Many students find that having a maid (empleada) allows them to devote themselves to full-time language study. They cook, clean, wash and iron clothes, even care for children in some instances. You can obtain a full or part-time maid. If you may be interested in a maid, please let your Big Brother/Sister know.  During the week of orientation, the maid coordinator will assist you in setting up an interview.  The institute has an empleada system whereby empleadas work for students year after year.  You will be able to look over the past evaluations of former students before making your decision.  Keep in mind that having a maid is relatively expensive, and you will need to plan ahead and make provisions in your budget for this expense.

The following calculations are approximate and are meant to help you understand the maximum costs involved in having a maid. More information on maids will be given during orientation week.

 

 

One Term

(4 Months)

Days Worked Per Week
  1 2 3 4 5
0 - 2 Children $262 $486 $710 $933 $1,158
3 + Children $296 $553 $812 $1,070 $1,328

Two Terms

(8 Months)

Days Worked Per Week
  1 2 3 4 5
0 - 2 Children $524 $972 $1,420 $1,866 $2,316
3 + Children $592 $1,106 $1,624 $2,140 $2,656

Three Terms

(12 Months)

Days Worked Per Week
  1 2 3 4 5
0 - 2 Children $747 $1,465 $2,182 $2,899 $3,616
3 + Children $856 $1,682 $2,508 $3,334 $4,159

Notes:

1.  Calculations include maid's salary, obligatory social security payments, accident policy, end-of-year bonus and, the cost of the maid eating at your home during working hours, i.e. lunch & coffee breaks.

2.  If your maid does not take vacation days, you must pay her any unused days at the end of the contract.

3.  Estimates do not include obligatory cost of living raises which occur twice a year and are normally between 5 and 10 percent.

4.  Other costs may be incurred if the maid is fired, or the contract is terminated prior to the date agreed upon.

5.  Calculations are based on a six hour work day.