Job Discussion Forums

[snapdragon]

Hello everyone! I've been reading these forums pretty much non-stop for the past few days, quite far back in time, but I'm not sure where in Latin America I want to go, and reading ALL the information is just too much to really sort through it and figure out where's best for me. So, I'm going to give you kind people my situation and ask for help!

I'm a nineteen-year-old girl from the US, studying in Germany at the moment but going back to the states at the end of May, at which point I plan to work for a few months to save up money for this whole teaching English in Latin America endeavor.

I have some college, but no degree. I know there will be more options when I have a degree, but I don't know what I'm studying (my current choice is a bit random) or why and I'd like to try EFL for a year, sans degree. I have my reasons for this choice, so please just accept this as-is: I have no degree.

I do want to get some kind of qualification, CELTA, SIT TESOL, etc. Which brings me to question #1: Which of these certifications is best, most recognized in Latin America, and where should I get it?

I would also have some relevant volunteer experience under my belt, but not a lot. Just some. And a bit of journalism experience which can be spun as a better command of the language I suppose....

In which countries could I get a job, sans-degree but with one of the above qualifications, and be able to support myself living modestly but decently? I don't need a huge apartment, a studio is fine, but I would like to eat decently well. Also I'm a vegetarian, which I suppose cuts down some food costs. And I don't drink. I plan to save a few thousand for the certification, flights, and living for a few weeks without a job, but I can't be dipping into savings once I'm settled.

How many hours of actual teaching per week would I have to do in order to support myself?

I don't have a driver's license, so I need a city that has good, safe public transportation. I also have a mother who thinks all of Mexico is in control of drug cartels and that Ciudad Juarez is representative of the entire region of Latin America. No matter how many times I explain it's a really big region. So someplace with some nice statistics on safety to calm her a bit is good

I'm leaning a bit towards Mexico, but also at this point considering Costa Rica, Uruguay, maybe Peru? For CR and Uruguay, I'm unclear on whether or not I could get a job, and for Peru, I understand that supporting myself might be harder than in Mexico? As you can see, I'm really not sure. Suggestions for countries, and cities within those countries, knowing my situation, would be much appreciated, since I understand the best way to do this is to show up and look for work--I'd like to show up in the right city for me, not have to go home having found nothing a month later.

Thanks for your help!

Edited to say: I forgot to mention a bit of a preference for teaching children rather than adults, but I'm perfectly willing to teach either age group. I really, really want to do this, and I hope there's a way, and I'll put up with a lot if there is

[Guy Courchesne]

Hello snapdragon! Let me offer my advice...

You're right in that a degree would afford more opportunities, particularly working with kids, international schools, and the like. A TEFL/TESOL/CELTA/SIT etc course is the minimum you should seek then, and if looking at a year in Latin America, you'll likely find yourself teaching adults at a language school. Not bad work at all if you're looking for the experience abroad. You might find some work tutoring or teaching kids, but I'd bank on adults.

In choosing a course, I usually advise doing it in the country you plan to teach in. Course providers will be better networked locally for jobs and the time you spend in-country on the course is valuable orientation time and learning about the very people you'll teach. Look for a good practicum as part of the course (not one where you teach your peers).

You should be okay in most Latin American countries for landing language school work, though pay rates and cost-of-living vary widely. If you like larger cities, Mexico has several good spots including Mexico City and Guadalajara among others. San Jose, Costa Rica is a pretty good spot to work as well. In either of the above countries, working at a language school, you'll earn enough to cover your expenses but likely not save very much...depends on how you live really.

As for safety, we seem to discuss that all the time at this forum. I'd say things are pretty safe in Mexico away from the border area and if you stay away from the drug scene, then you'd only really worry about pickpockets, maybe a mugging in the wrong part of town, something avoided by having street smarts and learning your surroundings.

[snapdragon]

Thanks for the advice!

