How would life be for an american teaching English in Chile?

Question

I completed a study abroad in Costa Rica a few years ago, and learned some Spanish. I would like to teach English abroad in a Latin American country. Are they friendly to Americans? Is there a strong need for English teachers? Is it expensive to live there? What advantages and disadvantages would there be for working there compared to other Latin American countries?

Answer 1

That would be a great experience if not come downunder we have severe teacher shortage here they have all gone up the mines to make their fortune.

Chile would have a much more diverse culture though and something you wouldn't forget.

Answer 2

Chile enjoys a fairly high standard of living compared to the rest of Latin America, so I think it would be similar to Costa Rica in the sense that you won't see people defecating on the streets, or rampant sights of children sniffing glue.  Of course it won't be as cheap to live as it would be in those countries.

Answer 3

The life in Chile is very good, is calm and safe all the day, the Chileans who we are very cosy with the foreigner, never professors of Ingles exceeded, Chile is but expensive that paises of the sudamerica, but the quality of the life is very good, you not it doubt and Chile does not come

Answer 4

I beg to differ with the answer that says you need a degree to teach English here. I do not have any degree related at all to teaching English and I was able to get a job on my first interview. Yes, there is a need here for teachers, especially native speakers. In fact, I can recommend schools to you if you wish to contact me privately.

It is also not true that a lot of people here speak English either. In the capital city you will find some English speakers, but outside of Santiago, not so. Less than 2% of the population of Chile speak English and the government is trying to change that. They have an ongoing program with the goal of making Chile bilingual by 2010. Tough goal, made even tougher by a lack of qualified teachers. Don't worry if you don't speak Spanish, it's not necessary to teach English here, but it is a bit frustrating for you outside of class. Chilean Spanish is a bit different from anything you may have learned in school too but it doesn't take long to catch on.

So do they need English teachers in Chile?... Ho, yes! The problem you will most likely have is making sure you enlist with a reputable school and finding one that pays you a decent enough salary to live on. It is advisable to bring enough cash with you to sustain you for a couple of months or so.

The good news is that it is not that expensive to live in Chile. Chileans are a very friendly group and easy to work with and Chile is a decent place to live and work. When you're not teaching, there are places nearby to visit with some pretty spectacular sights and scenery to see.

Answer 5

Well chile is a  great place to live.  MANY people ther speak English.  If you  want to teach English in  a Spanish speaking country, it is bedst if you Speak Spanish well.  you would also need a degree in teaching English as a second language.  ...You cannot go and teach English just because you speak it.  Latin American countries have strict requirements for teachers.  There are many language schools you could check into.  You would need to secure a job BEFORE you would be granted a work permit.  It can be done, but you ust be qualified, and find an employer.