Job Discussion Forums

Ka

Hi all,

After a remarkable trip to Mexico City, in which I fell madly in love with the people, the history and the culture, I am now researching opportunities to go teach for six, twelve, eighteen months. I'd really appreciate any and all advice as I know very little about this entire teaching English ordeal and opportunity. I am reading madly at the moment but more specific advice on my situation would be great.

About me: I am a 30 year old Canadian female with a Masters degree in academic theatre (ie. I'm not an actor - I wrote a thesis on audience development and funding) and experience teaching at a postsecondary level and tutoring English (the subject, not the language). I have been working as a theatre administrator (writing grants, dealing with the media and the public) now for ten years. I don't, however, have a TESL/TOEFL certificate.

First off, how mandatory is a TESL certificate to teach in Mexico City if I have a Masters degree and teaching (albeit relatively limited - 18 months) experience?

Secondly, if I were to go directly to the public and private universities, who would I contact? Human Resources? An English department?

Thirdly, how important is a basic command of Spanish to teaching English? My plan would be to study Spanish at the same time, and I do pick up languages quite quickly (I speak French and Swedish almost fluently - almost...) but at the moment could do little more than order two burritos, please and thank you.

I think that's it for my questions for the time being. Thanks in advance for any advice and I promise to return the kindness on this forum whenever possible.

Erika

P.S. Don't worry about warning me about salaries and cost of living - I have done a fair bit of research and read nearly every post on this forum pertaining to Mexico City so I am under no illusions that I will return home with pockets full of money. I want to go to Mexico in order to learn as much as I can about this beautiful and complicated culture, and am willing to give up opulence in return for life experience. Cheers!

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

I would guess that you have enough of a background to seek employment anywhere you like, though you might run into people doing the hiring that will ask you about a TEFL/TESL certificate. I wouldn't worry about it though...

Landing the plum jobs is more a matter of timing than anything else. On your next visit, go around to the unis, both to Recursos Humanos or to relevant departments. Another route in is to see a big chain school as they sometimes have contracts to supply teachers, but this is a lower-paying option. Always best in Mexico is to know someone and network your way in.

You generally will not be required to know or speak Spanish to teach English, though I believe that it is a great help. Doubtful that it'll be a job requirement.

You might find that you don't have a whole lot of time to get into a formal Spanish program if you are working at a uni. You might have to study part time or take classes a little more infrequently that you would want to.

Nice to see someone who loves the city. We seem to be a minority. Good luck and I hope you find all you desire.

Ka · Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2005 2:17 pm Post subject:

Thanks so so much, Guy. I really appreciate it.

You wouldn't have a sample of a TESL resume you could offer, would you? I tried the link on your website - www.teachers_international.com/resumeguide.htm - but it's not working at the moment.

I landed an apartment in a great neighbourhood yesterday. Now all I need is a job to pay for it! Ha ha ha!

Anyone who does not love Ciudad de Mexico is truly missing out...

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

wrong site...maybe I typed it in wrong before.

http://www.innovative-english.com/resumeguide.htm

It is more of a pre-TEFL resume, but I think that suits you fine.

Cdaniels · Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2005 2:45 pm Post subject: Burritos Please!

Perhaps Ka is aware of this (and is making a joke), but for anyone who is not, the "Burrito" is an U.S. invention, part of "Tex-Mex" cuisine and not really Mexican at all. A very good "fonda-style" Mexican restaurant outside of Boston even posts that they do not have burritos on the front door, after they tired of constantly explaining to customers that burritos were not Mexican. Laughing

BTW I would assume that a TESL resume would be just like any other, perhaps emphasizing teaching experience, and making sure the vocabulary was clear to non-native speakers. Right?

Ka · Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2005 7:44 pm Post subject:

I didn't actually know that about burritos, although my temptation is to pretend I do and look all knowledgeable and unruffled. I did eat them in Mexico City, though, at a reputable little local taco place. Have Mexicans just resigned themselves to ownership by proxy?

I have a job offer (not teaching English, but to hold me until I can find teaching) and an apartment offer. Ah! Now all I have to do is bite the bullet and decide!

Thanks everyone for your help. It's an intimidating journey to embark upon, as I'm sure you know, and the kindness of people who have been there is remarkably comforting.

Cdaniels · Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 3:36 am Post subject: Afterforward

David Thomsen and Derek Wilson believe that the modern burrito originated "in the dusty borderlands between Tucson and Los Angeles." The word burrito first saw print in America in 1934. It was sold at Los Angeles's famed El Cholo Spanish Cafe

This is their website based on the book "�Burritos! Hot on the Trail of the Little Burro"
http://www.littleburro.com/

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

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

I have always had a very difficult time finding homestays in Mexico City. By homestay, I assume you mean that besides a room, there are meals included and some general participation with the family? If not, then it's not difficult to locate a basic rented, furnished room in Roma that doesn't include meals. PM me and I can pass you a number to call for a family that can help you.

suee · Posted: Tue May 02, 2006 5:10 pm Post subject: i am here

i have been teaching English in Mexico City for 3.5 years now. No qualifications are needed in most cases if you are a bright native speaker with a respectable appearance, and Spanish is not necessary to teach English. I don't know about the university route, but the major universities (Tec de Monterrey, UNAM, Anahuac, ITAM, Univ. del Valle de Mexico, LaSalle) all have websites with contact information. I teach pure corporates and earn enough to save (not loads of money, but enough savings to travel home on and buy all my creature comforts).