PBH / colombia (travelguide, pictures) / post

work visa possible for high school and college dropout?

Yes. I know that normally I wouldn't have a chance in hell of getting a job teaching pretty much anything to anyone. But I already sort of have a job lined up. Locombia happens to be one of the few countries on the planet where I would have any chance at all.

For me, the part about "proof of experience, diplomas, licenses or certificates that indicate that the foreigner is suitable for the position" is definitely a problem. The closest thing I have to a university or high school diploma is a GED (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GED) which I am not sure I even have anymore. Maybe I can get a copy. But if my previous experience as an expat in foreign countries (Cuba, Malaysia) have taught me anything it is that such things will not easily fit into the neat categories that the bureaucracies often require.

Also I would imagine that any school would hesitate to hire me if they discovered that I never even graduated from high school let alone college. And how would my students feel about paying money to learn from someone like that? "Advanced" English? Jeje.

But I really would like to try teaching at that school. So I was thinking maybe I could sign up for some classes in order to get the student visa and then work illegally for that school part time. Then they wouldn't have to know that I never graduated from high school. Anyone know the penalties for getting caught working illegally? I guess they would have to agree to pay me in cash since I wouldn't be able to have a local bank account. Not sure if that would fly. Or maybe they could pay me with Spanish lessons (which they actually have, strangely enough).

By pariahdog on Dec 31, 2007, 23:48 in Visa & paperwork.

Enrique187 says on Jan 1, 2008, 08:34:

How did you get the job? online?

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Strobers says on Jan 2, 2008, 10:45:

Oh God. Another NASPAT.

"Life is too serious to be taken seriously"

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Marielle says on Jan 2, 2008, 12:26:

If you can find your GED, I think that should be enough proof of qualifications... As far as the Ministry of Exterior Relations is concerned, as a native speaker of the language you're teaching all you need is a high school diploma to qualify for the work visa, and I don't see why a GED shouldn't be just as valid.

If you want to avoid getting the work visa, the student visa is a good option, and I've never heard of anyone getting caught for working illegally. I think you won't have too hard of a time getting a false one either. One English institute where I went to interview offered to get me one on the spot, through a connection they have. And at least in Bogota, there are plenty of English institutes that pay by cash, no taxes, no bank account or visa required. A school might be a different matter, but there is certainly no shortage of options here.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Enrique187 says on Jan 2, 2008, 12:51:

what is a NASPAT?

0 funny, 0 helpful.