I want to live in Colombia. Help me!!!

L says on Aug 15, 2006, 11:49:

B C D? Thanks for the advice, strobers. I knew I'd probably get a response like that, just because obviously it is logical and responsible and I should 'take my time' and 'whats the rush?' and 'you don't even know the guy' and 'you can't be dropping your life for anyone' and 'B C D' and etc etc etc.
I figured by writing my first 'help', I was going to look like a 10 year old jumping into something I don't know.
How can I convince you all that me moving to a another country is what I've been wanting to do for years? I've been wanting to leave Malaysia for a long time. The most logical thing to do would be to renew my Venezuelan passport and find a job here in Venezuela.

But, like I said, I found a little more inspiration in Colombia. And I know it sounds highly stupid and highly crazy.. yes it does. But people move to other country not knowing the language ALL the time. Because of my dad's work, I've lived in Holland for 4 years. Do I know Dutch? No.

I understand changing cultures is seriously tough because 1. My mom didn't know a word on English when she arrived in Malaysia, but it's been 25 years and she's doing excellently. 2. I've been in Venezuela since May. I can see for myself how hard it is.

But that was not the answer I was looking for. I'm looking for help to find a scholarship or job to stay in Colombia. Did I say I wanted to be with this guy forever? No. I was thinking, if I did a Spanish course of let's say 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, I could continue to see if I really think the relationship between him and I is worth it. Let's say if I found work as a Pilates instructor, I could earn the money, not put pressure on my family financial and still do the same. If it fails, then too bad. I leave back to Malaysia but atleast I gained some sort of knowledge in learning the language, being in yet another culture and work. It's never a loss to experience life. And about hurt and heartache? Is that not a part of living? I must really sound like I know nothing about pain and grief...

Please think about what I'm asking and don't judge.
But, anyway... thanks again.

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L says on Aug 15, 2006, 12:48:

Oh god... really? Like I said earlier, I knew I would sound like a 10 year old jumping into something I don't know.... or how you put in naive and impulsive...
But you are right, I do enjoy adventures.

Oh, I am so so SO sad to hear that I won't be able to find work in Colombia. I've been reading everyone's posts for a hour, and I figured, maybe just maybe I have a chance here.

I don't know, strobers. I was really hoping to make something, anything work. I can't believe after all the qualifications I have, I can't find anything.
And I thought I was being flexible trying to find a place to learn spanish... how about teaching english?
But God! I need a cert to teach English don't I?

Really? How do people do it? How do they get themselves into another foreign country... without knowing the language?
I tried going for Spanish classes in Malaysia... but you can imagine how dificult it is to learn Spanish in a Asian speaking country...!

Sigh...
I'm stuck. :(

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caslug says on Aug 15, 2006, 14:40:

eliz.. if u speak english fluent.. near native level.. then w/ your venezuelan citizenship u can work as english teacher n venezuela.. pay isnt much.. but it's enought to live ok.. while english teaching english, u can develop other opp't.. ie, teaching pilated.. etc., of course if your english is NOT native level, then you'll have to take the TOEFL/michigan test to prove you have high level of english before they will hire you..

too bad, u never learn spanish as a kid.. there's opp't teaching spanish in asia.. i met on dean of a college n vn.. that told me that do hire spanish teacher, just like they hire english teachers..

i also post a splurge on teaching english n the other forum(friendly forum) about teaching english..

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L says on Aug 15, 2006, 14:53:

Alright... yes I do speak English fluently... and yes it is really too bad I wasn't taught Spanish as a kid. People tell me that all the time.I was busy going through school in Malay and English. Which is why, since I'm in the area, I'm trying to learn now. Never too late to learn! Hehehehe...

So all I have to do is take an exam and they will hire me? Sounds too easy to be true!

Hmmm... would anyone in Colombia like to learn Malay?

Sorry... being cheeky...

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L says on Aug 15, 2006, 17:55:

I know, I know, I hear you strobers... ... and I do respect everything you have told me today. You've been very sincere and I thank you...

I've spent the whole day online reading posts and searching through jobs, and TEFL's and even local universities. I started today with crazy sky-high hope... but the day is now ending with... well, like I said, me being stuck.

