Job Discussion Forums

Fedor · Joined: 16 Oct 2005 Posts: 6

Hello,

I am a twenty-five year old Canadian and I'd like to spend this coming Summer (May to August, inclusive) teaching English in Latin America. I have a degree and a tesol certificate and have worked as an assistant esl teacher in the past (in Japan). My primary motivation for this trip is the desire to experience latin culture without putting myself in a financial hole. If I can get a good start on a language while I am there, that would be a plus as well (Spanish and Portuguese hold equal appeal for me). Seeing as I've never been to this part of the world, I don't have much of a predetermined preference, country-wise. Mexico, Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia and Ecuador all sound appealing. So does Cuba, though I can imagine that this would probably be harder to do there. I would prefer to be in a moderately sized somewhat out of the way city rather than in a prominent metropolis. I would also rather work one-on-one or in smaller groups, preferably with adults.

Is it realistic to get a decent job for such a short amount of time in Latin America? If so, are there certain places that I should be aware of as particularly well-suited for this sort of endeavour?

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

HOnestly, in nearly six years in Peru, I-ve never heard of a summer camp.

YOu might want to look into volunteering, or studying Spanish. or paying for a summer camp, there are some on www.teachabroad.com

Or you could head to a country and try to work under the table. Bear in mind that employers usually want peopel to work at elst 6 months. So you could either tell the truth or lie.

Fedor · Joined: 16 Oct 2005 Posts: 6

Thanks, naturegirl!

I'll keep what you said in mind. Also, I think I might look into woofing as an alternative.

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2010 10:40 pm Post subject:

NO! Don't do it.

Lying to employers so they and your students count on you is dangerously bad karma..

Best,
Justin

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

Yes, lying is bad. Though I will say. I've seen TONS and TONS of people fresh off the boat, arrive in Peru, wanting to stay FOREVER. And then watch them go back in weeks or months. It's just not what they expected

Language school owners understand that as well.

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2010 2:12 pm Post subject:

Agree. And it's really no good to anyone to stay when you discover that it doesn't suit you.

Still, this is a different thing than just telling people you plan to stay for whatever contract length they require without ever meaning to.

As DOS, I've had countless teachers sign on for a year period, only to tell me, sometimes 10, sometimes 6, sometimes only 3 months in that they've "had something come up." Upon investigation, what has come up is...the kind of thing, like return to a job back home, which they have known about all along. Not cool at all, imo.

Best,
Justin

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

Hm, yes, you're right. That would be bad karma