Danielle Said:

How do I go about applying to teach English in South America?

We Answered:

Best countries (as far as security, infra-structure, etc.) are Chile, Argentina and Brazil. In Brazil, choose a city in the interior of the state of Sao Paulo (modern, safe, etc.). Avoid big cities like Rio and Sao Paulo (the capital of SP state).

Internet, google: choose a country and a city (such as "Santiago", in Chile; "Buenos Aires", in Argentina; and "Campinas", in Brazil). Go to:

1. "English as a foreign language" (general information);
2. "Centro Cultural Brasil-Estados Unidos" (in numerous cities in Brazil);
3. "Inglés en Argentina";
4. "Inglés en Chile".

"How does the program work? Pay? Accomodations?"

You´ll get paid for the classes you teach. The pay varies from place to place but, for one thing, depending on the number of classes you teach, you will be able to support yourself and live quite comfortably. However, just to be on the safe side, bring some cash with you and save it (who knows what the future brings?). Accomodations are very good, depending on the neighborhood: the cheapest, the worst (of course). In these 3 countries you will find poverty (like you´ve never seen before) and great development (found in any first-world country).

Irene Said:

Where to teach English in South America?

We Answered:

you can be an english teacher at a school.
i would recommend colombia. i live here, and there's a bunch of canadian and american teachers who come to my school to teach different subjects (it's an american school so all classes are in english)
here's the school's website:
http://www.kcparrish.edu.co/

Matthew Said:

Is there an organization that allows Bilingual people to teach English in South America? I can't find any!!!!

We Answered:

Check with your local churches, and also contact many of the relief programs such as Red Cross. They would be able to give you more information on community type services for neighboring countries since they deal more with that type of genre.

Johnny Said:

Should I teach English in South America for a year or work in accounting/general business in the USA?

We Answered:

Go with your gut feeling. and what career make you more happy. That you love most doing. and go after that dreams! be a teacher, or be an accountant? And I hope you have good luck whatever you choose.

Carmen Said:

I want to teach english in South America/Central America? With TEFL?

We Answered:

There are a lot of options here. Each country in Central/South America is different and offers a different kind of teaching environment. Which country appeals to you?

In general you'll need a degree and a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate to get a visa and work. The TEFL certificate can be taken either in-house at a local school for 4 weeks or online at your own pace. (See http://icalweb.com for a the TEFL cert.)

Nathan Said:

I would like to teach English in South America. What do you suggest?

We Answered:

There are several things to consider here. The first is qualifications. In general you'll need a degree and a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate to get a visa and work.

The degree you will have. The TEFL certificate can be taken either in-house at a local school for 4 weeks or online at your own pace which is a much cheaper option.

Next, where do you want to teach? There are a whole range of options for South America starting with which country and then where in that country. Do you prefer a big city or a small town? Are you after thriving nightlife or perhaps a more cultured background?

I'd suggest taking a look at the countries of South America in the link below and see if one starts to peak your interest and then investigate it further.

To actually teach you don't need to know the local language. These days classes are taught almost entirely in the Target Language which means you introduce, explain and practice in English.

This is called Full Immersion and essentially you are trying to put the student in the same kind of linguistic environment that a native speaker learns their own language.

In fact, it does the students good. To communicate they MUST speak English and that's what it's all about.

Of course knowing a bit of the local language helps when you're outside school (e.g. shopping, ordering in a bar, etc) but you'll soon pick up the basics and it's rare that you'll find yourself living in a town where no one speaks any English at all! :)