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TEFL TESOL Course Argentina - Buenos Aires

The secret’s out: Buenos Aires is finally accessible as an affordable metropolitan super-destination. Until recently, this fascinating South American capital was simply beyond the means of many travelers and once held the particular title as one of the most expensive cities in the world. Sharing a place amongst destination cities like Paris, London and New York; Buenos Aires can easily produce the credentials to justify its prestigious appointment as one of the world’s best cities and few are the visitors who don’t fall under her spell. Despite this legacy of wealth and prestige, the porteños, as the locals are called, are refreshingly down to earth and you can expect to be greeted with a sincere, passionate and unforgettable welcome that you simply won’t find in Paris or New York.

Add to that some of the most inspiring European architecture outside of Europe, an abundance of beautifully designed and maintained green areas for relaxing, a thriving art scene, great dining, some of the world’s best wine and a plethora of English teaching positions replete with clever and highly motivated students; Buenos Aires does not disappoint.

Originally founded as a Spanish colony, successive waves of Italian, German and most recently, Eastern European immigrants have all contributed to the nation’s distinction as the most European country in Latin America. This is evident in the architecture, the enlightened and humanistic city planning, the refined social etiquette, the sophisticated cuisine and the discerning tastes of the locals. However, as European as Argentina may in many ways seem; the mixing of the various European cultures along with its geographic isolation and the influences of neighboring countries have all combined to create something which is truly unique the world over and it must be seen and experienced to be understood.

While it is well established that Argentina has traditionally looked to Europe for inspiration and guidance, the country is at a dynamic crossroads in its history that began shortly after the collapse of the peso in 2002. Argentina has stopped looking abroad for inspiration, having instead redirected its gaze back onto itself, its distinctive culture and the myriad elements that differentiate it from the rest of the world. Argentina has arrived at a unique and powerful moment in its history and nowhere else are these sweeping changes more pronounced than in Buenos Aires itself. Like Berlin after the wall came down or Prague after the fall of communism, Buenos Aires is redefining itself and the resulting energy, creativity, vibrancy, and optimism are tangible and the momentum continues to build. The city is in the passionate throes of a cultural renaissance and the arts are flourishing as never before. The theaters are full and the rate of new productions has reached a feverish pitch. Film and television shoots on the streets are a daily occurrence and the galleries are filled with some of the best art to be found anywhere in the world. Fashion and design have reached new heights and are still climbing. Simply put, there has never been a better, more exciting or affordable time to enjoy this most fascinating corner of the world and TEFL International and our local staff would look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be an enriching experience never to be forgotten.

Buenos Aires is a city made up of several interconnected boroughs each with their own distinguishable character that are easily accessible on foot or via the excellent public transportation network that includes the oldest subway system in Latin America. Some of the best-known neighborhoods include: San Telmo, La Boca, Palermo, the Retiro, the Recoleta and many others. San Telmo is the oldest part of the city, evidenced by its cobblestone streets and low-rise architecture. It is here that the early history of the city comes alive amongst the rich “village within a city” atmosphere made up of small cafes, intimate plazas, antique shops and spontaneous displays of Tango. The Boca is another area that boasts a long history, and it is perhaps best known as the stronghold of the tango in its most traditional forms and for its unusual, multicolored architecture. Palermo is the city’s largest neighborhood and it is home to the art, fashion, cinema and nightlife scenes. Palermo feels like a small city within the city, and it is home to the Bosques de Palermo, which is the largest green area in the city. The Retiro and the Recoleta are the best examples of the French-styled belle epoch neighborhoods that perhaps best characterize the architecture that has made Buenos Aires so famous. Often referred to as “little Paris”, the Recoleta is conveniently located within walking distance to many of the city’s attractions including the world famous Cemeterio de Recoleta, which features some of the finest examples of funerary architecture in the world and it is the final resting place of some of the country’s most celebrated residents including Eva Peron and her family . The Plaza de Francia is a beautiful park that in addition to hosting an extensive Sunday art market, is the perfect place for throwing oneself down to study, have a picnic or to simply watch the world pass by at grass-level. Our training center is located in the very heart of the Recoleta, within the historical presidential manor of Carlos Pellegrini, who presided over the country at the turn of the century during Buenos Aires’ golden era. Our space is shared with our local sister organization, the highly regarded Academy of Recoleta Spanish institute. [www.academyrecoleta.com.ar] The facility is comfortable, well equipped and it features an interior patio that provides a welcome respite from the rigors of the classroom.

Our teacher training staff is dedicated to the training of teachers and is comprised of some of the most highly trained and experienced ESL professionals in the industry.

The training staff have over two decades of academic achievements behind them and ESL teaching careers that have spanned the globe from South America to Oceania, Africa to Asia, Europe, the United States and beyond. They have extensive experience teaching English as a second language to learners of all ages, levels and backgrounds and within the most basic to the most sophisticated of teaching environments.

