Searching for an English teaching job in Ecuador

This post is meant to provide information and support to anyone planning to come to Ecuador to teach English.

 Laws have changed recently in Ecuador! This means a few things when searching for teaching jobs.

• First, it is much harder to find a job in Ecuador with out a degree. I have a Bachelor's, but I am learning that a Master's is much preferred in the university system. In language institutes the laws are not quite as strict yet, and it is still possible to find work without a degree (but be careful, as some will try to employ you illegally, meaning no visa). If you are planning to teach, the Ministry of Education has recently started to crack down requesting that all of your diplomas and other documents to be apostilled and registered with Senescyt. This is a long and complicated process.
• Second, I am still learning about the different types of visas that allow you to work in Ecuador. From what I understand at the moment, there are three main types. The first, which is the best option is the Cultural Exchange Visa. This is a one year visa (can be renewed), which allows you to live and volunteer in Ecuador (and receive a stipend to live off of, a bit of a loophole in the system). The second type of visa is a work visa. This is a much more expensive visa, which usually has a 4-6 month processing time. It also requires the person to be registered with Senescyt, etc. The third type of visa, called the 12-IX (12-9) visa, which I am just starting to hear about is an extended 6 month tourist visa that you can work under (meant as a volunteer visa as well). However, it is much easier to secure this before you leave the Untied States, and for many (including myself) the plan is to get certified and then begin the job search. The Cultural Exchange Visa is your best bet. 

Here are some words of caution to anyone considering the TESOL certification course at EIL Ecuador: The TESOL course itself was an incredible experience, and I could not be more pleased with the training I received. However, EIL says that they will help TESOL course participants with job placement and securing a visa (IF they are able to offer placement, they also offer the Cultural Exchange Visa), and this is the part I was extremely disappointed with.

Because of the new laws, EIL's program has suffered some growing pains. There were very few options presented to me, and they were presented 4 days after the course had ended. There was only one opportunity in Quito (and I had already moved into my apartment in Quito for various other reasons based on the programs lack of organization). For this reason I felt the need to take it upon myself and search for jobs. Our teacher trainers on the course Justin and Sophia were invaluable in this process. They gave us different language institutes to check out, as well as personal contacts. This is how I was able to get in touch with the English Teaching Program at the Fulbright Commission.

Ecuador is a great place to look into teaching, but make sure you are well informed about the support that the program you are working with provides, or be prepared to go through Senescyt.