advice please from anyoneeeeeee

kat1 (Moderator) says on Jul 18, 2008, 03:28:

teaching English? maybe if you take a course in the UK on teaching English as a second language you can come to Colombia a bit more prepare.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

mabelitalalinda says on Jul 18, 2008, 03:33:

thanks for that, i live in the uk,i have looked at some courses but they all are like a year long,i am looking to move quicker that that. I am having dangerous problems with the father of my son and i just want to get away. the latest i want to go is in jan next year.i could teach english but i obviously still have to do the explaining in spanish and i am not 100 % with writing and all that, so maybe to teach children would be easier for me. how much do they roughly pay there a month do u know?

es mejor estar sola que mal acompañada........

0 funny, 0 helpful.

kat1 (Moderator) says on Jul 18, 2008, 03:43:

no you don't have to do the explaining in Spanish, when i was studying at the British Council in Colombia some teachers didn't speak Spanish which it was good for us.

Not all courses are a year long there are some that last 2 or 3 month, my son is going to do one of those as he is planing to travel South America before going to Uni

0 funny, 1 helpful.

kat1 (Moderator) says on Jul 18, 2008, 03:45:

About payments i really don't know but someone might know, wait that they all wake up, they are sleeping like angels jejej

0 funny, 0 helpful.

mabelitalalinda says on Jul 18, 2008, 03:55:

ok thanks for all the info kat. my aunty who lives in bogota says that like 2 milliones al mes is not enough for me and my son to live.i have looked at a biligual school for my son which is like 400 dollars a month and my rent would be like 200 dollars.

es mejor estar sola que mal acompañada........

0 funny, 0 helpful.

roloenNJ says on Jul 18, 2008, 03:59:

Why dont you get a visa to come to the US, and tried you luck here in the states before you go to Colombia.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Philly says on Jul 18, 2008, 04:00:

They are correct, I never speak spanish in class. I am a native English teacher, and I learn something new everyday when I am teaching. If you have a really good grasp of the language, you can get a job and learn things as you go. I never taught in Bogota, but I have firends that do. They are telling me the salary range can be from 1,000,000 and up. Good luck and take care of yourself.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

mabelitalalinda says on Jul 18, 2008, 04:00:

the thing is i dont know anyone there or have any family there. in bogota i have allot of family who will help me out with getting around bogota in the first few months :)

es mejor estar sola que mal acompañada........

0 funny, 0 helpful.

mabelitalalinda says on Jul 18, 2008, 04:08:

ok thanks for the info.i am really desperate to move there. any more info would be helpfull thanks x

es mejor estar sola que mal acompañada........

0 funny, 0 helpful.

kat1 (Moderator) says on Jul 18, 2008, 04:09:

Bilingual schools are very expensive in Colombia so maybe he needs to go to a normal school which some are as good as the Bilinguals if not better but some are expensive too, and yes i do agree mabelita she is better in Colombia if she has lots of family there, they can help her and her son a lot

0 funny, 0 helpful.

mabelitalalinda says on Jul 18, 2008, 04:15:

ok i didnt know that, the only thing is in a normal school they do not teach english in the classes, and i wouldnt want my son to lose his english.?xx

es mejor estar sola que mal acompañada........

0 funny, 0 helpful.

webmanco says on Jul 18, 2008, 04:49:

Mabelitalalinda

You can always work for bilingual marketing, the pay is about USD 300 per month, plus "comisiones" in some cases, with a flexible schedule, you might apply for it while you get other things sorted out, and find a better paid job.

Buena suerte.

...A yo, déjenme queto y no me jodan má! ...

0 funny, 0 helpful.

jack_jason says on Jul 18, 2008, 05:27:

I am sorry, I have just realised you are a lady!

This is just spanglish, please do not correct me

0 funny, 0 helpful.

mabelitalalinda says on Jul 18, 2008, 05:48:

what does that mean jason lol

es mejor estar sola que mal acompañada........