I was robbed in Denmark of all places, so I understand that things can happen anywhere and if you're careful (I should have been more careful there--I've learned since then!), you'll probably be okay. My mother is a victim of media sensationalism, though. Despite having lived in a really rough inner-city area in the US that's probably more dangerous than most of Latin America.....She doesn't decide what I do with my life, but something to calm her fears would be nice

I've read that a CELTA is most widely respected, but I haven't read about a good provider in Mexico. Also with the CELTA, I think a lot of schools only accept students who are 20 and above, so my age (19) might be a problem? Also, if I didn't do it in the country I chose to find work in, is there any advantage to being in the same world region (ie doing the course in Ecuador and then working in Mexico, as opposed to doing it in, I don't know, Australia, and then working in Mexico)?

I like larger cities. At the moment Mexico City sounds good, but I've got awhile yet to think about it Or San Jose, but my general impression is that it would be easier to find work in Mexico. Please correct me if I'm wrong, though.

I really only hope to cover my expenses. Saving would be nice, but is not by any means a requirement. Or I wouldn't be doing this! How many hours of actual teaching at language schools would be necessary to make ends meet? I don't want to kill myself doing this and not have any time off to actually enjoy the experience!

Thank you!

[Guy Courchesne]

Battling the media is a hard job...maybe ask your mother to read some of the things on the Mexico forum here or other expat forums. Might ease her mind to see so many other people living and working in Latin America without serious problems.

Not sure about age requirements for CELTA but it is a good course that employers know. International House offers the course in Playa del Carmen year round and in Mexico City a couple of times per year.

I don't see a problem doing a course in Ecuador then teaching in another Spanish-speaking country. Different customs and food, but the language of your students will be very similar, along with their struggles with English.

Mexico is probably the easiest of all Latin American countries to find work and to cover your costs, simply for its size.

Hard to pin down an exact number of teaching hours and earnings for you as it does vary around the region and within countries. There are places that will drive you like a mule working 6 days a week and paying a pittance and then there are places that pay better and can have you working under 40 a week. You'll have a lot of choice and being in country and talking to schools and other teachers will give you the best sense of what's what. Something that sounds good online may turn out to be not what you wanted.

[snapdragon]

I've sent her a few articles and statistics. She keeps hoping I'll change my mind, but I'll take your suggestion about expat forums and see if it helps, thanks!

I had a look at the Mexico City CELTA course and the most recent dates are in 2008. Not promising. Maybe Playa del Carmen, though. Although I like what I've read about Southern Cross in Ecuador, both on these forums and elsewhere, particularly that it's longer than some of the other programs, and the more I can learn and the more experience I can get before I start, the better!

Another question--are there low-priced Spanish classes in Mexico City? I speak intermediate Spanish, and I really want to improve. Of course, just being there will help a lot, but I might like to take some classes as well if it's relatively economical (I'll save more before going for this if I need to).

Thank you!!

[Guy Courchesne]

UNAM - the national university - has an excellent program. 6 weeks long and around 300 dollars if memory serves.

Start here

http://www.cepe.unam.mx/

[snapdragon]

Thanks for the suggestion! It does look like a good program, but I was hoping to find something not intensive--just a few hours a week so that I can work while I do it. Of course, I'd learn more Spanish the other way but I don't think I could keep up that class schedule and actually support myself!

I'd still consider doing it this way and doing this course for 6 weeks before finding work, but it all depends on what kind of hours I can pick up when I'm back in the US (in Germany now) and how long I'd have to stay and work there. So right now I'm not sure which option is best, but if you know of any options for a few classes a week, I'd love to hear about them

Thank you!

[Guy Courchesne]

I'd keep it an open option..the hours of class fit neatly into a teaching schedule as the 9 AM to noon slot is often without work at language schools, which are heavier in the afternoons.

I can't think of any options for a few classes per week other than a tutor but if I come across something I'll be sure to mention it.

