Job Discussion Forums

juuh · Joined: 27 Jun 2011 Posts: 2

My girlfriend and I are trying to decide where we want to move to (and probably teach) next, and I would love some helpful input or suggestions.

We've been teaching in Korea at this point, and will have a year experience by the time we're finished. We both have college degrees, and I have my Trinity CertTESOL (while she doesn't have any sort of TEFL).

We're primarily looking at South America right now for a few reasons. We're both interested in traveling around the area and living there. We're both interested in learning more about the culture as well. I studied Spanish in high school and college, and really want a chance to improve my knowledge. I'm also quite interested in the history, as well.

Right now, we're looking at Uruguay, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, and possibly Colombia (though we're open to other suggestions).

We do have a few questions though. While we'll have some savings from our time in Korea, we would like to be able to make money while living there. A little bit more than just getting by would probably be okay--as long as we can save a bit to recoup the costs of flights, and maybe some to travel as well. We're not looking to live a crazy, outlandish life, so we'd like to think saving wouldn't be that hard. Is there a country that pays better (compared to cost of living) than others? Is it possible to save there?

We're also looking at the ease of finding a job. I'm sure it's much harder to find a job in some countries. We're not particularly worried about working 'illegally' as long as it's more the established norm--if working illegally is difficult there, then that'd be a problem. Where are the best places to find a job (relatively) easily? Are there some places where it's nigh impossible?

Any comments or help would be much appreciated.

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

It'll take some time to recoup the flight costs from Korea and with the experience/qualifications you mention, you're looking at language school work just about everywhere in South America. If you stay a year you'll break even I should think. But that's the norm anyway for most.

I think Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia from your list are best, and I'd add Chile there as well. Argentina has always been tough.

Working illegally and doing visa runs is quite common throughout South America but Ecuador visas are obtainable.

Check your timing for an arrival as most SA countries (not Colombia) have a school year start in early March, opposite the northern hemisphere. That doesn't always matter at language schools but more jobs open up across the board at that time of year.

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

I could tell you all about Peru. And cross it off your list. Guy why did you add Peru, just out of curiousity?

The money and political issues leave a lot to be desired. We're all holding our breath until July 28th when Ollanta takes presidency. Some are predicting he'll be the next Chavez, by the way.

Life's tough there, I did the opposite of what you're doing. In many parts of Latin America, it's hard to make a living once you arrive. After a bit, you can make connectsion and such. Look into visas as well. They're common in places like Mexico, but not too common in places like Peru, where they tell you to border hop.

Making money is tough. While saving thousands in possible in the land of the morning calm, you�re looking at saving a heck of a lot less. Don't come to LA for the money. YOu'll be sorely disappointed.

I'd head to Mexico for money and visas. Ecuador might be possible as well.

I'll PM you

DOMO · Joined: 28 Jun 2011 Posts: 3

MOD EDIT
I've just been offered a job with visa and documentations/sponsorship from a school in Honduras, Central America. They seem really sweet, as I believe they actually have the lowest per capita income of all of Central America. They're government seemingly deprives them. But the visa into itself pleases me, knowing I don't have pull teeth.
They're offering $500 USD a month plus an $80 apartment stipend starting in late August with a one year contract. The cost of living is very low, and since all my bills are paid, I believe I should just ride out this awful recession in the States anyway.
Oh, and I just spent 6 months in San Diego and Los Angelas and there aren't any jobs there.

juuh · Joined: 27 Jun 2011 Posts: 2

Thanks for the help.

Money isn't TOO big of a concern for me. I'm more interested in learning Spanish and learning about the culture. And being able to travel around a bit. If I can break even, maybe have a bit to travel, it'd be best.

If I were to arrive in, say, December or January, what are my odds of finding work, given my qualifications/experience?

I remember reading some good things about Uruguay on these forums, but that may have been awhile ago. Anyone out there taught in Uruguay?

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

newdayrising · Joined: 17 Dec 2010 Posts: 32 Location: Boston

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

newdayrising · Joined: 17 Dec 2010 Posts: 32 Location: Boston

Well I think we already mentioned this in another thread, but for some weird people like myself current events might make Peru an even more appealing destination.

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

If you want big city life and culture, then you should check out Bogota. I find it stressful and polluted, but it does have a lot to offer in the way of diversity, interesting people and places and educational options. La Nacional is a great university and offers the best Spanish as a foreign language program I've seen. It's pretty easy to get a job with International House there; they'll get you a work visa and pay you enough to get by reasonably comfortably, job is a bit stressful though cause you have to travel around the city on public transportation.