Hello All,

I just returned from SP to my current home in Purgatory. Fortunately it wasn't as hot as I expected it to be (only 112F). And I was qutie enthused to find the latest issue of L&A waiting for me. After reading Liz Tonosi's article in this months L&A entitled "Cruising & Teaching around the World" I thought maybe
this could apply to makin a living in SP???

I promptly looked into the TESL/TEFL certifications and it looks quite straighforward. (TESL=Teaching English as a Second Language)

While I do not have fromal teaching credentials I do have a great deal of experience leading training classes teaching employees to operate new computer systems as well as one on one instruction. I enjoy teaching.

Here is the question to those of you who have been out there for a while: Is there really enough demand for TESL instructors
out there that I could rely on the work to put beans on the table?

What do you think?

Thanks

Mohave_Steve
Still searchng for the path out of Purgatory....

PS: Yes, I know that English IS the official language. However I do also know that "No Engles" is a common phrase.

Stick to the US, you could not even buy beans with that. Plenty of Belizeans teaching english.

I would have to give you a "NO" on that!!!!

If you came to SP surly you noticed most people speak english or something pretty close. I have met some elderly folks who do not, but when you get to be 80,you ask you grandkids. Sorry you need a new idea. We could use a specialty bread bakery, can you bake?

Indy we need you and Db back for baking.

isn't english the primary language in Belize?!?! other than immigrants from surrounding countries...

English is the Official Language of Belize.

i just thinks it funny b/c that's not the first time i've heard someone wanted to teach esl in belize personally it doesn't make sense! but that's jmho!

Mohave_Steve said he KNOWS that English is the official language

Most of the people I have met in Belize who do not speak English are (illegal?) immigrants from Guatemala. They tend to be working in very low paying jobs and, therefore, quite poor.

This would be fine if Mohave_Steve plans to volunteer his time to help these people learn English but if he wants to make a living doing it, I don't think that's possible.

We did volunteer in the Hattieville Ramada for two years teaching english reading and writing. There is a large population that needs the skills but cannot afford to pay for it. If you can legally volunteer there are many who will benefit from the help.

Thank you All for your replies.

Thank you Wendy & Hon for reading the whole post.

I am suprised at how many people I run into that don't speak
English in SP. What Hons said makes sense to me. Looking back
at those that didn't speak English they were all of rather "modest" means.

Thanks again.

Steve

Yes, MangoMuffins you did see me here

They did ESl classes at the school for parents and kids as extra curriculum it went very well and many parents were proud to pass the course.

For opportunities outside of Belize please buy the latest edition of: TEACHING ENGLISH ABROAD by Susan Griffth.


You can also go to the best web site on the subject at:
http://www.daveseslcafe.com The hottest areas are Korea
and China.


In Europe they greatly respect the Cambridge TEFLA certificate
but in China and in Korea you can get by on a college degree only. Central and South America are low paying.


If you want to save some money in the bank from your teaching career so you are not just getting by then go to either Japan, Korea, or an Arab country in the Middle East which I would not recommend unless you like having someone put a black hood over your head and appear on TV with guys who are holding guns etc. ;- )


El-777

Tacogirl, Already thinking about returning, Chris has said he does not want to live here, just got to get some business taken care of.
I do like to bake, but not as much as DB. I'll take that back I like to do sweets, he likes to do bread. Maybe we could team up and do a small bakery. Thought he would be there by now. Bit hot I hear to be baking. A fair weather bakery - how is that for an odd ball idea?

We desperately need decent bread cooks and good mechanics. Even if they can't speak English.

I like it indy

Pedro2,

Sent you a private message.

Pedro2
Your link from here(when i left click on your name) shows up as "View Homepage" comes up like this : http://http//www.protechdive.com

You might want to correct it.
VT.
Ps. when i come down, i will look you up.
""desperately need good mechanics.""

Thanks VT-CDN, don't know how that happened. Now corrected.

...

There's many positions in Blue Creek (menonite community) for teaching english as a second language. I myself am a TESL certified teacher and looked into teaching there, however...they are Christian schools, and they require you to be a practicing Christian to teach there and you need to provide a letter from your pastor if that is the case.

just for curiosity, is there any demand for high-quality award winning chefs who also have masters degrees in education?

SJ if your award winning chef ever needs a food taster (besides you) count me in

This is NOT the first time on this board that someone wanted to do ESL in Belize. Shows how much marketing research they've done.