Forgive me for not replying to you sooner. I have been extremely busy (you know how much I have to work). In the holidays, I did some traveling (most of the time in the USA and spent a few days in Ambato) before starting work again. I think I am going to leave Ecuador in mid-March.  I think I am ready for a new country to travel to.

Hey - sorry for the late reply, I had a few problems with my account. But only because I'm technologically incapable! I actually love that you're being so honest, don't think it's too negative at all - I've been fooled by guidebook-speak before, so it's really refreshing to know what to expect when it comes to 'culture' ...

a load of questions, sorry: Do you think you'll stay in Loja/Ecuador? Have they offered you a long-term contract? How much time off do you get to explore the rest of the country? last one, I promise: do you feel safe there if you're travelling around on your own?

I've started my tefl course now, at Checkpoint 1 - all a bit terrifying, to be honest, but you've definitely not put me off Ecuador! It's mainly 'cause I want to explore some of the wildlife, rather than the music ;)

ali

PS. don't worry, my spelling's horrendous - can't believe I'm considering teaching people!!

Hey,

Thanks so much for your mesage, that's all really helpful! It's difficult to get the full picture from guidebooks - they all talk about it as a thriving hub for music lovers!! and they certainly don't mention the lack of cheese ...  :)

I'm hoping to get some work experience in the UK before I go too - well, to help me decide if I can handle teaching, really. It's a bit of a career change. I've heard there can be a few problems with robberies in South America in general, thought I might take some self-defence classes before I go, just in case I get jumped for my money belt!!

Thanks again, it's really great to hear from someone who's living the life out there.

ali

x

Hi,

I'm just wondering if you'd recommend Ecuador for first-time teflers? I've never taught before and am about to book on a tefl course, just to try something new. I'd love to go to Ecuador, but I'm a bit nervous about the first job! Have you been teaching for a while? how is it out there?

Thanks so much,

ali

Hi,

My name is Mo and I am writing because you are working in Ecuador and that country or another one in South America is where I would like to teach.  I went to Ecuador last September for a month and studied Spanish in Quito and Cuenca.  Ecuador was wonderful.  Could you please fill me in on which TEFL course you took, how hard it was and how long it took you to find a job? 

Thanks,  Mo

Happy New Year, Alix!! Maybe the president will be a bit easier on his immigration laws....we'll see

Hi Alix,

how are you? I'm starting in Cuenca in January, so I'm looking forward to going to Ecuador.

Wish you all the best!

Marc

Hey Alix!!

I don't know actually. I will be more certain in two weeks. How about you?? Do you have any plans?

Dear Alix,

I see that you're teaching in Loja at CHC. I'm now looking for a position somewhere in Ecuador. How is your experience at CHC and do you like Loja to live in?

Hope to hear from you and wish you good luck.

Kind regards,

Marc