0 funny, 0 helpful.

nueva york bombero says on Jul 18, 2008, 06:55:

I guess he didn't notice the adorable pic or the name.....?

0 funny, 0 helpful.

mabelitalalinda says on Jul 18, 2008, 10:00:

jejej maybe,thanks for the comment x

es mejor estar sola que mal acompañada........

0 funny, 0 helpful.

nueva york bombero says on Jul 18, 2008, 10:04:

Good Luck with your situation Mabelita.....
I'd say the sooner you can get to Colombia the better your life will be....
but I'm biased!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

vicshere says on Jul 18, 2008, 10:15:

normal public schools have 5 hours of English per week

listo

0 funny, 0 helpful.

mabelitalalinda says on Jul 18, 2008, 10:17:

aww thanks! appreciate it,muaaaa x

es mejor estar sola que mal acompañada........

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Philly says on Jul 18, 2008, 10:28:

If you get a job teaching, the school will usually give you a big discount. Do not worry, you will get a job if you have the skills.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ColombianoGringo says on Jul 18, 2008, 10:32:

Hey Philly, I hate to threadjack, but there was a recent post that could use your input or that of your wife.

http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/pamplona-real-estate-prices/

0 funny, 0 helpful.

mabelitalalinda says on Jul 18, 2008, 10:58:

i do have the skills but not the qualifications, do you think that will be an issue?

es mejor estar sola que mal acompañada........

0 funny, 0 helpful.

mabelitalalinda says on Jul 18, 2008, 11:04:

Philly there is an online course which is called Online TEFL Course, it takes around 2-4 months to complete it says its a recognized teaching qualification. As you are a teacher have you heard anything about that course?

es mejor estar sola que mal acompañada........

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Bill Turley says on Jul 18, 2008, 13:29:

The reference to a normal school bothers me. There are Normal Schools in Colombia. There prepare qualified students to become licensed teachers in 4 additional semesters. Sort of a longer high school. Do you mean a non Bilingual school?.
Mabelita if I can help you e-mail me directly

Mr. Bill Somondoco

0 funny, 0 helpful.

mabelitalalinda says on Jul 18, 2008, 13:34:

hey thanks allot,what is your email addres?

es mejor estar sola que mal acompañada........

0 funny, 0 helpful.

jack_jason says on Jul 18, 2008, 13:42:

"what does that mean jason lol!

I thought you were a guy, therefore I wanted to pick on you by writting one of my non sence comments, after writting for about 5 minutes I realised you were a lady, so, I had to delete my comment.

Any way, there are so many things you can do with your level of english and the Colombian nationality. Where are you planning to live? Bogota is the best choise to start using your english skills by working for a mutinational. Do you know advanced excel and have good analytical skills?. If you do not, I am afraid you will have to work as an english teacher as the rest of gringos do.

This is just spanglish, please do not correct me

0 funny, 0 helpful.

lpdiver says on Jul 18, 2008, 13:53:

I would take the CELTA/TEFL course in Bogota since you are planning on moving there anyway.

ts

"cook some rice!"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

mabelitalalinda says on Jul 18, 2008, 13:55:

hi Jason to be honest, I am not advanced in excel, I had my son at a young age and with my personal problems in the way, I could not acheive my goals. I have a G.C.S.E qualification which is not all that. lol. My main concern is earning enough money to live on with my son and I....

es mejor estar sola que mal acompañada........

0 funny, 0 helpful.

mabelitalalinda says on Jul 18, 2008, 14:00:

do you know how long the course lasts for?

es mejor estar sola que mal acompañada........

0 funny, 0 helpful.

mabelitalalinda says on Jul 18, 2008, 14:07:

There is an online TEFL course that takes around 6 months to complete, would anyone recommend that?

es mejor estar sola que mal acompañada........

0 funny, 0 helpful.

lpdiver says on Jul 18, 2008, 14:38:

Thirty days. I would think that attending the school would be more beneficial. It is fairly rigorous from what I hear. You get out of it what you put into it.

ts

"cook some rice!"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

mabelitalalinda says on Jul 18, 2008, 15:02:

is this the school in bogota?

es mejor estar sola que mal acompañada........

