Job Discussion Forums

ozgurl · Joined: 16 Mar 2010 Posts: 6

I hope the peeps in DF might have some suggestions for me.
I'm looking for the ideal language school job. My problem is that I have worked for a great language school in Thailand where I was treated and paid very well and life was extremely easy.
So now I have pretty high standards.
I have ruled out Berlitz, Interlingua or Harmon Hall because I refuse to do thier training or work in a place that enforces a particular method. I wouldnt mind doing a company class or two but I'd prefer a stable routine and not too much travelling. Id prefer to work lunch and evening shifts so no Colegios for me I think. Making things even more unlikely, I want to live and work in the same area to avoid commuting - and I do like the fancy places like Roma, Condesa, Zona Rosa.
I think International House would be good and have contacted them. Is there any place else I could try?
I have a BA in English and History and a CELTA and 1.5 years experience. My Spanish is elementary at best. Am I dreaming?

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

International House would be a good choice. You might also want to check with the Anglo - they have a Condesa branch.

The pay for teaching at their branch is not particularly good and it is very difficult to get full time. Both schools pay better for sending you out to classes, usually at companies, but the bulk of your classes will be away from Condesa/Roma...IH in particular will want to send you to Santa Fe, a hefty commute.

Enchilada Potosina · Joined: 03 Aug 2010 Posts: 344 Location: Mexico

Stay in Thailand unless it is your dream to live in el df as it will involve sacrifices.

ozgurl · Joined: 16 Mar 2010 Posts: 6

Thankyou Guy! Having noted all your informative posts I wanted to PM you actually, but have fewer than 5 posts, so it was perfect to see your response.
I forgot to include in my original post - do you think many schools would consider hiring me if I could only commit to 9 months? This is probably the most outrageous thing about my whole approach here. I have commitments for the holidays.
I am very tempted to give up and go back to Thailand where my old job beckons, but I am enjoying learning Spanish and I really like Ciudad Mexico.

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

I think IH would baulk if you told them 9 months, but the Anglo wouldn't.

It's going to be hard to get everything you want...like EP says, you'll have to make some sacrifices...either commute time, where you live, or decent pay.

Tretyakovskii · Joined: 14 Aug 2009 Posts: 462 Location: Cancun, Mexico

If you're really enjoying Mexico you ought to stay here, and make it work.

I thought you would have a hard time adjusting, comparing everything to Thailand, which can be very seductive in many respects; but, if you like it here, you've already got past that hurdle.

I don't know if the situation you had in Thailand just fell into your lap, sometimes that happens: other times it doesn't, and it takes time to get all the pieces together for a great life.

It took me a year of laying groundwork for the job I ultimately ended up with, a full time professorship in a state university, which many would consider a dream job. Along with the late arrival of this opportunity came three changes of residences prior to the purchase of our condo, and one stab at work which didn't pan out, long term, though I'd hoped it would.

In a big, dynamic city like Mexico there will be opportunities enough to see your dream fulfilled, and nine months may turn into years before you know it!

Isla Guapa · Posted: Mon Mar 05, 2012 10:49 pm Post subject:

If you want to live in "fancy places" like Condesa or Roma (I wouldn�t recommend living in the Zona Rosa unless you are very fond of fast food and very loud music playing at all hours Wink

.), then you would have trouble paying the rent on the salary you'd get from any language institute in the city.

ozgurl · Joined: 16 Mar 2010 Posts: 6

I think the main thing that I am willing to sacrifice is money - I have a husband to provide for me to some extent. Sometimes high rent is worth it. What is key for me is job satisfaction and meeting people through work. After that is time, I'd like enough to get to the gym or pool during the work week.
You're right about the Thailand job, Tretyakovskii, I was lucky to get it, not everything is great in the LOS. I wish I didnt know how good a tefler's life could be! At the end of the day, tough life is short. I'm going to try to get the best I can get, as quickly as I can, though I do take on board your suggestion to be more patient.
I spoke to a guy at IH, and I have already identified some areas for compromise...

fieldsofbarley · Joined: 12 Nov 2010 Posts: 47 Location: Mexico City

Having lived both in Thailand and in Mexico, Thailand wins hands down in terms of quality of life. The problem with DF is that after a while, by the time you're finished going to and from your classes, you rarely feel like doing anything else. Moving around this city every day takes its toll, which is a shame, because the city has plenty of cultural events and other interesting stuff.

If you're set on staying here you could try IH as others have mentioned (at least they'll pay you on time), or perhaps try out some of the private universities like Ibero or Tec de Monterrey...just some ideas.

Good luck!

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2012 1:15 pm Post subject:

Isla Guapa · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2012 2:57 pm Post subject:

Tretyakovskii · Joined: 14 Aug 2009 Posts: 462 Location: Cancun, Mexico

Isla Guapa · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2012 3:05 pm Post subject:

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2012 3:27 pm Post subject:

Tretyakovskii · Joined: 14 Aug 2009 Posts: 462 Location: Cancun, Mexico

Guapa, the reality is that it is hot there, but it rarely gets above 35, and you tend to stay out of the heat, midday. As you say, it's not for everyone....

Asian Fever is the explanation that is given for those who go to SE Asia and disappear into a life they never experienced before, one they find enticing mainly for its comforts. Thai food is exceptional, and readily available on the streets, where you eat in the open air; Thai people believe nothing is worth doing that you cannot have fun with, including work; Thai people smile at others, almost all the time; Thai women are among the friendliest in the world, which can hold an attraction for some; and, professional massages done in comfortable surroundings are very affordable (I paid $6 USD for a two hour massage, Hat Yai, Thailand), making three times a week massages a possibility, even on a modest budget.

But, working in Thailand is a mixed bag; and, social unrest, leading to violent public clashes is a factor in life there now, unfortunately.