Our teacher trainers have a passion for good teaching, which they are eager to share!
Our month-long program is intensive and designed to prepare you to move into a professional role as a TEFL teacher with confidence. During the course you will be introduced to a variety of effective teaching practices, including such topics as lesson planning, assessment of proficiency levels and classroom management. You will work with a variety of teaching materials designed for different proficiency levels and teaching environments. You will have practice in modifying and adapting these materials during your teaching practice sessions. Our course also includes segments on grammar and phonology specifically adapted to your needs as a TEFL teacher. Finally, throughout the course we will be focused on developing the habits of self-critique and reflection that will help you to continue to grow as a teacher throughout your teaching career.

TEFL International Buenos Aires is an excellent place to begin or further one’s ESL teaching career and we would look forward to helping you reach your professional goals amongst the unique richness of the city.

Where

• In one of the most fascinating capital cities in the world.
• Barrio Recoleta, in the Carlos Pellegrini Manor alongside the Academy of Recoleta Spanish institute.

• Within walking distance to many of the city’s most famous attractions and neighborhoods.
• In the safest and most secure part of the city.
• In the country’s travel hub, with easy access to the rest of Argentina and South America.

Why

• There is a strong local demand for qualified English teachers from high-quality teaching establishments.
• Argentine students are highly motivated and well educated.
• A low cost, high standard of living.
• An ideal place to learn what is considered to be the most beautiful dialect of Spanish at a discounted rate via our sister organization: The Academy of Recoleta.
• Abundant opportunities for travel to the Andes, Patagonia and the Igazú falls and within close proximity to beaches and skiing.
• The city is at an amazing and important time in its history, amidst a cultural renaissance, which is not to be missed.
• A fascinating, multifaceted and welcoming culture.

Who

• Your fellow students come from a wide range of countries and backgrounds creating a diverse, multicultural learning environment.
• Your teacher trainers are amongst the best in the industry with extensive experience teaching over a wide range of ages, proficiency levels and in a wide array of countries around the world.
• Your support staff is helpful, knowledgeable and genuinely interested in making your transition to Buenos Aires and onto the course as comfortable as possible.
• The locals are outgoing, welcoming, well educated and happy to share their culture.

Bureaucracy, passports and visas

EU, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand passport holders don't need a visa for Argentina. If you do not hold a passport which falls into one of these categories, check with your country's Argentinean embassy or consulate to find out what your specific entry requirements are to cover the 28 day TEFL course period.

Local currency

Argentina's currency is known as the Peso. Its symbol is the same as the US Dollar so don't get confused. 15$ is 15 Pesos, 15 US$ or U$S is 15 US Dollars.

How much money should I bring?

You should budget to spend between 500 Euros (spartan life) to 1,000 Euros (good life) for the period covering the 28 day course. If you want to stay and work in Buenos Aires or the rest of Argentina you should budget between 1,000 to 2,000 Euros to cover finding apartments in Buenos Aires and living expenses until you get your first pay-check.

What to bring

Mandatory

• Non-Argentinean citizens: Passport and a round-trip air ticket
• Argentinean citizens: either your Passport or your DNI
• Original or copies of your University or College qualifications (degree certificate or transcripts)

Laptop computers

• We provide free WIFI internet access, so you can bring your laptop and make use of our free internet access AS LONG AS your laptop is wireless B/G compatible
• We give you the codes to connect, but you are responsible for configuring your laptop and making sure it works properly and connects

Mobile/Cell phone

• If you have a tri-band phone - BRING IT. You will find that it is cheaper to buy a pay-as-you-go card for your phone than it is to buy a new one
• Being contactable by phone is VERY important
• Good local phone companies: CTI, Personal or Telefonica

Recommended items for the TEFL course

• All foreigners can use Argentinean national health, but we HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you take out personal accident and health insurance
• Scissors, notebook, glue, pens and pencils, paper clips, blue-tac (don't forget to put your scissors and other sharp objects in your check-in baggage)
• English-Spanish phrase book and/or dictionary
• Presentable clothes for teaching and job interviews. Business suits are required at some client sites
• Electrical converters
• A travel alarm clock
• Towels and toiletries
• Money belt
• If you plan to stay and look for TEFL jobs you may need your birth certificate (original or a notarised copy) and your passport

Advice for new visitors

Buenos Aires is a safe city and violent crime is rare but pick-pocketing in tourist areas is not. If you decide to take our TEFL course in Buenos Aires then please take note of the following advice:

• Don't keep your wallet in your back pocket
• Keep your purse/hand bag closed and in front of you
• Don't go out with all your cash and credit cards, only take what you need
• Make photocopies of your passport and leave a copy with someone you trust back home
• Only carry a photocopy of your passport, it is highly unlikely that you will be asked to show your id to anyone, but if you do, the photocopy will do
• Keep your valuables in a money belt that goes under your clothing
• Be wary of seemingly friendly individuals or small groups that approach you in touristy areas

Note:

Local circumstances and extras may change without notice.

This TEFL International Course conducted by a separate company working as a subcontractor of TEFL International and is not a non-profit organisation.