Job Discussion Forums

[Walrus]

I am a newbie trying to figure out some of the logistics of teaching in Mexico. I read quite a bit on the forum and learned a lot but I still have a few questions. I would appreciate any suggestions or guidance that the forum is willing to offer.

1. I have a German Shepard that I would hate to part with. I would be willing to take a job more off the beaten path if that would make a difference. So any advice on the pets and working in Mexico?

2. Is it worth it taking an American car to Mexico? Is it practical to keep an auto and insure it in country?

3. Is it practical to take a training course TELF in Mexico and then look for work in country?

4. Any suggestions on good places to work?

[davidmsgi]

1. Avoid the "language schools" (Berlitz, Harmon Hall, Interlingua) unless you have no other options. But if you have no experience, they may be your only options.

2. You need, at a minimum, TKT certificates (3 modules) from Cambridge.
The TKT is recognized by the Mexican governmental education authorities (SEP), and most schools.
Many TEFL "training" certificates and courses are worthless - be careful not to waste your time and money on training programs or certificates that are not recognized.

3. You need no certification to work at most language schools - if you're a native speaker, and have a pulse, you'll usually get hired. If you decide on a language school, read the comments here on the forum - there are many problems with these schools, be careful.

4. Your pet should be no problem as long as you follow the guidelines from Immigration regarding paperwork - current shots/vaccinations. etc. The rules are the same no matter where you live or work.

5. Your car will require the payment of a significant tax if it is a late model car. A new, expensive car is a magnet for theft or carjacking - it's better not to "stand out" here with clothes, cars, toys, jewelry, or actions that scream "look at me, I'm a rich gringo." It depends on where you live - you want to blend with the locals as much as possible.

6. Pick the city/area where you want to reside, and visit the local Colegios, Prepas, and Universities IN PERSON, with resume in hand, ready to interview. You need to meet the English coordinator or Academic Director at Prepas and Colegios, or the English coordinator/Language department head at Universities.

7. Visa requirements and work permits are covered extensively here in the forum, depending upon your status and circumstances. The rules have changed recently - do your homework.

Good luck.

[notamiss]

A brief note about #4 � the agency concerned with pets brought into the country isn�t Immigration, it�s the Dept. of Agriculture (SAGARPA). Government links are always changing, but at the time of writing this post, the requirements and forms for importing a pet can be reached from this page: http://www.senasica.gob.mx/?id=623

You can find a description in English of the requirements here: http://www.pettravel.com/immigration/Mexico.cfm but you�d have to check other sources to verify that it�s up to date.

[MotherF]

I would suggest that you consider flying down, getting your job and a place to rent, then flying back, processing your visa and driving back into Mexico with the car and the dog. Depending on what city you are looking at and the age and temperment of your dog, it can be hard to find a place to rent that is appropriate for a dog the size of a German Shepard.

Also worth thinking about, around where I live, pure breds are an often stolen item, especially if they are young and not sterilized. A pure bred German Shepard costs about the same as a used motor scooter and has the potential to make you money if you have a breeding pair. So you need a place where your dog will be safe while you are at work.

[Walrus]

Thanks everyone that gives me a great place to start and a lot of things to think about.