Job Discussion Forums

denisewoodallksu1 · Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 6:02 am Post subject: best move for me?

Hi,
so sorry to be cliche...but! i am so new and trying to figure out what to do. I was hoping someone could throw out a few ideas for me...I do not intend on making a career out of TESL but I want to start out in Latin america and make my way to Spain over the course of a few years. Looking for something with
1. most minimum spanish speaking requirement (practically none now...ready to take classes but hope to improve to intermediate level while there)
2. job near a decent city
3. accepts BS...have no certificate but willing to get one that transfers anywhere
4. no teaching experience...but willing to get certified here and substitue for the next year.
5. making enough money to live
6. 6 month commitment

any ideas for me?

your time is really really appreciated.
thanks
denise
atl, ga

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Spain? Do you have an EU passport? If not, working there will be hard. Working legally at least. I know of ONE place that could help you. I'll PM you.

I'd say go for Mexico, they'll get you a visa.
Sharon

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 2:49 pm Post subject:

Just a question- does "BS" in your post refer to a Bachelor of Science degree, or... Wink

My experience is that most of Latin America is accepting of BS of both kinds.

Most of what you're looking for is available in most parts of Latin America. I'd recommend a good TESOL/TEFL/EFL cert program, to be comfortable in the classroom and get a leg up for the "best" jobs...but most of what you're shooting for is available all over the continent. (South America.)

Most places will have no Spanish requirement at all for work, but if you're hoping to enjoy life in Latin America, get as much as you can, as soon as you can. DOn't worry about starting out near zero, though- a lot of people do.

As NAturegirl says- the Latin American side of your plan sounds very do-able. Spain, much, much harder. I was in Spain for a while, but a lot of rules have changed in the post-2001 world. For Americans to work in Spain, unless they have a way to obtain a passport from an EU country, is really hard unless they have an unusually high level of qualifications.

Best,
Justin

denisewoodallksu1 · Posted: Wed Jan 06, 2010 9:19 pm Post subject:

Wow. Thanks for all your help. haha justin.... BS is Bachelors of Science Smile

I originally wanted to go for a TEFL and thought Peru might be best just because I've been reading such wonderful things about the place. I only have enough money for one plane ticket over to South america...but thought it'd be good to get the cert in Peru then work there. but obv couldn't afford to go over, get certified, then fly back.

any ideas for a good program where i could get certified and get placed in a job right away?
or should I just go for a certification here in atlanta?

whats the best cert to get??

Thanks naturegirl for the links you sent me...I'm reading through them all now. ...not giving up hope to be spain bound one day.

would def consider mexico if there's a short term comittment, but what would be the advantage of mexico over peru? I guess i should add that i have a major interest in taking any days off and trying to get to brazil, argentina, and some other places. so thought peru would be closer. can only teach 9 months...would rather teach 3 mos.... suggestions??

again, your help is much appreciated Smile

you're really really making my life easier.

d