Job Discussion Forums

[Natalia25]

Hello,

I am interested in teaching in Mexico (beginning next August) and I have been looking at placement programs. The one by InternetWorks and Cultural Embrace are two that I'm considering, but I was wondering if anyone knew of others that have a good reputation?
Just to let you know a little bit about me - I am finishing a Masters degree in Spanish and a k-12 teaching certificate in the U.S. I don't have a TEFL certificate though.
I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks!

[joshua2004]

You don�t need to go through a placement program. You can use the money you would give them to set yourself up nicely here while you look for work.

Ideally you should choose where you want to go and explore all the options in that area before you leave. You can do this by asking people that are living there currently. Then start talking to the schools you want to work at. With a teaching license you do not need a TEFL certificate. Those are for people who don�t have a teaching license or degree.

With your credentials, I would not go to any of the small English schools like Harmon Hall and the like. The first school I encountered here wanted to pay me 50 pesos an hour for working only 2 hours a day and that was having to travel forty-five minutes by bus or taxi. Taking the taxi would have used most of my pay for the day! And I have my Masters in Education and a teaching license. Do yourself a service and stick with established, upper-class schools.

In Mexico, private schools are where most people go for quality education. I am talking about k-12, though this could apply to university level too. There are many quality k-12 private schools you can choose from. Some have better reputations than others. But the benefit of these private schools is that they pay better. I wouldn't take less than 10,000 pesos a month. There are many schools that will pay for your airfare to and from the country and some basic emergency medical insurance. These are the kinds of schools you want to find.

I work at ITESM at a middle school in Torre�n, Coahuila. (ITESM)Tec de Monterrey is an upper-class private school system in Mexico. It is regarded as one of, if not the highest quality educational system in the country. I am teaching English this year and will be coordinating the English department next year.

I love working here. I feel I have the space to grow and develop as a professional, something I didn't have in the States or at other schools here in Mexico.

If you have any further questions you can contact me or post it here.

[Ben Round de Bloc]

[Guy Courchesne]