Buenos Aires, Argentina Q and A with ITA Alumni Lili Kocsis

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF!

What is your citizenship?

United States

What city and state are you from?

Boston, MA

How old are you?           

23

What is your education level and background?  

Bachelor's Degree

Have you traveled abroad in the past?       

I taught English abroad previously

If you have traveled abroad in the past, where have you been?        

Chile, Hungary, Colombia, Argentina, Spain, Sweden, Ireland, Germany, France, Hong Kong

What sparked your interest in going to teach English abroad?              

I wanted to live in a place I love.

TEFL CLASS INFORMATION

Why did you decide to get TEFL certified and choose International TEFL Academy? 

Because a TEFL certification is universal certification to teach English, allowing me to teach anywhere in the world I want.

Which TEFL certification course did you take?         

Argentina - Buenos Aires TEFL Class

How did you like the course?

I loved it!  It was very helpful and the instructors were great.

How has your TEFL training helped you in your current teaching position?       

It's much easier to be hired when employers see you have a TEFL certification.

TEACHING ABROAD IN BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA

Which country did you decide to teach English in and why?

Argentina

How long have you been in this  country and how long do you plan to  stay?      

1 year

 How did you secure your English  teaching job? 

Via Craigslist

How did you get your work visa? If you didn't get a work visa, please elaborate on working under the table without a work visa.  

I didn't need one, I work under the table.

Tell us about your English teaching job!

It's around 30 hours a week teaching at businesses. I earn 30 pesos an hour. Vacation time is pretty flexible. Whenever I need a day off they find other teachers.

How did you find somewhere to live and what is it like? Do you have roommates?     

On Craigslist. Yes, 3 roommates whom I love.

COUNTRY INFORMATION - FUN!

Please explain the cultural aspects, public transportation, nightlife, social activities, food, expat community, dating scene, travel opportunities, etc. about your country:  

Buenos Aires is a great place to live. People are out every night from 10 to 6 and they are very inviting. Guys are pretty attractive, food is delicious and there is a very nice, broad expat community which stays pretty active throughout the year.

COUNTRY INFORMATION - MONEY

What are your monthly expenses?

Rent for 1 room in a 3 bedroom apartment in Recoleta is around 500 USD. Food is very cheap at supermarkets, so I usually only spend around 50 USD a week. Transportation is very cheap. Phone bill is around 50 USD a month.

How would you describe your standard of living?   

Tough sometimes but very rewarding.

In your opinion, how much does someone need to earn in order to live comfortably? 

Around 1,500 USD a month at least.

ADVICE FOR PROSPECTIVE TEACHERS IN BUENOS AIRES

What advice would you give someone planning or considering teaching abroad? Would you recommend teaching in your country?

Yes, I would. I recommend making friends as soon as you get here.