Job Discussion Forums

[sxfn4lf]

So, one year ago I decided to go abroad to attain my TEFL certificate in Prague. I since had to come home for reasons out of my control, and I think it is about time to start thinking about where I want this certificate to take me.

I will be 23 when I finally leave the states again, and will have some schooling under my belt but will not have a Bachelors degree. I plan on having about $6k in my bank account when I do make the move. I definitely want to teach somewhere Urban. I very much enjoy the life of a big city. While I am completely serious about my work, I also at the same time do like to have a good time.

Teaching conditions are semi important to me. Obviously i dont want it to be 120 degrees outside with no air conditioning. I need to be able to work my full 20 hours (i know it may be with 2+ institutions but it needs to be doable), and I would PREFER not to have to teach giant classes, but Ill take whatever I can.

All this being said, I am wondering if some people here who have been around a bit more than I have can offer some suggestions as to what might be a good fit for myself (Its all subjective, but Im looking for some kind of direction). Places I have thought about so far are

Prague (already spent a couple months there)
Ho Chi Minh City
Bangkok
Lima
Sao Paolo or Rio de Janeiro
Costa Rica
Moscow

I should note that I can speak conversational Spanish and can read it quite well

I realize that all of these will have their drawbacks, and some are easier to research than others. Anyone who can share their insight with me will be GREATLY appreciated.

Ray

[naturegirl321]

I can tell you everything and anything you want to know about LIma. But keep in mind that I'm leaving and don't really like it here. Still, I could tell you what to expect and which are good schools.

YOu CAN live well here. Make about 600 to 800 usd a mont. Housing will be your biggest expense. And transport if you can't figure out the bus system, or lack there of.

No contracts, no visas, border hopping is necessary. BUt many poeple do that.

Most classes are small, business English.

HOnestly, it doesn't matter, job wise, that you speak Spanish. YOu'll only speak English in the class. Outside of class, it helps.

If you hvae questoins, le me know.

[sxfn4lf]

Naturegirl, thanks for the response. My biggest questions about Lima are

1) Is it a fairly safe city?

2) What kind of flat or apartment can I afford on a teachers salary (I know it varies significantly by country)

3) Is there enough to do there to keep me occupied? ie. beaches, movie theaters, bars, nightclubs, etc. I know there are quite a few sites to see in the country itself.

I would definitely love to know what you consider the better schools in the city so I can start doing a bit of research on them. Better to start early than never

Thanks again

Ray

[naturegirl321]

1) Is it relatively safe to live there?
Depends where. DO you mean Peru in general? Yes. Lima? Yes. But that doesn't mean that you should let your guard down and go out decked in diamonds.

2) Other than the cultural sites, are there things to do there? Bars, movie theaters, beaches, sporting events etc. (and can I afford most of these things on a teachers salary)
Yes, pretty much, but you won't save. I work a lot. My idea of a good time is a hot cocoa and a movie at home in my PJs. Ther'es lots of event calendars, go to www.theultimateperulist.blogspot.com on the right there are upcoming events.

Also look here
http://theultimateperulist.blogspot.com/2008/08/5h-sports-arts.html

3) On this salary what kind of an apartment can I expect to live in. I know this varies greatly by country. Lima, smallish. YOu might have to bring savings. WE never spent more than 150 usd, but lived far from the tourist places. For a great , super, furnished place, 550USd. For a decent place, 200

4) i am more of a big city kinda guy, would you reccomend Cuzco or Lima? Lima is like NY, Cusco is very touristy.

[Kyle737]