TEFL Certificate

 

The Country

Argentina provides many advantages to newly trained teachers to gain teaching experience. In spite of serious recent economic problems it is still a great location to teach English and has a low cost of living. The demand for native speaking and TEFL qualified English language teachers are such that in Buenos Aires and other large cities, employment can be obtained reasonably quickly and on favourable terms.

English classes in Argentina typically consist of individuals who are of diverse backgrounds, age, professions and social groups. Sourcing employment in this country can be undertaken in many ways, but the following suggested methods are a good standard to apply to seeking English language teaching employment anywhere in the world. Survey advertisements for English language schools online and contact those schools. Look online for other sources of information including yellow/white pages, school directory listings and online newspapers. Then send an up to date curriculum vitae with your photograph attached. You should also telephone the school in advance to personally introduce yourself. If a particular school has no current vacancies for a teacher, wait a few weeks and contact them again. Whatever your profession it is usually an advantage when applying for a job to be in the country or city where your prospective employer is based. You must always remember to ask questions related to the important terms of your employment such as overall salary level, hourly rates of pay, whether you will be teaching at the school or will need to travel to another location, visa assistance and requirements etc.

Employment as an English language teacher in Argentina may initially be on a part-time basis amounting to just a few hours each week. It is also normal for schools in Argentina to ask you to cover for absent or sick colleagues or to take small classes. This tactic is used to assess a new teacher’s reliability and practical performance in the classroom before a more permanent position is offered. Wages vary according to class size and teaching institution, with larger group classes commanding more pay than individual classes. The current rate of pay averages USD $4 to USD $7.

Contact with local people has also proved to be an effective way of obtaining students for English language classes in Argentina. Nearly any social situation can lead to finding students, including getting to know people in restaurants, conversations in bars or on public transport etc. Once you have found some private students who appreciate your teaching methods often word of mouth will lead to further recommendations.

Argentina has always had a large and vibrant English speaking population which meant that English teaching jobs were less prevalent than in other South American countries. Recent economic difficulties have also served to decrease the value of the local currency. In spite of these setbacks the demand for native English teachers is huge, with ever increasing job opportunities in the capital city of Buenos Aires, as well as other population centres throughout the country.

 

TEFL Courses in Buenos Aires

 

Sample Job offer for Teaching English in Argentina

"TEFL Teacher needed at our school on Carlos Caesars (a small town in Buenos Aires Province). The job opportunity is for young QUALIFIED teachers of English who are looking for new challenges, have a good sense of humour and a positive aptitude for teamwork. Language teaching experience is an advantage, but not essential (we offer on the job training)."