0 funny, 0 helpful.

mabelitalalinda says on Jul 18, 2008, 15:07:

i am not going to colombia untill march next year

es mejor estar sola que mal acompañada........

0 funny, 0 helpful.

adrienne79 says on Jul 18, 2008, 15:25:

I took an online TEFL course through ITTO. google them and you will find it. It was a good course and I just finished it last week after spending a year taking it. You can do it much faster though, I was busy and good at procrastinating. I do recommend it and I am already a teacher here. The thing I like about that program is that they give you a letter of recommendation along with your certificate. The letter mentions everything you learned and they give it to you in Spanish and English. Let me know if you want more info. Good luck.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

mabelitalalinda says on Jul 18, 2008, 15:31:

thanks allot for the info what i heard is that in bogota they will only consider you if you have a tsol certificate or something like that, is that right? higher than the tefl course

es mejor estar sola que mal acompañada........

0 funny, 0 helpful.

tomtom33 says on Jul 18, 2008, 15:32:

"My main concern is earning enough money to live on with my son..."

I would strongly suggest that you forget about Colombia. And going anywhere to get away from anything is rarely a good idea.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

mabelitalalinda says on Jul 18, 2008, 15:34:

its not only to get away from my problems, thats not the main reason,its to be happy with my son and family.

es mejor estar sola que mal acompañada........

0 funny, 0 helpful.

adrienne79 says on Jul 18, 2008, 16:08:

Well, I was hired at two places (one an institute and the other a bilingual school) before I even had the certification. I am in Bucaramanga though but I am pretty sure you won't have a problem without any kind of certification. The programs though will help you feel more confident in a classroom.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Cerealkiller says on Jul 18, 2008, 16:16:

mabelita not to be a party pooper or anything but with your current skills (a GCSE) you have to be realistic in terms of income...not even college graduates make 2 million just out of school in Colombia. Id say a million tops.

Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are conservatives -John Stuart Mill

0 funny, 0 helpful.

MaFe says on Jul 18, 2008, 16:20:

Cerealkiller is right...

"All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsions, habit, reason, passion, desire. "-Aristotle

0 funny, 0 helpful.

nueva york bombero says on Jul 18, 2008, 16:20:

Not much money to live on.... with a kid!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

papiChulo says on Jul 18, 2008, 18:20:

mabelita... I am starting a couple of little biz in colombia early next year and I need some bi-lingual ppl for contract work. I will send you a PM and tell you a bit more if you like?
Hey don't worry about being young and no qualifactions... attitude is more important.

you'll never go before your time

0 funny, 0 helpful.

truthspeaker says on Jul 18, 2008, 18:29:

"I am starting a couple of little biz in colombia early next year"
Let me guess... an Internet Cafe and an hostel?
A marriage agency and and a rental agency?

Those seem typical pairs on PBH...

Remember, I can only tell the truth. No more Sex Tourism in Colombia.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

papiChulo says on Jul 18, 2008, 19:30:

they do don't they Truthspeaker...? but not for me, I have no patientce for hospitality for hire. I'll let everybody know when the webpages are up.

paz

you'll never go before your time

0 funny, 0 helpful.

truthspeaker says on Jul 18, 2008, 19:33:

We'll be sleepless counting the days...

Remember, I can only tell the truth. No more Sex Tourism in Colombia.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

papiChulo says on Jul 18, 2008, 20:47:

... ;)

you'll never go before your time

0 funny, 0 helpful.

la campiña says on Jul 18, 2008, 22:04:

with a TEFL cert you will get a job easily especially if you have a good accent , my wife's family are rolas and I have a privileged position where I can wander through the corridors of power and eves drop amongst self made "profesores de Ingles" . remember its waTer not Warder. try www.oup.com

0 funny, 0 helpful.

mabelitalalinda says on Jul 19, 2008, 00:23:

Obviously I am not going to mention that I just have a G.C.S.E!LOL, If you have the skills,confidence and attitude then it's fine. I asked for advice, so anything that is written on here I will read and acknowledge it.

es mejor estar sola que mal acompañada........

