Yay started my courses today!!!

I asked Gloria, one of our directors, and she didn't seem to think that age matters much.  Try emailing her and see what she says.  As far as visas go, they don't seem too bothered about those either.  They're pretty hard to get from the UK and the advice they're giving now is to come on a tourist visa but bring your tefl cert, apostilised (and maybe translated), and your criminal record check so that you can go to Peru and upgrade your visa there.  I'm not sure if they've got enough teachers now or not as the situation id constantly changing ang they are opening some new centres, one here and one in Cuenca, which is a nice city.  There is also one in Machala but I've never heard a good word about Machala and it's dangerous.  Loja isn't always the most exiting place in the world but it is the safest town in the country.

I totally agree with Kallen's comments about making friends everywhere if you can: they the best thing you can have, not just when you need a favour either!  Contacts are everything so network!!

In regards to the age, I don't think it is a requirement to be 23 years old. I just think that it is the requirement that I-to-I's partners (Canadian House, EF, etc..) ask for. Don't worry about your age (I know some schools that might hire you). Most schools are going to ask you if you have a TEFL certificate. So, if you are serious about teaching in Ecuador, maybe you should start the TEFL course now.

How long do you plan to live in Ecuador? You also need to consider getting a visa. I suggest that you get the 12-IX (commercial visa) from your regional consulate. If you are going to be working at Canadian House with Alix, then you might not need it so soon. (Alix will be able to explain to you more about her visa situation). But if you want to work in cities like Guayaquil, Quito, and Cuenca, it would be best that you have the 12-IX because most schools will ask for it. 

I did a 120 hour cert through I-to-I (I was expecting much more but it was sufficient preparation). I was originally going to teach in Honduras. However, receiving a slightly better offer from a school in Ecuador changed my mind. I have quite a bit of friends all over the world. So, my CV/resume gets spread around quite a bit. More schools contacted me quicker than I was able to apply at schools. I don't believe in only depending on a job placement agency to find work. It is a good option if you have no other options.

The best advice that I can give you is make friends and continue to make more friends (wherever you are). Show people that you truly care about them and they will take care of you when you are in need of something. Every person you meet may not end up being a good friend for you. But do not let a few bad relationships spoil your potential in making good friends and contacts.

"You can only get what you want if you help enough people get what they want." 

Hi

I'm not sure how old you need to be to work here, I'm 42 so I never thought about it!  I'll ask around at school on Monday and see if i can find out. How old are you?  Ecuador is lovely so you should come if you can.  Kallen told me that they are introducing a law that says you need a degree in English or Education to be a TEFL teacher in state run schools but the private academies are still safe.  Not many people seem to feel obliged to follow the letter of the law around here anyway!  Can't i-to-i give you advice on the age issue?

That;s great! Why not get in touch with these people who are teaching in Ecuador now for more information:

http://www.onlinetefl.com/tefl-chalkboard/alixm09/

http://www.onlinetefl.com/tefl-chalkboard/kallenfranchise

I would like to travel to as many countries as possible. Ecuador is my first choice however!

Hi Misty,

Welcome to Chalkboard! That's great your interesting in teaching abroad, where are you thinking of going?