Job Discussion Forums

[HLJHLJ]

My husband and I are in the early stages of planning for a trip starting around this time next year.

Originally we had intended to go to Ecuador on tourist visas, look for work, see how we liked it, and then commit to settling there, but I understand that the current tightening of visa regs means that is no longer possible. That puts us in the slightly awkward position of having to apply for 6 month visas here, and commit to a country that we have never even visited!

I'm not *too* concerned about that. We have travelled fairly extensively in Central America, and OH has been to Argentina and Uruguay, and we have a fairly good idea of the kind of places where we feel comfortable, and Ecuador seems to fit the bill. Long term, I suspect I will favour Cuenca, but who knows?

Depending on how our current contracts pan out, my OH may have completed his CELTA course before we leave. I am planning to take the course at Southern Cross, Ecuador. If his current contract overruns here, he will apply to Southern Cross as well.

The vague plan at the moment is to have around 3-4 weeks holiday in Ecuador, checking out the major towns and cities, and brushing up our Spanish (I speak tourist Spanish, my OH speaks a lot more, but is not fluent). Then do the CELTA course, and try to find work.

We would be happy to commit to positions for 6 or 12 months (if the employer has a good reputation!), and are hoping to be in this for the long haul.

OH has a teaching certificate, which qualifies him to teach at University level in the UK. He has several years experience teaching at various Universities. I don't have any formal teaching qualifications, but have taught at University level, and for the Open University and had a number of informal education jobs working with children (library, science museum, etc). We are both well educated (PhDs) and have good employment records. We are a little older than average (36 + 40), but I see from other posts here that that shouldn't be a problem.

OH is really wanting work in a University, I am assuming these jobs are in demand, is that correct? He is much happier working with adults than children. I generally prefer working with children, but I don't mind either way really. Other than that, we are pretty flexible.

I guess what I want to know, is how realistic is this plan? We'll have savings when we arrive, but I know they will get eaten up pretty fast if neither of us can find any work.

Any hints or tips on where to start? Any obvious stumbling blocks that I am completely missed?

Oh, and one last question, while I remember, the 'better' jobs ask for 2 years experience. Are they only interested in 2 years experience teaching english (quite understandable!) or would they look at other teaching experience as well?

Thanks in advance

[Justin Trullinger]

Some thoughts- I'm in a bit of a rush though, so if I don't hit everything feel free to contact me or post again.

Regs are a bit flexible here- I know a number of people who have arrived on tourist visas and upgraded, but I think you're very wise to not count on this, and come with a visa arranged.

Like the regs, the job market is flexible. I hire teachers in Ecuador, and would prefer two years of post certificate overseas EFL experience. What I would prefer and who applies occasionally differ considerably.

One thing I would do is start applying before you get here. Some uni jobs are in demand, others less so- but I'd start applying; some hire well in advance.

Most jobs for foreign teachers, whether in Unis or language institutes, teach primarily adults. If you're interested in teaching children you may want to come for the start of the school year.


Best,
Justin

[HLJHLJ]

Thanks for the info Justin,

I'm happy enough teaching adults too, so that's not a problem really. I figured the experience would only be english teaching experience, but I wanted to check. I don't want to waste people's time by applying for inappropriate jobs, especially when they could eventually be potential future employers.

On that note, I thought we couldn't start applying until we actually had our CELTA certificates. I wouldn't consider someone for a job, if they didn't have the correct qualifications under their belt already.

[Justin Trullinger]

I think there's some flexibility in this- though no employer is going to promise you a job (because they'll rightly retract any/all offers if you fail the course), the good teacher training courses in Ecuador do have high pass rates. You don't want to wait months after the course to start working, but a lot of employers like to at least tentatively plan a couple of months or more in advance.

Even if it isn't taken as a completed application, I find it helpful to be in touch with employers in advance.


Best,
Justin

[HLJHLJ]

That is really useful to know, thank you.