0 funny, 0 helpful.

mabelitalalinda says on Jul 19, 2008, 00:36:

Does anyone know if a Tourist Guide earns allot in Bogota?

es mejor estar sola que mal acompañada........

0 funny, 0 helpful.

mabelitalalinda says on Jul 19, 2008, 00:38:

Ok Papi Chulo that will be cool, heres my email add: vmaminina at aol.com.
Thanks

es mejor estar sola que mal acompañada........

0 funny, 0 helpful.

mabelitalalinda says on Jul 19, 2008, 00:49:

You are a native English speaker without any teaching degree.

Still not too bad. Native English speakers are in high demand, you can get private students or work at private schools. However, read the info above on the changed rules on getting a work visa. There'll be more info here in soon. You should be able to get a full time job. However, it's not sure, and you'll have a lot better chances (and better pay) if you take a TEFL course first in your country. If you just come here as a tourist and start looking (preferably around april or december), you can get jobs at private schools that teach English. You'll get 4 hours here, 8 hours there and should be able to make a living

(I copied this from a previous Forum.)

es mejor estar sola que mal acompañada........

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Philly says on Jul 19, 2008, 04:25:

mabelitalalinda, yes I have heard od the TEFL. My situation, I do not need anything like that. They just like the fact that I am a native speaker with a college degree, and some expericence. This like should get you started.

http://www.teflcorp.com/ol-home.htm

Do not worry, I survived many years without qualifications, but I had the skills. As you can see, many people here are willing to help you. You should see the same kind of support in Bogota. Oh, you can survive on 1,000,000 a month, a lot of people only make 400,000 to 800,000 and get by just fine, but you should make at least 1,500,000 min..

Peace

0 funny, 0 helpful.

mabelitalalinda says on Jul 19, 2008, 04:50:

Thanks for that Philly, that is true I do have allot of support in Bogota. I am deffinitely going to enrol in that course. It takes around 6 months to complete, I am looking to go colombia with my son around Feb next year. Thanks 4 ur advice xx

es mejor estar sola que mal acompañada........

0 funny, 0 helpful.

mabelitalalinda says on Jul 19, 2008, 05:05:

Does anyone know if there are more teaching job oportunities to teach young children than adults?

es mejor estar sola que mal acompañada........

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Philly says on Jul 19, 2008, 06:27:

More for children, I think and is a lot more rewarding

0 funny, 0 helpful.

papiChulo says on Jul 19, 2008, 06:47:

try daycares... it's a good start.

you'll never go before your time

0 funny, 0 helpful.

mabelitalalinda says on Jul 19, 2008, 06:52:

ok cool, Ive seen a course that teaches you on just how to teach children, ages: 6-16. I might look into that.xx

es mejor estar sola que mal acompañada........

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Philly says on Jul 19, 2008, 08:34:

You should start right now learning the tenses. Before teaching, I was only aware of the present, past and future tense. The is Past simple, past perfect, and past perfect simple, just to name a few. There are tonsssssssssssssssssss of web sites that will explain everything.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Colombiano_81 says on Jul 19, 2008, 11:16:

You don´t have to take the TESL. Being a native speaker is enough to get you jobs with private students and Institutes. You don´t ahve to speak any Spanish. I live in Bogota. You can make form 1 million to 2million a month if you get out tehre and look for classes. Excellent advice is what Philly said and look at all the tenses and prepositions. Buy an English general grammar book.. that will help tons. You can charge from 15, 000 up to 50, 0000 per hour giving classes. Go for it..it´s not hard...anyways the Institutes usually give you some sort of training to prepare you for your classes. Good luck!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

mabelitalalinda says on Jul 19, 2008, 14:23:

thanks allot for all the advice, i will look into it straight away. :) xxxxxxxxxxx

es mejor estar sola que mal acompañada........

0 funny, 0 helpful.