Job Discussion Forums

[bkflyer]

I am moving to Mexico in January 2005 in the hopes of teaching, living, traveling, and improving my Spanish (era mi especialidad en universidad, pero he olvidado mucho). I was planning on taking a TEFL course at Dunham Instutite in Chiapa de Corzo, but find that I may be able to secure a position with Cuauhnacuac in Cuernevaca without a certificate. Is anybody familiar with either city or program that could help shed some light on my decision?

I am also considering a school called Colegio Colonia Biligue in Antigua Guatemala (teaching primary, which I have experience in, instead of English). Thoughts are welcome about this as well; also any general advice that you feel like bestowing upon me would be appreciated.

Thanks to all for all of your great insights - I have spent many a late night reading posts on this site.

[saraswati]

I used to live in Chiapas and I've never heard of this program. It must be new. Their website states that the course meets all international requirements but it doesn't mention that their certificate is recognized internationally.

As for getting a job without a certificate, that's possible but if you ever decide to leave that position, you'll find your options limited.

[MixtecaMike]

Guatemalan pay is probably crappier than in Mexico, but Antigua Guatemala is very nice. I lived a few hours away from there for several years and did not go because I had been told how touristy it is. However when I did go there for an interview I found it was very very nice.

Close to Guatemala City for shopping trip, lots of foreigner-orientated businesses and stores, but if you live out of the central tourist zone, which for money reasons, you will, it is a typical Guatemalan town.

Their currency has also been much stronger than the peso for several years, god only knows why, it is a terribly corrupt little banana republic, but you pay probably won't be devaluing every payday.