Job Discussion Forums

[j_nmi_rutledge]

hi peoples!

i am navigating the world of TEFL trying to learn all i can to break in to this illustrious career field. and i have read many threads here, with much more studying to do. but i need to register for my class, and to that end i have a question i don't think i have seen addressed.

how helpful can the location of your training school be in finding work after?

let me expand...

i know that the promises of job placement are overstated at best. i'm not speaking to that. what i am wondering is if, generally speaking, it is easier to find a job within the geographical area in which you studied. of course, physical presence will make it easier to find a job in a certain area. but might the school you go to have better connections closer to their location, should they be so inclined or capable of helping with your job search?

the reason i ask is that i am looking at IH in Playa del Carmen versus IH in Mexico City.

why IH? because 1. they seem to be the only group in country to offer the CELTA 2. they conform to all the things that this board (and others) seems to recommend for a 1 month intensive (120 contact hours, 6+ hours of practicum, externally monitored, CELTA) and 3. the only thing i have found on here about them pertains to them as an employer (not the best, not the worst, as good or better a place as any to start out).


now, if i had my druthers, i would eventually work in the Yucatan, cause hey, Yucatan amiright? but this board paints the picture that there are more teachers than positions out there - it can be a tough market. i am worried that if i got a bad placement i would have few recourses. so i am not sure that is a sound place to start with my limited background***.


what DF offers over the Yucatan is my amazing and wonderful hunk-a-burnin' fiance. also, it seems many more opportunities for employment so that one bad placement could more easily be overcome.

so i guess this is a two-parter.
is DF a safer place to start than PdC for someone with a limited resume***?
will (or can) the location of your certifying school = a better time searching for a job?

also, if anyone has any info to share about IH as a certifying school, that would be wonderful, especially if you think i have assessed that incorrectly.

***limited background: i have a BA in Latin American Studies, some experience in teaching environments (lots of hours in the elementary setting, more informal than formal, a few years substitute teaching; ran a smallish church-sponsored daycare and implemented learning-through-play programs for the 4 & 5 year-olds), extremely hard working and conscientiious, cannot spell conscientious, have a positive, can-do attitude, have recently begun volunteering to help in an EFL class here in SC that is run by a church and is very informal.

thanks for any replies!

[donato]

1. DF you will have lots of opportunities. Whether you choose a low-stress life of poverty working for a language school or a high-stress but well-paid colegio and everything else.

2. IH is fine as a certifying school. I know many who have their CELTA from them. It doesn't matter where you do it, they're not the one's technically issuing them anyway. It's just a piece of paper so I wouldn't stress over any quality difference between DF or PDC. It should be good at both however.

[j_nmi_rutledge]

hi donato,

thanks for the info!

i think i'm going to DF!!! i am so excited!

[MotherF]

I was just going to say that I don't think it would make that much difference for getting a job, but having a connection in DF and a place to live already will help you, so you might as well go to Playa del Carmen (though don't expect to have free time during the course!) and relax a couple of days afterwards then go to DF to start your job hunt.

Also, SIT (The School for International Training) has an excellent certificate course that they offer in Oaxaca a couple of times a year. It's not as well known as the CELTA, but I think it might actually be better quality. It depends on who you get as a trainer.

[BadBeagleBad]

[j_nmi_rutledge]

MotherF - excellent point. i got an email from IH about doing my interview this week, and it was from someone at the PdC location even though i applied at the DF location web page, so i am guessing i still have a window to decide. idk. Sr. Awesome and i have been apart for a few months already now, so i may just go ahead and head to DF to be with him. separation sux, as does not being independently wealthy. where did i lose my tiara?

BadB - thanks for that info. something i will def look in to. 220 contact hours sounds like a lot (in terms of trying to get it in this summer on top of the CELTA and job hunting). i wonder if it is something i can wait to do after i've tested the waters a bit...

[MotherF]

[j_nmi_rutledge]

[Prof.Gringo]

[j_nmi_rutledge]

[BadBeagleBad]

[BadBeagleBad]

[PaulSal]