Job Discussion Forums

jgz · Joined: 20 Jul 2009 Posts: 13

Hi Everyone,

So, after perusing this website for years and, I'm finally getting my act together, quitting my lovely, stable NYC job, and doing what I've been thinking about doing for a long time: moving to South America to teach.

As a total newbie, I'd love to run my plan and questions by anyone (and everyone!) who has South America experience.

the plan: I'm planning to rent what I'm sure is an overpriced studio in January and February to do the CELTA certification at IHouse in Buenos Aires in January of 2012. I hope to spend February looking for jobs and (theoretically!) getting myself settled and employed some time in March.

My father is from BsAs so I'd love nothing more than to live and work there, but from what everyone says it seems the market is... competitive? I'm not looking to live an extravagant BsAs lifestyle, so saving and spending money isn't necessary for me.

Being able to pay rent in an area I like, enjoy the city + having some funds to travel around is. That being said, I'm totally willing to live anywhere in South America, not restricted to BsAs or Argentina, as long as I like the school/location etc.

So, I guess my questions are these:

Am I heading down at the right time of year?

Is my plan to shell out for a couple months in BsAs to take the CELTA course and have a home base to job hunt from for some time after worthwhile?

Should/can I contact schools this fall (2011) while they are still in session and before going down or do I have to wait until after I'm certified?

Do any employers offer to cover flights within South America (say, if I were to take a job in Colombia while already in BsAs)?

For those working in BsAs, how many schools do you work at/classes do you teach/hours do you spend teaching + travelling to make enough to get by? Is it worth it? What does it take to land something like a full time, single location job?

Ok, for now I guess that's all I can think of.

Thanks in advance for any help you all can give!!
Very Happy

AGoodStory · Joined: 26 Feb 2010 Posts: 738

Welcome jgz from NYC! If nobody comes along to answer your questions, you might want to move this to the Argentina board. In fact, you might want to do that anyway. Good luck in your CELTA course, and in your move to BsAs.

AGS

Oops--I just re-read your post. Maybe post on the Latin America board for info about places other than Argentina? Best of luck!

jgz · Joined: 20 Jul 2009 Posts: 13

Good idea, thanks!

wiganer · Joined: 22 Sep 2010 Posts: 189

As your dad is Argentinian I would get citizenship if you haven't already got it. How is your Spanish? There are a lot of opportunities outside of teaching English if you are legal and you can speak both English and Spanish.

Am I heading down at the right time of year?

Anytime other than mid-Jan where most of Buenos Aires goes to sun it up on various Atlantic beaches should be good.

Is my plan to shell out for a couple months in BsAs to take the CELTA course and have a home base to job hunt from for some time after worthwhile?

That is the best idea.

Should/can I contact schools this fall (2011) while they are still in session and before going down or do I have to wait until after I'm certified?

They won't write back to you while you are still in the states, best thing to do is to knock on doors when you get there - you'll get a positive reception.

Do any employers offer to cover flights within South America (say, if I were to take a job in Colombia while already in BsAs)?

Nope, forget about perks such as flights, you'll be paid by the hour and you'll be working for more than one school running across the city. It is not an easy existence by any stretch of the imagination.

For those working in BsAs, how many schools do you work at/classes do you teach/hours do you spend teaching + travelling to make enough to get by? Is it worth it? What does it take to land something like a full time, single location job?

I worked at three schools Mon-Fri, spent most of my time on the subte, lost one of my jobs, private students were very flaky
(if you want private students that is - easy to find - hard to keep) ended up working to buy my airfare home. I love Argentina - for a holiday, teaching English there - gets old quick! Argentinians are some of the nicest, most friendliest people on this planet.

My advice to you if you are not already is get Argentine citizenship and life won't have to be like the above!

jgz · Joined: 20 Jul 2009 Posts: 13

wiganer,

I'll have to look into a bit more, but I don't know anyone who has been able to get dual citizenship. And I'm not sure I'm willing to give up my American citizenship although I am eligible for Argentine. Do you know anyone there who has both?

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

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

wiganer · Joined: 22 Sep 2010 Posts: 189

Lots of Argentines have dual Italian/Spanish citizenship - if you want to look at what a big queue looks like - get your arse down to the Italian embassy when you get to Buenos Aires - same with the Spanish and German embassies. There is virtually no chance of losing your American citizenship but getting Argentine citizenship will make your life ten times easier and better once you land in Buenos Aires - trust me!