The Centro de Estudios Interamericanos was founded in 1992. It is a not-for-profit institution, dedicated to the study of American languages and cultures. The Centro sponsors academic activities independently and in conjunction with universities in North and South America.

ENGLISH INSTRUCTION
We offer traditional classroom instruction, within a set four-year program; and tutoring, which gives individual or small-group instruction in a flexible format.

We offer 16 English language courses to the Cuenca community. The classroom is structured around similar foreign language programs with varying proficiency levels. CEDEI embraces a communicative approach to language learning. The calendar year is divided into four terms of 50 classroom hours each. Class size is limited to twelve students. The 2000 course dates are: Jan. 3 - March 10, March 27- June 2, June 19 - August 18 and Oct. 2 - Dec. 8.

SPANISH INSTRUCTION
English teachers and tutors are offered free or discounted Spanish classes.

THE REGION
Located high in Ecuador's southern Andes, Cuenca is the third largest city in the country. It enjoys spring-like temperatures year round. The city was founded in 1557 on the site of the Incan city of Tomebamba. The colonial churches and residences, the cobblestone streets, and the Incan ruins make Cuenca one of Ecuador's most interesting cities.. The site of three major universities and many museums, Cuenca has been called the Athens of the Andes. Nearby parks such as El Cajas, the wildlife preserves of Mazan, and the Incan fortress of Ingapirca provide dramatic opportunities for exploring the Andes.

E.mail: english@cedei.org
Website: http://www.cedei.org

moderator (ID=20) (Jun 1, 2000 9:12:12 PM)
Welcome Holly!

chuck (ID=22) (Jun 1, 2000 9:15:28 PM)
You as the employer will sort out the visas?

Holly Sanchez (guest) (ID=25) (Jun 1, 2000 9:23:46 PM)
It is very much easier in the long run to make all visa arrangements from one's home country before coming here.

Holly Sanchez (guest) (ID=25) (Jun 1, 2000 9:28:01 PM)
We send all the papers that the Ecuadorian consulate or embassy in your home country need to arrange the cultural visa.

Judy H (ID=21) (Jun 1, 2000 9:15:55 PM)
How does the cost of living compare with the US/UK?

Holly Sanchez (guest) (ID=25) (Jun 1, 2000 9:22:13 PM)
in answer to Judy's question, the cost of living here is much lower than in the US/UK.

chuck (ID=22) (Jun 1, 2000 9:17:12 PM)
So visas are sorted out prior to the teacher taking up appointment?

Dan (ID=24) (Jun 1, 2000 9:21:15 PM)
How long do appointments last for?

Holly Sanchez (guest) (ID=25) (Jun 1, 2000 9:22:50 PM)
Appointments last for a minimum of 6 months and can be renewed after one year for another year.

Judy H (ID=21) (Jun 1, 2000 9:23:34 PM)
Are teaching couples welcome?

Holly Sanchez (guest) (ID=25) (Jun 1, 2000 9:24:21 PM)
Yes, Judy, teaching couples are more than welcome as long as they both meet our qualification requirements.

Judy H (ID=21) (Jun 1, 2000 9:25:13 PM)
What sort of thing are you looking for in ESL certification?

Holly Sanchez (guest) (ID=25) (Jun 1, 2000 9:27:09 PM)
Our teachers usually have an undergraduate degree in TESL or in another field with TEFL certification. We accept RSA, CELTA or TESOL.

chuck (ID=22) (Jun 1, 2000 9:27:26 PM)
What levels/ages is the majority of student population?

Holly Sanchez (guest) (ID=25) (Jun 1, 2000 9:29:31 PM)
We have three age groups - ninos (children), high school students, and adults. There are 4 levels per year, and students graduate after 4 years. From introduction to intermediate to advanced.

Dan (ID=24) (Jun 1, 2000 9:28:54 PM)
What level of competition is there for the posts available?

Holly Sanchez (guest) (ID=25) (Jun 1, 2000 9:32:44 PM)
Many people apply who do not meet our requirements, so we recommend that they go to one of several language schools here in Cuenca that expect less educationally of their teachers. We have the best reputation in the city therefore and the highest salaries, I believe. We are more than fair in our hiring practices.

Judy H (ID=21) (Jun 1, 2000 9:32:22 PM)
Is it easy to travel to surrounding countries (expensive?)

Holly Sanchez (guest) (ID=25) (Jun 1, 2000 9:34:25 PM)
Most people find traveling within Ecuador completely fascinating and variable. There is so much to see here and every geographical setting imaginable. But a lot of teachers take their two-week intersession breaks to go to neighboring countries.

chuck (ID=22) (Jun 1, 2000 9:34:05 PM)
Are flights included for contracts or do some folks just "turn up?

Holly Sanchez (guest) (ID=25) (Jun 1, 2000 9:36:00 PM)
Teachers have to pay for their own transportation to Ecuador. The salaries are sufficient to pay local, daily expenses.

Judy H (ID=21) (Jun 1, 2000 9:35:19 PM)
Is it safe for female teachers alone?

Holly Sanchez (guest) (ID=25) (Jun 1, 2000 9:37:00 PM)
Judy, we have lots of single female teachers who are doing well and who seem not to feel threatened. Cuenca is actually quite a safe city.

chuck (ID=22) (Jun 1, 2000 9:37:17 PM)
How is the curriculum structured... e.g. set texts?

Holly Sanchez (guest) (ID=25) (Jun 1, 2000 9:38:21 PM)
The English program is made up of 4 levels - Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced and Oral and Written Expression. Students range in age from seven years old to adult. A student must complete four terms, or one year of study, for each level. A term consists of 50 class hours. TOEFL Preparation is also taught as the need arises. Odd-numbered courses are opened in October and April, even-numbered courses in January and June. Students must complete three of the four 400-level courses to graduate from the program. If a student takes all of the courses, from beginning to end, the program requires four years. We encourage communicative methodology, but recognize that the best approach to language teaching is an eclectic approach.

Holly Sanchez (guest) (ID=25) (Jun 1, 2000 9:38:58 PM)
As to types of materials that you would need, you will have use of the teacher's book for the course you are teaching and we have a fairly good collection of teacher resource books here. If you have some particular favorites, you might want to bring them.

Judy H (ID=21) (Jun 1, 2000 9:38:47 PM)
Are there any opportunities for teacher development?

Holly Sanchez (guest) (ID=25) (Jun 1, 2000 9:40:37 PM)
We have dept. meetings every other week in which teachers present ideas for teaching. We also have peer observations. There are also prof. development opportunities sponsored by groups such as the USIA.

chuck (ID=22) (Jun 1, 2000 9:41:14 PM)
Do teachers need to speak Spanish?

Holly Sanchez (guest) (ID=25) (Jun 1, 2000 9:42:39 PM)
No, Chuck, they don't. Teachers are encouraged not to use Spanish in the classroom. But you might find it interesting to know that teachers are offered free or discounted Spanish lessons here at CEDEI.

Holly Sanchez (guest) (ID=25) (Jun 1, 2000 9:44:53 PM)
We also have lots of fun and a great faculty.

moderator (ID=20) (Jun 1, 2000 9:0045:25 PM)
OK folks, many thanks to Holly for her time and thanks for your questions.

Please note that for clarity, this transcript has been sequenced and edited.