So... options, options, options... Doesn't look like there's many in Colombia. If I don't learn Spanish somehow, I don't get a job, which means I won't able to make a living and stay in Colombia. So I should find a good place to learn Spanish (which was my first option but I'll need to find funds somehow).Or I could go back to studying once more and learn to teach English as a second language properly and take it from there. Or continue teaching Pilates until I find a job in that area of expertise. Or... get married. Or... well... there's always an 'or'...

I am now... lost for words...

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L says on Aug 15, 2006, 18:53:

Very true... Thanks again, strober.

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jasmine says on Aug 16, 2006, 10:52:

Apa Khabar Elizabeth? Hey Elizabeth..

I am a Singaporean living in Colombia. I don't know how I can help you as I am new myself (3 months)and speak very little Spanish. I run a business here with a Colombian. I would have hired you but well, I do need someone who speaks Spanish and English fluently.

I know a few Colombians who need a private English tutor. That might help you with some pocket money. I also need freelance help in the office sometimes. And if you decide to move here, I will quit the gym and you can teach me pilates at home (I'm serious).

In any case, if you are craving for good ol' mee goreng or any other Malaysian dishes, email me bogota at jwlexports.com

Don't give up Elizabeth.. the only wrong thing would be to deny what your heart truly feels..I believe you can do it and make it here!!

Hugs.. Jasmine

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caslug says on Aug 16, 2006, 12:10:

the challenge for elizabeth is.. getting that hard-to-get visa to stay a one year AND allow you to work. otherwise, it's 6 months tourist visa MAXIMUM stay.. even then after the 2nd month.. you have to go to DAS and get monthly extension that cost some dinero. If you stay beyond 6 month, then they fine you and it's a hassle to take care of the fine..

You can work "unofficailly" w/ a tourist visa, everything is n cash.. i DONT think you can get a cedula w/ just a tourist visa. and you cant work at many jobs before they require a work permit(which is very difficult to get).. unless a company sponsor you..

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CarolinaSmith says on Aug 21, 2006, 14:19:

Elizabeth you can find possibilities here. Hi Elizabeth,
I am native from Bogota and recently came back from USA was living for 6 years . The situation is not easy but not impossible..Of course you will do well. I can talk to you as far as some options could be.I am opening a Conversational English Club . I can not offer you a full time but may be some hours . Now you can work as an English Teacher for private students, that is what i have been doing since i came back. I am fashion designer, and graduate in languages but now dedicate to teach. Elizabeth you can work here is not impossible. Just be positive and look for a lot of information. If you want to get in contact with me for the club, contact me to karolinakardona at gmail.com. I will be more than glad to help you in anything i Can . My mobile is (315)335-2643. Godd Luck ! I will be looking forward to talk to you .



Carolina Smith

Carolina Smith

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rocinante says on Aug 21, 2006, 15:51:

speak both and be a teacher Strobers I strongly agree about leaving the teaching to teachers. I think it's a crime if the teacher that is teaching English to Spanish speaking students is not somewhat conversational in the Spanish - they should be fired. Some things just need to be explained and translated to the students in their native tongue. JMHO

Carolina - don't post your number here! - edit your post and use an email address and contact folks with your number through email.

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Not that the US president actually runs the US." Feb 5, 2008

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L says on Aug 22, 2006, 14:37:

To Jasmine, Carolina, and Rocinante Kepada Jasmine, beribu-ribu terima kasih dari hatiku!!!

To Carolina, thanks for the job offer but I believe Strobers and Rocinante are right in this. I am not a qualified English teacher. And if I was a someone who wanted to learn a new language, I would always pay for a professional.It's only fair to the student.

To Rocinante, calm down. Don't need to be naggy. Carolina was just trying to help and if jobs are so hard to find in Colombia, can't blame foreigns for trying to teach English for money.

:)

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yayitausech says on Oct 3, 2006, 22:29:

hire me! hey Jasmine, I´m colombian and I speak english fluently.. need a hand??? I´m a graphic designer, and other than that learn things wuite fast... let me know!

And to elizabeth.. well, you can get a student visa, but I think you should get a job first in Vz, and get some money so then you´d be able to live here for some time and see what it´s like.. you can come for a week and check out what kind of spanish lessons suit you, is just a matter of seeing how things work here...

enjoy!

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webmanco says on Dec 1, 2006, 19:57:

Elizabeth, You are wellcome to join our groups for Friends of Colombia and Colombians. I hope you join and get to stay in Colombia.



Friends of Colombia and Colombians

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

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