Job Discussion Forums

[rustbot82]

Howdy all,

I'm a newbie to the TESOL/ESL field, currently teaching English in an adult hagwon in Seoul. I have spent a lot of time researching grad schools and academic careers in the US, and I'm looking for something comparable on the international scene. I've always planned on becoming a PhD, or at least teaching on the tertiary level.

I know that many people in Korea consider the college teaching jobs to be the top of the food chain here, since they have fairly good conditions and often ample vacation time. (Although I hear that private international schools pay better. But I like teaching adults.) From what I've gathered it seems like an MA in Applied Linguistics would pretty much land me a gig teaching English at a college in Asia. Which sounds cool, but I'd like to be in a Spanish-speaking country eventually.

I was wondering if anyone has any experience/knowledge about the college ESL/TESOL job market in Latin America?

What credentials do colleges in that part of the world look for?

What are conditions and pay like?

Are there actual jobs out there teaching English to college students for people with experience and qualifications?


Thanks in advance to anyone with relevant info!

[naturegirl321]

Have you thought about staying where you are? Moving is always tough. I did the opposite of what you're doing, from Peru to Suwon

I taught in two of the top universities in Peru. Pay at the first was $700 a month for 22.5 hours of teaching and 17.5 office hours. Second was about $800 a month for about 20 hours, no office hours, but I only got paid when I worked, so that it 8 months out of the year. No benefits like pension, medical, etc. Here I make 40 mil, minimum for 15 hours, 20 weeks paid vacation.

For Latin America, some places get you visas, others don't. First uni did, second didn't. YOu had to already have a visa.

If you're looking for money, I'd say stay in Asia.

[MotherF]

An MA in a related field can land you a pretty good job at a Mexican University. Visit the Mexico forum for more information.

[foodie555]