school on the visa they give you. you might get a 5 extra hours per week from the school, but you can't do outside tutoring...

[fresas]

This might be a little late for you, Skijaybo, but for others who might be wondering....
I'm currently working at CEDEI--yeah, financially it can be little tight some months (although there is talk of a small raise). Unless you want to live on your own, though, rent is definitely lower than $150. I share a large 3-bedroom apartment with a Cuencana and we each pay $90. A lot of teachers share apartments and typically pay between $60-100. In general, I find that I can live off of my paycheck from month to month--it's when I want to do some traveling that I have to dip into my savings.
While it is not permitted to teach in other private language institutions, there are some teachers who have also taught at local high schools (although in comparison, we make A LOT more!) and people do give private lessons on the side.
As for the school itself, my experience has been positive. I've really enjoyed my students and the other teachers and staff here are really helpful and supportive.
If you would like to know more details, feel free to PM me.