There is no doubt that the Spanish colonial city of Cuenca is a wonderful place to call home, as demonstrated by the thousands of expats who have settled there in the past decade. But does Cuenca also offer job opportunities for expats who aren’t quite ready to retire?
Teaching English in Ecuador's 'University City'
While teaching English is still an expat's best bet when it comes to finding employment in Cuenca, expect it to be more difficult here than in either Quito or Guayaquil. Education is highly regarded in Cuenca, known as the 'University City' with no fewer than 8 university campuses, and Cuencanos place great emphasis on the importance of education. Positions teaching English in Cuenca are exceedingly coveted and competitive, as many expat teachers, both working and retirement age, desire a chance to experience the renowned charm of the city's lifestyle. Qualifications are a firm pre-requisite if you wish to land a job anywhere decent, that is, where the pay will be on the higher end of the spectrum and where your visa procedures will be handled for you. A Bachelor's degree or TEFL certificate won't be looked at as a plus, they are a requirement in Cuenca. Otherwise, roll up your sleeves and prepare to look for more basic jobs teaching informal hours to accommodate your students' schedules, and expect to earn on the lower end of the teaching scale.
Aim to please other expats
Cuenca is said to have the largest munity in Ecuador. This ever-growing munity is a great support system and could also prove to provide you with a lucrative clientele, depending on your skills. Are you, say, a Cordon Bleu trained chef when it comes to cuisine from your home country, exactly the kind of dishes that fellow expats may be missing? It's possible that you could turn your talent into a source of income by catering to expats' homesick-fueled cravings. Are you bilingual? You may find work translating daily tasks or running errands for expats who haven't yet learned Spanish. Whatever your talent, a great way to take the pulse of the munity even before arriving in Cuenca is to sign up for Gringo Tree and Cuenca High Life, both free online newsletters. They are widely read by expats in Cuenca, who also contribute much of the content. By keeping up to date with what's happening for expats in Cuenca, you will have a good chance of figuring out what in-demand service you might be able to offer them once you are in the city. Even so, it would be wise not to pin all your hopes of revenue income solely on the munity ' estimates for how many expats truly residing in Cuenca vary widely, ranging from 4000 to 10 000. That's a very fluctuating, uncertain market, and includes expats from all over the world. You'll be safer if whatever you aim to do or sell can also be of interest and use to Ecuadorians as well as to the local expats. That way you will bring your own skills to the entire community.
Whether you find yourself teaching English to native Ecuadorians in Cuenca, or offering services or sales to the munity, working in Cuenca will most certainly be a rich, cultural experience.
Useful links:
Private schools recommended by expats in Cuenca
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