Job Discussion Forums

zfoxfox · Joined: 24 Feb 2016 Posts: 1

Hello Everyone!

I am thinking of working as an ESL teacher in Mexico - Guadalajara specifically - but I can't find any information together in one place for newbies on the Mexican board. I have an unrelated BA and have been contemplating gaining a TEFL certificate and transitioning into TEFL teaching in Mexico. I have a few questions relating to the nature of work and how I might need to prepare:

1) Does it matter in Mexico if I apply for work with an online TEFL certificate or should I get a TEFL certificate in person? What do employers look for?

2) Can I find work with my background without ESL tutoring or ESL teaching experience? If so, what kind of work is reasonable work for a beginner? If not, what should I look to do to prepare to teach in Mexico?

3) Are Mexican language schools good places for a beginner teacher? If not what would the best institutions be to approach?

4) What are the outlets for private tutoring in terms of finding clients?

5) How complicated is the visa paperwork? Is there anything in particular I need to be aware of when filing for a working visa from within the country?

I have read several positive employment experiences from newbies teaching both with and without a TEFL certification but would love to hear more information/advice you might have on these topics.

Thank you in advance!

BadBeagleBad

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

1) Does it matter in Mexico if I apply for work with an online TEFL certificate or should I get a TEFL certificate in person? What do employers look for?

Immigration-wise, no it doesn't matter. If you've never taught in a classroom before, then you should do the course in person. PM me if you'd like a short list of the best locations to do that in Mexico and who to talk to.

2) Can I find work with my background without ESL tutoring or ESL teaching experience? If so, what kind of work is reasonable work for a beginner? If not, what should I look to do to prepare to teach in Mexico?

You are limited but you will find work. Teaching English at companies is commonplace, or at language institutes, or both.

3) Are Mexican language schools good places for a beginner teacher? If not what would the best institutions be to approach?

Language institutes are a good place to start. Your lack of experience excludes any kind of primary or secondary schools, and I think most unis wouldn't touch you. Think about ways to upgrade your education and continue to develop professionally if you want access to better jobs.

4) What are the outlets for private tutoring in terms of finding clients?

Social media is far and away the best place to do this. Local networking through English conversation groups is another. Writing on Dave's is yet another. Guadalajara is good for this.

5) How complicated is the visa paperwork? Is there anything in particular I need to be aware of when filing for a working visa from within the country?

Not complicated but you absolutely must have an employer sponsor you. You cannot do it from within Mexico - or rather, you at some point in the process need to leave the country to visit a Mexican consulate.