So, old JM has an ESL job on the table for Guatemala. This would, of course, scrap my plans to return to Taiwan for the time being. However, I do like the idea of being somewhere I can actually speak the primary language. Not to mention that it looks like a beautiful country and a bold new experience.
Well in any case, I just wanted to see if any of you guys/gals have any experience doing ESL in Guatemala, or failing that, Latin America in general. I mean, at this point I know very little other than what I can research here at home, but Iād really like any personal experiences yaāll can relate to me. Many thanks in advance.
Wel, I spent about three months in Guatemala a few years ago and I loved it. I lived in the Lake Atitlan northwest area close to the border (Mexico).You are right about it being absolutely drop-dead, take-your-breath-away, physically beautiful. Think warm Switzerland. Think Hawaii X10. Really!
Now the downside, I didnāt teach ESL and donāt know what the market is like. Antigua (city) is saturated with Spanish language schools for Norteamericanos learning Spanish. I cannot see how ESL (unless UNI or private) could ever pay enough to give you a comfortable lifestyle to live. This is the problem in both Guate. & Mexico. Youāll need a second source of income/job that is always reliable.
The people and language is Maya-Quiche (YES!) for anyone over 50 years-old. Surprised ? Indistinguishable from the Yuacatan of Mexico. Stong indigenous roots and proud of it. (AZTECA donāt go there, comprendes?)
Listem PM me for more info. Iāll look on the 'puter to see what Iāve got . Buena Suerte, Ciao
Mestizo (mixed Amerindian-Spanish or assimilated Amerindian - in local Spanish called Ladino), approximately 55%, Amerindian or predominantly Amerindian, approximately 43%, whites and others 2%
Religions:
Roman Catholic, Protestant, indigenous Mayan beliefs
Languages:
Spanish 60%, Amerindian languages 40% (23 officially recognized Amerindian languages, including Quiche, Cakchiquel, Kekchi, Mam, Garifuna, and Xinca)
Literacy:
age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 70.6%
male: 78%
female: 63.3% (2003 est.)
It is a land of social extremes. The very wealthy and the very poor. I think I will be correct in saying that your students will be from the upper classes.
I worked in the area many years ago.
[quote=āJinete Mortalā]So, old JM has an ESL job on the table for Guatemala. This would, of course, scrap my plans to return to Taiwan for the time being. However, I do like the idea of being somewhere I can actually speak the primary language. Not to mention that it looks like a beautiful country and a bold new experience.
Well in any case, I just wanted to see if any of you guys/gals have any experience doing ESL in Guatemala, or failing that, Latin America in general. I mean, at this point I know very little other than what I can research here at home, but Iād really like any personal experiences yaāll can relate to me. Many thanks in advance. [/quote]
I was in Guatemala a few months ago. No ESL, just a vacation. It was beautiful, and I had the time of my life there. Just watch for the pickpockets - they have truly perfected their art.
Not to mention that it looks like a beautiful country and a bold new experience.