[snapdragon]

Oh, okay, then, thanks I guess it does just depend on the schedule I find, but I thought those would be working hours--if not, then this is great

Thank you!

[naturegirl321]

First off, get your degree now. It's harder to go back when you're older. Just bite the bullet and do it.

Without a degree, yes, there are jobs, but they're not the best. I can speak for Peru and you could easily get a job. A good job? No, probably not. Think split shifts, cancelled classes which mean no pay, and about 600 bucks a month.

Honestly, many people never use their BA degree, which is why there are MAs I know that I never used mine. I mean, I didn't work in a career that was related to my degree. But more and more countries require people to have degrees in order to get them a visa.

In latin America, langauge shcools often don't get visas, outside of those in Mexico. I know in Peru, there are zilch that will get you a visa, which would probaly explain the state of EFL there.

SIT, Trinity, or CELTA, are about the same. As are most generic ones. As long as they have 120 hours plus 6 teaching hours. After you teach for a bit, people will stop asking about your cert. I've never had to show mine. They look at your teaching expereicen and if you've published stuff, presented, or studied an MA.

ok, Peru
YOu can get a job and live ok. Not save, but live well compared to the locals. Eat out every day if you want, maybe have a cleaining lady twice a month.

Teaching is about 20 to 25.

DOn't need a license. There's "public transport" not good, but it semi works. There are also mototaxis in smaller cities. Avoid Lima like the plague.

I wwas in MExico CIty in Jan and I can say that I felt much safer there than I ever had in the 6 years I was in Peru.

Anyways, if you're intested in Peru, let me know.

[snapdragon]

Thanks for the advice I don't want to get my degree now because I really don't know what I want to do. Teaching EFL is something I might want to do, long-term, and if so, I'd want to get a relevant degree, or at least think about something not totally unrelated. If not, back to the drawing board, but I really can't say unless I've tried it; I certainly don't want to devote several years and lots of money to something without knowing if I like it! So I want to spend a year or two trying it out. I'm 19 now; going to school at 21 or 22, as a transfer student, would make me still a traditional student most places. But right now, it all feels more than a little pointless.

While Peru does interest me, I guess that visa regulations mean I'll probably be going to Mexico. I don't have a big problem with working illegally, but my parents are already convinced that I'm ruining my life--best not to give my mother a heart attack by working illegally somewhere! Also the safety thing. Mexico City looks good. And maybe Peru someday in the future, because the country itself does interest me. What's so bad about Lima, though?

[Isla Guapa]

Hmmm, wondering if the OP's tender age of 19 will be a barrier to getting work in Mexico City.

[snapdragon]

[Guy Courchesne]

I don't think it will be a barrier to working at language schools, after successful completion of that CELTA of course. If you wander into business EFL - common in Mexico City - you will probably have some troubles with your age and likely lack of experience in the corporate world.

Here's an idea...along with the CELTA, why not take the CETYL course for instruction to young learners? That could open up work with kids if that interests you.

[snapdragon]

Good to hear

Work with kids does interest me, but the more expensive courses I have to take, the longer before I can actually have enough money to do that plus support myself for awhile in Mexico.

I also don't see that the CELTYL course or the YL extension to the CELTA (same thing I guess?) are widely available at all, nothing I see in any country remotely near here, and as some of the courses I did find are only a couple of weeks long, well, it doesn't seem worth it to spend all the money to fly to Switzerland or wherever for two weeks.

I found on in Uruguay, but they don't seem to offer the regular CELTA, and have only twelve spots once a year, and also have lots of typos (like, a really excessive amount) on their website which makes me question learning to teach people English there. I feel like educational institutions should not butcher the English language too terribly. Especially if they claim to teach people the language (or how to teach the language). My local school district's website is horrific.

But if anyone knows of a place to get this in this part of the world, I'd love to hear about it! It would be great if I could stay for six-eight weeks in one place (preferably in Latin America, but I'd also think about the US, Canada) and earn both.