Job Discussion Forums

[Fatcat]

Has anyone been certified here or know someone who has? It seems about the same amount as ITTO in GDL, but it's CELTA, which from what I've read is more reputable.
Also, anyone know about job prospects in this specific area? If I get certified towards the end of November let's say, would it be better to wait til January to try to find a job?
(BTW, I have a BA from the states)
Thanks! FATCAT

[Fatcat]

Sorry, it's IH Riviera MayA if that makes a difference...

[moonraven]

It's a typical canned program. A friend of mine took it in Februar, and I looked over the materials for it when I was in Playa del Carmen.

It can't hurt you.

I do not know why anyone would want to work in Playa del Carmen--it has become an absolute hell-hole, crawling with tourists, rapaciously overpriced, etc.
One of the worst devlopment nightmares I have ever seen.

[Ben Round de Bloc]

Although Playa del Carmen isn't really all that far from where I live, I've never been there. Local friends of mine spent a long weekend there several months ago, and they said it was like vacationing in a big extended construction site, but that may have been due to the specific part of Playa where they stayed.

[Asi son las cosas]

After working 2 years in DF I spent 2 weeks travelling round Merida, Tulum, Playa del Carmen and I LOVED Playa del Carmen (this was in 2003) and I think it would be great to work there.... you're so close to beautiful, unspoilt places. Think you need to make up your own mind about places as everyone has different opinions.

[Fatcat]

That seems to be the trend! Any info on why or why one doesn't like a place is helpful. At least it gives you an idea in your head before venturing out.

[miss_betty]

hey fatcat

i just finished my CELTA at an IH in the states.

I heard that the IH in Riviera Maya is a relatively new program for that IH. No worries though, the program is strictly monitored by Cambridge University. I would reccommend taking the CELTA course. It has 'street credibility' LOL.

[PlayadelSoul]

Although we compete with them (not for CELTA), I have heard good things about their program and have sent some candidates there in order to get certification. Hopefully, they appreciate the gesture.

[agi_orosz]

I'm thinking about moving to Riviera Maya to teach there. I've never been to that part of the world. Is it really a horrible tourist trap?

[Fatcat]

Read the other thread a little down the list called "Playa del Carmen"---it may or may not help as everyone on dave's has their own opinon

[agi_orosz]

Thank you, I just read that thread, but it was basically quite a nasty argument, in the end about linguistics rather than Playa del Carmen.

Have you taught there? What are your feelings about he place?

Has anyone taught at IH Riviera Maya? Any opinions?

[PlayadelSoul]

I live and teach in Playa. The other thread contains my thoughts about Playa.

I know a couple of Spanish teachers in IH. I haven't heard any complaints.

[agi_orosz]

I hear you're pretty positive about Playa, that's reassuring. How are you after Emily? Is everything pretty much back to normal? How long does Hurricane season last? Is it usually sunny and beach weather like in all the photos, or is it rainy and cool for months?

[PlayadelSoul]

Things are returning back to normal, or at least as close to normal as one could expect after a direct hit by a cat 4 hurricane. Hurricane season usually runs late August - early October, but this year has been strange. Supposedly, we are in the cycle where there are more of them and they start earlier. Mexican construction is great for hurricanes, however. Just stay in your house (if it is brick).

The weather here is as advertised. Sometimes, I get tired of 85 and sunny, but not too often.

[Guerachida]

I am one of the many, many MANY expats living here in PDC. I was 2 blocks from the beach during Emily the hurricane and everythings fine. Most of the buildings here are concrete. Not too traumatic, much of the power in Colonia Centro returned within 36.
in the summer, it is mid nineties everyday, "cooling" to around 77 at night. It is VERY humid here in the jungle. mosquitoes can come in swarms. if you have lived in any other part of mexico for any length of time, you will be shocked at how expensive it is here. It isnt very Mexican , much of the signs and prices are in english/dollars. The Jamaica and Horchata are often of the powdered variety.
There are enough tourists here to make it like 2 cities. the happy beach spenders and the ones bringing them drinks. There are a lot of outright scams.
okay. what i like is the beautiful array of fish just a few meters from the shore. today i saw an eel and some of those yellow fish with the long noses. there are a ton of good lookin people from all over the world, in light clothing. You wont be stared at if you are socially different, like in other parts of mexico. there are plenty of jobs that pay better than most of the other places in mexico. (for tourist related professions) tips are in dollars, more often than not. There are still beaches near by that are not developed. (YET???)
My best friend has a Celta. I have a nice smile. We both teach English here in Mexico, and have for over a year. My best friend makes more than me. But i dont have to dress up as much, and my hours are more reliable.
You will see what you are looking for.
PS a plug for the best comida corrida in PDC...Las Caserolas on AVE 15!!!