Living as an American English Teacher in Buenos Aires

I had always wanted to visit the "Paris of South America," but never imagined how I would wind up here during my South American adventure which began in Bogota, Colombia in July 2008.

The city lives up to its nickname with its wide avenues, spacious green parks, cutesy bookstores stuffed in nooks and crannies and even bookinistas crowded around Cementario Parque on Sunday like those along the Seine in Paris.

Argentine wine is delish, another culture share with France, just perpetuating the similarities between the two countries.

Argentines seem hesitant to embrace their "Yanqui" brotheren from the north. Halloween is hardly celebrated because it is "too Yanqui." Christmas also was almost invisible except of course in the big shopping centers. Personally, while warm one-on-one, one cannot but help notice an arms-length acceptance of Americans here.

There are hopes of improved relations between the two countries at the diplomatic level given the new Obama Administration. Indeed, Mr. Obama has accepted an invitation to visit from Presidenta Kirchner.

English teachers are respected and the demand for English language instruction appears strong. The "American accent" is preferred.

Strong commercial ties between Washington and Buenos Aires remain and better ties person-to-person hopefully is in the wings.

In Buenos Aires, contact Professor Winn directly for your own English classes at: 1160 461 342 or mrenglish101 (at) gmail.com. Translations (Es/Fr/Pt >En) via email may also be sent to the gmail account for prompt evaluation. Buy your English-languagetexts here!

How I Became An English Prof in Buenos Aires

Arriving in a new land without a job is not a good feeling.

If you are coming to Buenos Aires, you can use the Internet to find a position teaching English in an institute or with a recruitment company.

Here's a tip for you: Save your money on the touts for TEFL courses. No one in Colombia or here in Argentina has asked for a TEFL certificate.

Arm yourself with a great ESL how-to text, English grammar guide specifically for Spanish speakers, know thy ESL grammar (excellent reference) and present yourself as a polished professional to secure a position.

A good first stop is the Asociacion de Centro de Idiomas. The site contains a list of institutes forming part of this group.

Another suggestion is Computrabajo.com to seek out English professor positions. Even if you encounter older postings, you will have leads to check up on by sending your resume and making an inquiry.

The job search can begin in the comfort of your own home to set up interviews. When you arrive, you may already have a job waiting for you! Buena suerte!

In Buenos Aires, contact Professor Winn directly for your own English classes at: 1160 461 342 or mrenglish101 (at) gmail.com. Translations via email may also be sent to the gmail account for prompt evaluation.

7 Things to Know about Teaching English in Buenos Aires

The English teacher abroad is a special person. The combination of wits, strength, intelligence, and flexibility is just some of the traits needed to survive against the odds away from his or her native land.

In Argentina, the demand for English is strong. It will probably be impossible to gain the proper papers to work legally without much effort and time - time you need to be working to make a living.

So, what do you do?

Come to Buenos Aires, but heed these 7 points of advice.

1. Find a recruiting firm for English teachers - teach Business English. The firm assigns you hours with companies. Get some hours in the morning - the popular time - and save the afternoon for private lessons (see below). You will have to travel around the center of Buenos Aires to different sites. The going rate? 20 pesos / hour.

2. You get paid once a month. The pain! So bring a budget of at least $2500 to hold you over until you can get the first payment in Argentine pesos. Hold some dollars in reserve. You never know when you will need them.

3. Know thy grammar. Teaching English requires a great degree of professionalism an competence. Not every speaker of the language can teach it. Buy a grammar book before leaving home that covers the basics and more. Have a good understanding of the tenses and be able to explain them without fail.

4. Teaching experience is helpful. As a native speaker you will be given wide berth here to teach your maternal tongue. Experience as a teacher with classroom experience or as a tutor is an asset. Your students will know immediately. It will also help you with private students.
5. Private students are golden. You will make more pesos with private lessons than you could hope to make with a recruitment firm. It will take effort and marketing wits, but it can be done.
6. Speak some Spanish. The last two points here are for emphasis. While you are may be more likely to encounter one who speaks English here than other Latin American capitals, learn the local language. Your traditional Spanish is not spoken in Argentina. However, any effort to speak the language is appreciated and will make your life easier in your new land. Take a class or at least pick up a phrasebook before arriving.

7. Review your life and make sure you are ready to make the leap. You are not going to get rich and may not have a comfortable life at first. Make sure you are prepared mentally and economically for the life in another land. Some rewards in life are not monetary. Your perspectives will be challenged. Buenos Aires is a marvelous city with many charms.

In Buenos Aires, contact Professor Winn directly for your own English classes at: 1160 461 342 or mrenglish101 (at) gmail.com. Translations via email may also be sent to the gmail account for prompt evaluation.