Comparing the Essential Characteristics

• Cultural Affinity: The cultural connection between Latin American virtual assistants and Western counterparts is a significant advantage. Latin American VAs often have a better understanding of American culture, fostering effective communication and teamwork, which translates into superior outcomes for businesses. VA’s from South America have a warm essence that resonates well with clients and company team members alike.

• Time-zone Dynamics: Understanding time-zone variations is crucial. While the Philippines is 12 hours ahead of the US East Coast during summer, Latin American countries typically operate on Eastern Time or with a minimal one-hour difference. This advantage allows Latin American teams to work more closely aligned with US hours, enhancing collaboration and efficiency.

• Bilingual Proficiency: Both Filipino and Latin American virtual assistants are bilingual, but finding perfect English with a neutral accent might be rarer. However, Latin American accents are increasingly accepted, particularly in customer-facing roles, given the growing Hispanic population in the US. Specifically in Argentina, English has been valued highly in the culture, with newer generations having nearly no accents.

Cost and Reliability Considerations

• Workforce Stability: In the Philippines, the BPO market is highly developed but oversaturated, leading to frequent job-hopping among skilled workers. Conversely, Latin America offers a more stable workforce, with lower turnover rates, facilitating the development of enduring partnerships. Latin Americans are grateful for work opportunities, and are committed to earning a stable career through reliable effort. They consider their virtual assistant role as an opportunity at a high-income career with growth opportunities. 

• Cost Considerations: While both regions offer cost savings compared to local hires, the Philippines is traditionally seen as slightly cheaper. However, Latin America often compensates with higher quality workers, making the overall cost difference negligible.

Looking Past the Fundamentals

• Educational Background and Skillsets: When considering virtual assistants from the Philippines versus Latin America, it’s essential to assess their educational background and skillsets. The Philippines boasts a robust education system with a strong emphasis on English proficiency and technical skills, thanks to its American-influenced education system. On the other hand, Latin American countries like Argentina and Colombia are known for their highly educated workforce, with many professionals holding advanced degrees in various fields. Depending on your business’s specific needs, you may prioritize virtual assistants with expertise in areas such as digital marketing, graphic design, or IT support, which are prevalent in both regions.
• Lifestyle Alignment and Availability: Consider the lifestyle preferences and availability of virtual assistants when choosing between Filipino and Latin American options. Filipino virtual assistants often adapt to working night shifts to accommodate clients in North America, potentially impacting their work-life balance. Conversely, Latin American virtual assistants typically maintain regular business hours, providing more consistent availability for real-time collaboration and communication. Understanding these lifestyle factors can help optimize workflow and foster effective teamwork.
• Professional Development Opportunities: Evaluate the professional development opportunities available to virtual assistants in both regions. While the Philippines boasts a mature outsourcing industry with general training and skill enhancement programs, Latin American countries are increasingly investing in talent development initiatives. Filipinos are well aware of the growing influx of work opportunities from abroad, which is reflected in their gratitude and work ethic. Given that South American workers have a greater need for favourable work opportunities, they aim to prove themselves in every role they are given to secure the best opportunities long-term. Assessing the potential for career growth, training resources, and networking opportunities can help ensure that virtual assistants remain motivated, engaged, and equipped with the skills needed to support your business effectively.

Overview of Filipino versus Latin American Virtual Assistants

In choosing between South American and Filipino virtual assistants, prioritize your business’s specific needs and goals. If you seek short term cost-effectiveness and a developed industry, the Philippines might be the way to go. However, if stability, cultural alignment, and long-term reliability are paramount, Latin America could offer a better fit.

Whether you opt for an agency or freelancer, ensure thorough vetting to find the right fit for your business. At VAgency, we offer personalized assistance in selecting the ideal virtual assistant from South America, tailored to meet your unique requirements. Our tried and tested process ensures our VA’s have the highest standard of work, as we succeed through your company’s success. Explore how our curated pool of qualified professionals can elevate your remote staffing experience and contribute to your business’s success.