Job Discussion Forums

[rhoogma]

Hello,

I'm a 24 yo student here in Holland who has recently acquired his Master degree in Computer Science. Now that I'm done with my study I think it's a perfect time to go on a big trip. My plan is to start in Costa Rica (also do a 4 weeks course in spanish there) and up in Mexico City where I want to look for work.
I do not expect that I can make much use of my CS degree, so I picked up the idea to teach english. Although I am not a native english speaker, I think my english is pretty good. Teaching is not something I have done before, so it will be fun to do something completely different than what I've done so far with my studies.
I do have a few questions about the teaching english thing though.
I have been looking on the internet and found online TEFL courses. The problem here is that I do not have teaching experience and that I need to do a practical teacher training first before I even have chances to get a TEFL job. What are your opinions about this? I'm not a native english-speaker, will this prevent me from getting employed? How good are my chances in Mexico City for finding TEFL-work when I want to be doing this for 3-5 months?

I'm also open for other jobs that would be available to me. If people have other suggestions apart from "english teacher", I'd like to hear them. How is the demand for Dutch teachers? Feedback is greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Ronald

[Guy Courchesne]

Your chances of getting good teaching work in Mexico City are good if you take the right steps.

First, an online course won't do you much good unless you can get in some real practice teaching either as part of a course, through volunteering, or by working. There is the possibility of doing an online TEFL course and an internship, something we've been doing in Mexico City for some time now.

On not being a native-speaker...some students might notice and react badly if you have a very strong accent. If your level of English is strong, then it shouldn't be too much of a problem.

[some waygug-in]

What other languages do you speak?

I am not doubting your English ability, I am just trying to give you some options. German and or French seem to be a popular second choice for Mexicans to study, and you could probably charge a bit more for German classes because you would be kind of a rarity.

You may be able to do alright if you were to teach more than just English.

And your CS degree would be helpful also, you could specialize in teaching computer English/German/French.

[lennon146]

Ronald,

Although most TEFL courses specify that they will only accept 'native speakers', personally I don't think this would necessarily exclude you. Most Dutch people I have met speak English as well as I do... if not better! I think you guys learn Dutch and English side by side, is that right?

If so, you're as good as a native speaker.

You want to come to Liverpool and hear the terrible English we speak here!

[rhoogma]

Although I speak a little German and French, it is definately way too bad to be giving lessons. Dutch and English however are no problem for me. Like lennon146 mentioned....most Dutch people are pretty good at English. I've received english lessons since I was 10 years old. Apart from that I use English in communication daily. I've spoken with both US and UK people and they thought I did not have much of an accent.

But aside from that, I've sent inquiries about the courses offered at Innovative English (and got prompt reply from Guy). But apart from that I'm open for other suggestions. Are there many people interested in learning Dutch?

[kid ehglish]

I'd say the Mexicans are grammar-centered instructors. I don't think your accent will be as much of a problem as your grammar. The Ss might love you but your fellow national teachers will most likely lift eyebrows. Idioms, slang and other Americanisms is something they like to learn about, Ss and teachers. If you think Mexico is a low-paying country, wait 'till you get to Costa Rica ( the most beautiful nation I've ever visited).

[ls650]

[richtx1]

I'll send the original poster a private message, but I know of at least one Mexico City institution that would love to hire someone with a CS degree to run several English courses for programmers. The Dutch accent may be an advantage, to tell you the truth.

"Continental English" really isn't a problem, though there are a few institutions that sell themselves as "American" or "British" or "Canadian" schools... mostly catering to the insecure middle-class Mexican's worries about speaking with a "correct accent". People from the "other" English speaking countries -- Nigeria or India, for example -- are often speaking a more variant form of Received English than those from unofficially bilingual countries like the Netherlands or Norway. I don't know why anyone thinks the Dutch would be unfamiliar with English idiom. Have you ever watched Dutch TV, or been in Holland?

A lot of the people we work with are either NOT dealing with native speakers directly, but rather with people in third countries that also use English as a common business communications tool OR feel they were mislead when taught to train their ears to only one of who knows how many regional dialects (26 or so just in the United States) and find other dialects difficult to understand.