Working/living in Latin America

Has anyone done this? It's always been my dream and now I'm going into 4th year of college, I'm feeling like it's now or never. I wanted to take a year out but didn't get the money together so I'm thinking of taking a year out after finishing college. It doesn't have to be a whole year in Latin America, but over 6 months would be good. The thing is, as usual I have no idea where to start. I've looked at some websites and got a few ideas but I was wondering if anyone has actually done it? I speak Spanish and I want to go somewhere where I'll have a lot of opportunity to speak and interact with the locals. Maybe teaching in a school?

Most of the 'projects' I've found online seem to cost a fortune, and you don't get paid anything so you'd need to save loads of money beforehand. Is there anything where they actually pay you, or even give you free lodgings and a bit of pocket money? What about air fares, are they included in the work programs? And legal issues like work permits and stuff? Which countries are the safest for foreigners to work and live in? Hope someone can help as I really want to consider it seriously.....I just have no idea where to start since I've only worked in Europe so far.

Reply 1

yoshin

basically, latin america is a super place to go to because its so cheap.

the best places to go are chile, argentina, peru, and im not sure about the rest.

if you go to latin america, you will have very little trouble getting a teaching/language assistant job if you're fluent in spanish, and the cost of living is very cheap. the only real expense would be flights, around £300 each way. i wouldn't recommend going through an organisation because quite frankly, if your spanish is good enough, you dont need to pay the extra costs involved.
it's up 2 u really, maybe you would feel more secure with an organisation.

let me know when you're going. i MIGHT go to chile summer 2007.

regards,
ryry

Reply 2

IzzyWizzy

How would I go about getting a job without using an agency? I don't want to go there without fixed plans, and am quite worried about my safety as a lone female. I thought with an agency I might meet other people in the same situation. Not that I want to hang out with them, but just to have someone else there you know?

Reply 3

Ronove

I'm going to be in Peru for about 6 weeks starting in May, and I'm going to fly home from Buenos Aires probably. Might work Chile into it if I find someone going in that direction. Vaccinations start tomorrow. :eek:

Reply 4

redstarblueska

ok i know mexico isnt technically latin america, but after about 2 weeks, both me and my friend found work easily, myself in this great bar/club and my friend selling tours to tourists. basically did it just from chatting to people or "mingling" whatever u wanna call it! im not sure about peru or anywhere else specific, but if u speak spanish id say u could pick up some bar work or similar fairly easily wherever u go :biggrin:

good luck!

Reply 5

stevemce

If you want info on paid work as a teacher in Latin Am. the Latin America forum here: www.daveseslcafe.com is a good source of info.
I don´t know much about this, but I reckon yoú,d neet a TESL or TEFL
certificate to be taken seriously by a foreign recruitment agency.
If I were you I´d try not to use a middle man if you can.

If you are interested in volunteering as a teacher for 6 months,
Some of the programs listed here: www.volunteersouthamerica.net would provide you with free food & board, but no pay.

Steve