I'm 18 and want to go to Cali for gap year.

expatriate says on Jun 16, 2005, 04:36:

Have fun Hi Laura. If I was your father, I would advise this. At age 18 I would not count on getting a teaching job simply because you speak English, so you would need to have some money for your stay.

Taking Spanish classes would be good though, and you can soak up some foreign culture.

Also, at that age, I would not count on keeping the same boyfriend for a year, so maybe you should plan on staying only 2-3 months tops. Start college the following semester. Good luck. John

If you are young, skilled, and intelligent, you might want to seriously consider leaving the US now, while you still can.

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Albatross says on Jun 16, 2005, 08:24:

. Since it's your first trip and you won't get a job (trust me on that one), I wouldn't even plan on a couple of months, plan on a week or two and extend your stay if you want... and make real sure you don't lose your passport or return ticket.

“Democracy - a pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance." - H.L. Mencken

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LauraOrtiz says on Jun 16, 2005, 12:52:

Thanks for both of your comments!

Firstly I would like to say the main reason for me to go to Latin America is not just for my boyfriend...I had planned to go before, as I am taking a degree at uni in Spanish and Latin American studies. I am half Spanish half English and my Spanish isnt great so I really want to improve it before I do the degree in order to do really well, and learning about the culture at the same time is a plus.
However, my boyfriend tells me I would be able to get a job, if not as a teacher, then in a shop...and he said he knew a lot of Americans who came to Cali and got teaching jobs really easily without any qualification...
I know its a beautiful place, although the word of mouth isnt great about it...I think its truly underestimated...

Anyway let me know what u think again pls!

Laura x

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expatriate says on Jun 17, 2005, 11:26:

Job lead Go to the source. Laura, call Masyury Marin at Englishnet in Cali, and ask about job possibilities. That way you'll know what your chances are of getting a teaching job. 011-572-661-0670 or 011-572-683-1044.

As far as working in a shop making $6 a day, that is a waste of your youth. I suggest visiting Colombia this summer to learn about the culture, and then get yourself to college in the fall and take a Spanish class. You can always return to Colombia during winter break.

If you are young, skilled, and intelligent, you might want to seriously consider leaving the US now, while you still can.

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BxUnika says on Jun 18, 2005, 20:46:

I Agree with Expatriate You are 18. You'll find another guy in your very own home country before you even realize el calenito is gone.

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