CHILE
Known as the safest country in Latin America, Chile is a wonderful destination for the teacher/traveller. Its very long and thin geography offers different climates, with hot and dry up north, to wet and cold down south in its beautiful Patagonia.
There is much to see and do in Chile: its spectacular Pacific Ocean coastline is ideal for swimming, fishing, water sports and great surfing; there are many National Parks where you can discover the local fauna and flora and get a bit of exercise while you trek through; its amazing lake district allows for climbing, rafting, mountain-biking and horse-back riding, while the Andes provide excellent opportunities for skiing. The Chilean Patagonia is not to be missed!
Santiago, its capital city, offers a great theatre and general culture scene, influenced by its European heritage. You can also visit countless churches and shrines, attend local folk music concerts and enjoy its many outdoor markets. Nightlife is pretty great too!
In Chile you’ll be able to find most international food, but seafood lovers beware: you will get your fill of excellent, fresh and unique seafood here!Another typical dish, especially in the colder regions, is curanto: a variety of meats and vegetables, cooked in a shallow hole in the ground covered by hot rocks and leaves. Usually feeding over 20 people (depending on the size of the hole!), the curanto cooks for over eight hours before it is ready, making it one of the most flavoursome meals I have ever had!
So, if all that is not enough to entice you to pack your bags and go to Chile, the TESOL industry is booming! Like with most Latin American countries, being on the ground offers a huge advantage in getting teaching work. The opportunities abound, especially in Santiago and the larger cities and even though cost of living in Chile isn’t as low as it once was, teaching salaries are very good by local standards, with lots of opportunities for private tutoring. There are plenty of jobs available for degree and non-degree holders, but TESOL certificates are essential.
Latin America has a lot to offer to the traveller...isn’t it time you checked it out?
