TEFL / TESOL / CELTA? Which one is best to teach English in Sao Paulo?

Hi Michael,

Actually, any of the courses you've mentioned will put you in good shape for finding a teaching job in São Paulo. Don't expect to make a lot of money from any of the "traditional" schools, they really don't pay well, but they're a good start to keep you going until you can recruit enough private students to earn a better income. Private students really are where the money is. One major thing to remember, NEVER take students from a school where you have worked until they're out of the school for about a year. Good ethics will keep you in good standing with the schools, students are easy enough to find without taking them from a school where you're working or have worked and risk getting blacklisted. Some students will actually approach you with an offer to leave the school and take private lessons with you. Don't fall into that trap, many times they'll just turn around and rat you out to the owner of the school. Then not only do you wind up without a student, but also without a job. Really not worth it.

Thanks for the quick reply wjwoodward! Your insight is very much appreciated, and will be noted for when I go. I'll probably do the 150 hour Tefl then, and go on a tourist visa around the beginning of October, and hope to find schools willing to overlook the 'working on a tourist visa' issue.
Any advice from other expat-bloggers will also be greatly received
As will any links to the most popular São Paulo job boards for English Teachers

Thanks guys!

Michael

Hi Michael,

Once you've got a few more postings under your belt send me a private message. I have a contact for you in São Paulo, a personal friend of mine.

Cheers,
James