Teaching English in Argentina
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Argentina fact file
Finding Work
In Argentina, English is rapidly becoming more popular and there are literally thousands of language institutes which are desperate for native English speakers. A good starting place is language institutes. This could binvolve teaching people of all ages. Institutes often require you to travel to student’s homes or offices. Be aware that this could mean a lot of travel time. An average salary in an institute is around $20-$30 an hour and work can really vary. Sometimes an institute will offer you only a few hours a day, sometimes none and sometimes loads!
Once established in the country, you can supplement your income by teaching private lessons. This way you can negotiate your own fees with your clients and can arrange where the lessons will be held. This could be in your own home, your client's or quite commonly, in a café or restaurant.
The Teaching
If you want to live and work in Argentina, Buenos Aires will offer you the most opportunities. There are always jobs going in many institutes and schools. Don't worry, cities such as Cordoba, Neuqen, Salta or Mendoza seek English teachers too.
Living
The population of Buenos Aires is over 13,000,000 people. Travellers often call the city, the Paris of South America due to its European-style architecture and atmosphere. The great thing is, it is not such a great jump for any European.
If you are a beginner in Spanish, don’t worry, a lot of Argentines know some English and are keen to practise with foreigners. Although it is good manners to learn some key words like hola and cerveza. If in a few months you’re still not getting anywhere, there are many language schools and youth hostels that will offer evening classes.
Porteños (people from Buenos Aires) are a very busy people. They work hard, party hard and sleep little. It is a fast moving city but is not the most organised of places. Things often go backwards instead of forwards. For example, you may be on a bus back to your apartment and it may take twice as long as usual because a protest has just begun in the middle of the street. Don’t worry, they are never too violent! If you are staying in the Capital, prepare to make some adjustments!
On the other hand, outside the city life moves very slowly. Things get done, but never in a hurry. You will not find a happy medium of this in Argentina. The cost of living is a lot lower in Argentina. Food is cheap, drink is cheap, going out is cheap and travel is fairly cheap. The only things that are the same are electronic devices and clothes.
Cost guide
Renting apartment - $500 – $1500ARS per month
Bus ticket in the city - $1.50ARS
Long distance bus - $100-$200ARS
Taxi in Neighbourhood - $5-$10ARS
Cup of coffee - $4 ARS
Meal in a restaurant - $20-$50ARS
Beer in supermarket - $5 with $2 refund
