Teaching English in Latin America - Ecuador, Mexico, Argentina, Uruguay, Peru.
The vast continent of South America holds an almost infinite range of opportunities for anyone who aspires to share his or her native English. From the specialized training for the business communities of Santiago and Caracas to the informal conversation exchanges with Mexican fishermen and Peruvian waiters, the English language provides a key link between visitors and residents.
Apart from a few popular cities, seldom do you find the glut of teachers you find elsewhere in the world, possibly because South America is often pictured as a place of poverty and crime, danger and corruption, dictators and drug barons. In fact, South America is home to a staggering variety of charming and generous people from café-culture urbanites to street kids, many of whom are eager to meet travelers and improve their knowledge of the gringos’ native tongue. The stampede to learn English seems unstoppable.
In the big cities the greatest demand for English comes from the business community. And because of the strong commercial links between the two American continents, the demand tends to be for American English. The whole continent is culturally and economically oriented towards the U.S.
While some schools require teachers with a BA/MA in TESL from a university, others are looking for no more than a good command of English (whatever the accent).
Experience potential
Teachers tend to agree that Latin American students are a joy to teach because they love to talk. If you have plenty of enthusiasm in addition to a good education, are carrying references and diplomas, and are prepared to stay for an academic year, it should be possible to fix up a contract with a well-established language institute. Many institutes offer their own compulsory pre-job training.
The academic year begins in February or early March and lasts until December. The best time to look for work is a few weeks before the end of the summer holidays. However, many institutes run 8- to 12-week courses year round and will hire a native speaker whatever the time of year.
In-company teaching usually takes place early in the morning; a popular starting time is 7 a.m. People learning English outside their workplaces usually sign up for evening lessons. Most teachers enjoy the off-site teaching more than classroom teaching, which tends to be more textbook-based.
Work visas require gathering a battery of documents—including notarized and officially translated copies of teaching qualifications, a police clearance, etc.—and paying a hefty fee. Consequently, a high percentage of teachers work on tourist visas. These must be kept up-to-date by applying for an extension from the immigration department or by crossing into and back from a neighboring country.
Not only will a stint of teaching be good for learning a language, it will give you the chance to experience the Latin zest for life.
Cost of living
Travel
Contract Conditions
Contract: 6 months – 1 year
Salary from 500 – 900 USD a month
Requirements
Must have a valid passport (with more than 1 year validity left)
TEFL or University Degree preferred but not essential.