Job Discussion Forums

[Canadian-86]

Greetings and salutations, I am a recently certified ESL teacher from Canada and it is my very strong ambition to teach English in Venezuela by the end of the fall. But my situation has become a little confused.

I was able to find a job with a school known as CEVAZ (Centro Venezolano Americano del Zulia) in Maracaibo, however I do not know exactly how much I will be making or what is involved in getting a visa. Originally CEVAZ wanted me to go with a teacher's company called, Aiesec (anyone heard of them? Thoughts and comments are welcome) which would have obtained my visa, found me a place to live and established a "social network" for me. The only problem is their rate is $500, a bit steep.

So I explained to my prospective employer that I could not afford this and they were fine with me going around Aiesec. Now I have to obtain a visa myself, I contacted the Venezuelan embassy in Ottawa and enquired about this a few days ago. They told me in order to get a work visa, my employer (CEVAZ) would have to apply with the Venezuelan government and than if approved it would go to them.

That sounds sticky (like it would take a long time), some people have suggested to me that maybe I could go to Venezuela and teach for 6-8 months on a different type of visa. I have yet to enquire about this.

What can anyone here tell me about applying for a visa in Venezuela, the cost of living in general, CEVAZ and Aiesec?

I greatly appreciate any help,
Saludos.

[naturegirl321]

I-ve heard of VEN USA, which has a good rep. I-d ask up front about visas and pay. Just be careful about Venezuela, Chavez has been a thorn in people-s side for way too many years.

I got a visa through them six years ago, but it was a student visa. I never paid any fee, just at the embassy for the visa. I wouldn-t pay for someoen to get you a visa.

Yep, for work visas, all over the world, that-s usually the way. the employer has to get it for you. Which is why it might be easier to get a student visa, but they-re harder to get now.

Hope this helps, Try also posting on the Latin American forum.

[Canadian-86]

Thanks, I will look into getting a student visa. If that's possible, if not I guess I will inform my potential employer what they have to do.

I'm surprised that VENUSA has a good reputation, I applied to them a month ago and I heard back, only they requested a $50 "application fee" upfront. I have been warned by many people that a school asking for money "upfront" is usually a sure sign of an internet scam. I'll give them a second though however.

[naturegirl321]

When I applied, Rosa was in charge, the fee might be for the visas, give it a try.

[caustic yeti]

russian battle ships are congregating on the coast of venezuela as i type this. something tricky may be in the works....