nicknick
1/6/2017 10:39 EST
Good morning from Alexandria, VA,
My girlfriend of two years has always been interested in living abroad for a year or two to teach English in South America, I believe Peru more specifically since she is half Peruvian. It's NEVER been an interest of mine to MOVE out of the country. Traveling abroad is one thing, but creating a new life abroad seems like it would be very difficult for me.
I have a B.A. in ENglish and an M.A. in Special Education, just bought a car, have a small mountain of debt, and have no idea how I'd be able to move/work/thrive/sustain my American bills relocating to another country.
I'm sure someone has done this before, and I'm sure it's possible to some degree, I just don't know how I could do it owing so much money to so many state-side entities.
Anybody been here/have any suggestions and/or experience?
Thanks, and Happy New Year
-State-side Boyfriend
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KhunMarcos
1/7/2017 07:59 EST
Hola,
Wife and I on our own little adventure (3 months +), and one theme Ive seen in a few of these forums is 'moving' here for more than a vacation sort of duration. My liitle contribution, after having left the Land of Costco, is don't even consider it, until you've already stayed a while. Even for myself, the idea of expat'ing to somewhere 'else' was attractive, w/out the debt considerations. Some will have no problem adapting, but others will. I've heard it said that if you need to work to relo, don't bother, as man gringos are already here doing what they can to maintain bills (w/ lots hoping English language skills will do it).
Travel is wonderful, and educational, but adds it's own stressors. Having to worry about bills stateside, moving to a new land, being able to survive with current language skills, is no a small task. Break it up into chunks could be a suggestion. We have traveled from Columbia to (currently) Chile, and have seen a wide variety of social settings. One friend said never move here, until you've lived through a 6 month rain season, or elsewhere, where here is only rain a couple days a year... Have you done that? Most seem to do 1 or more exploratory trips before committing...I think that it a good idea.
As for Peru specific, we saw wonders, and depressing poverty. We didn't consider it, but the lack of availability, to things easy to find stateside has also presented 'frustrations'. I guess my last thought is the debt discussion, is only a tiny bit of the plan. After our journey (and we may head back son to recharge), would be no huge commitment, til you've tried it.
Odd note: Water quality and pollution... Get informed. In many parts, the water is poor, and belching smog can plug your lungs... Try it first.
South America has been a blast... I waited too long to visit, have now had a glimpse, found parts I liked enough to consider, and parts I wouldn't.
Best of luck, enjoy the journey.
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KhunMarcos
1/7/2017 08:04 EST
p.s. Sorry I just was thinking... Perhaps look into speaking with a relo company / specialist. I met one, who had a big biz in facilitating many aspects of moving down from states, and he noted, he is doing about as much biz now, moving people Out, and back to their original locales. Spend plenty of time evaluating how you will fair, by a thorough live abroad trip, before any big commitments.
Cheers
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rianmi
1/7/2017 16:39 EST
This is one of the most sensible advice I have read in a long time. I am married to a Peruvian. I come to Peru - mainly Lima - on average about 2 times a year for the past 12 years, for up to three months a year. I have travelled in many parts of Peru. I love the people, culture and for the most part, the climate. When I travel, I am always with spouse, relatives, or friends. I still do not speak castellano as Peruvians sometimes say but can get by. It is still not so easy. I have just come back from the local supermarket and wanted hand soap and the word for hand escaped me. It took some gesticulating to eventually get assistance. Everyone wants to come to Peru from the English speaking world to teach English I also noticed. Some may be able to give private lessons but I sometimes wonder about the demand and payment to be able to sustain oneself. So, I agree - visit a few times, stay for periods of time, travel to different areas, look into areas such as healthcare before making the change. It's a huge leap which for some is easier. Leave room in your decision and thinking for plan B should it not work out. Do not close all doors and best of luck.
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pistachio
1/12/2017 13:18 EST
2xnick,
honestly, you cannot come here and expect to have any earning power. Wages for teaching English would be absurd if you would translate to Dollars.
Generally, formal teaching positions would probably require TEFL certificates.
Also, you would have to be sponsored by your employer for a work visa or come and become a Resident and still,, you May Not have the "Right To Work" here.
And,, that is IF you can qualify for residency,,,,,
and with residency you have to be here in Peru for 6 month of days and no less otherwise you will lose your residency.....
To earn enough in Soles to repay StateSide Dollars,,, you would need earn what would be an astronomical amount of Soles and those jobs do not exist....
Working off the books would earn you local and typical wages,,, meaning,, not enough for your purpose......
Sorry not to be able to offer you a solution to make it happen but honestly,,, I don't see any possibilities.....
If you had enough of a $stake$ to just come to visit for an extended time, see the sites, travel and visit your girls family without having to earn would be a more sensible goal.
And,, it would be one GREAT adventure.................
pistachio
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pistachio
1/12/2017 13:27 EST
Khun,,,,
I am on the other side of your discussion. I came to Peru for a date in 2003 and it went well.. I visited on and off for about 5 years but alas the relation ended However my love of Peru persisted.........
Later on in 2012 I thought that it was time for a change and a new sky...... so taking a year to wrap everything up.... I moved here to Peru.... in fact Trujillo............
And yeah,, there are some changes in comforts but quality of life is not always based on comforts...
Most ,,, I have adjusted and also recreated a absolutely suitable and comfortable home environment....so,,, it is good......
There are some drawbacks but also some advantages......... public safety, construction standards,,,, infrastructure,,,, potable water from the tap..........
but some easily rectified.....
when all is said and done,,, it is Very "Do Able........"
and yeah,,, some familiar things are not available that the States provides..... they just simply don't exist here but,, you find alternatives.. and you can have your friend ship you some Tums on your birthday....... LoL
pistachio
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pistachio
1/12/2017 13:29 EST
No Doubt,,,,,,,,,,,
.....a visit before committing to a move is necessary and essential !!
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