Job Discussion Forums

Rorito · Joined: 03 May 2010 Posts: 5 Location: Los Angeles

Where in the world can a guy with no real teaching credential, but 10 years teaching experience get a good job? I have taught English to adult immigrants for years in LA. I only have the Ryan Single Subject Credential that I got in order to teach Adult School. I was basically given that just for having a BA in art. Should I go to a TEFL course?
I have traveled a lot. I could not take the food in Ecuador and the Philippines after two months. I love Thai food, but I am not sure I can take the heat and humidity. I speak some Spanish and would consider Mexico, Uruguay, Colombia, etc. It would be nice to improve my Spanish. Also I would consider Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, etc. Maybe Brazil too. Even if I do narrow it down to a single country, I still have to decide a city. Bogota is cool and wet and possibly dangerous and depressing. Guadalajara sounds nice, but I don't know if I will get work that pays enough to live on there. Monte Video sounds nice, but I don't know if I could get a job there before March. Chiang Mai sounds nice, but overrun with English teachers. It takes me two months to adjust to the time change in Asia, so that has to be considered. I might not have the money to hang out that long. I am not working now so money is not coming in. I only have two thousand dollars. I don't want a job that includes doing office work for the company. I am a very slow office worker. I want to teach about twenty hours a week. I am not a socially outgoing person. I am good in class, but am not going to run all over begging for work. I am nervous, but I really want to do this. I want to go. Please, help.

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

Rorito · Joined: 03 May 2010 Posts: 5 Location: Los Angeles

Thank you for your reply. I'm certainly not looking for the big money. I just want a bed and bathroom in a little room in an exotic location. I would like to work for a year and then travel when my contract is up. I don't want to work hard for long hours. I want to enjoy life. I want a light heart and a love in every port. Is it too much to ask? Wink

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

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

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

TeresaLopez · Joined: 18 Apr 2010 Posts: 601 Location: Mexico City

Average salary in latin america is probably around 700 bucks. <<<<<

At least in Mexico City I would say that is on the low end. That's about what *I* earn, but I am only working 15 hours a week, so that might be an option. If you want to live a simple life in Mexico City you can easily live on 4000 pesos - rent a "cuarto de azotea" for 1000 pesos or so, find a good fonda and eat the comida for 40 pesos a day, breakfast on coffee and a roll, go without dinner if the comida is ample, or have a couple of tacos or something for 10 or 15 pesos. Buses are cheap, the Metro is cheap, fruits and vegetables are cheap. You CAN work 20 hours a week and live pretty well, just depends on your priorities.

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

spanglish · Joined: 21 May 2009 Posts: 742 Location: working on that

In Bogota (second highest cost of living in Latin America, after Caracas) you'll make $900/month, 16 hours/week (in-company classes) at International House, with visa and end of year bonus that'll cover like 1/2 your plane ticket. That's barely enough to break even but leaves you with a bit of spare time for privates.

TeresaLopez · Joined: 18 Apr 2010 Posts: 601 Location: Mexico City

What's the pay like in Mexico? 5 usd the hour in Peru. up to 20, but you'll need expeience and connections.[/quote]

I would say that is probably about the same range in Mexico, but without experience. 5 USD is on the low end, most of the decent schools (language institutes) pay in the 7 USD range, with a decent benefits package, help getting your visa, etc. Private classes range from 12 (really low end) USD to 25 USD, with the average being in the 16 to 18 USD range. International Schools pay is quite a bit higher, and can range from 1400 USD to 2000 USD with a great benefits package, but trust me, you earn it. And you have to be, or have been, certified to teach in the US, UK, Ireland or Canada. This is my experience, your mileage may vary. I live on around 400 USD per month, but I do own my place, so that makes a big difference.

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

eclectic · Joined: 09 Nov 2006 Posts: 1122

Zero · Joined: 08 Sep 2004 Posts: 1402

evolving81 · Joined: 04 May 2009 Posts: 135 Location: Tampa

I'm in a similar situation. Not as much teaching experience as the OP but about to graduate with my MA in Applied Linguistics in August and not sure where to go. Ideally, I'd like to teach adults, make enough money to live, and add some to my savings account.

@ Zero: I've applied to a few places in China but the pay is so low. Even with accommodation paid for I don't see how $500 USD would be enough for me for a month.

Love in every port...I guess I could take that or leave it... Wink