Beach near Lima, Peru
If you are a recent college graduate, you probably already know that you are entering into one of the most challenging job markets in decades. Unfortunately, this fact is especially true for those who have liberal arts degrees. While some companies are currently hiring, they are only looking for people with technical skills, like engineers and accountants.
Fortunately, with a worldwide vision you will see you are not as limited as you may think. Why not take advantage of this fact? If you learn Spanish abroad, you will be provided with a unique chance to see the world while you expand your skill set. Chile, Peru, and Argentina all have excellent ECELA Spanish schools.
If you think you can’t afford a gap year, consider teaching English during your trip. Once you have learned Spanish, you can easily get your teaching certificate at English institutes around South America, which are easy to locate in big cities like Lima and Santiago. By combining work with travel, your experience is fulfilling and practical. Instead of being stuck in America struggling to look for work, you can enjoy a vacation while you are earning money.
Finding teaching work is easier than you might think. Place a classified ad or apply at a language institute. It is also simple to place classified ads online before you reach a certain destination. You could line up clients a few weeks before your arrival.
By traveling around South America and teaching abroad, you are taking the current job market in the US and turning it into your advantage. Not only will you gain valuable knowledge in Spanish, you will have the experience of a lifetime having the free time to explore South America. Plus, having these experiences under your belt will potentially make you a more valuable asset to a company when you are ready to reenter the North American job market.