Job Discussion Forums

[Michael188]

Hi Everyone,

I am interested in garnering some key information on TESL job opportunities Mexico. Specifically, I am interested in working with children and youth, hence I would like the names of private or public schools, so that I can contact them with a letter of introduction to explore possible opportunities. I am also interested in names of private institutes that work with children and youth. I would like to teach at a private or public school so I might have a chance to teach English Literature, History or Geography as well as TESL.

Since I am interested in working on Mexico's Pacific Coast I am interested in opportunities in the following cities:

1) La Paz in Baja
2) Los Mochis
3) Mazatlan
4) Puerto Vallarata
5) Acapulco
6) Juchitan

I would be open to opportunities near the Pacific Coast in cities like:

1) Guadalajara
2) Oaxaca
3) Durango

I want to start early on my job hunt. I do not plan to leave Canada until August. I know from reading through the forum on Latin America I may just have to just show up, but if I can arm myself with possible contacts before I go it would be so much better than going empty handed. Even better would be to have a job in place before I go off into the wild blue yonder.

I hope few of you out there can and will help.

Thanks,

Mike

[Justin Trullinger]

There are several old Mexico hands around here, so I won't walk on their turf. There are also several Mexico agencies, whose names are mentioned elsewhere on this thread, that may be worth investigating.

But if you include a little info about you, qualifications, experience, and the like, people may be able to help you more. Otherwise, we don't know what jobs you might be elegible for.

Good luck,
Justin

[Michael188]

Justin,

Thanks for the advice. I will add a little about myself.

Education:
BA High Honors, History.
Enrolled in a TESOL course.

Countries Traveled to:
Honduras, Guatemala, Ireland, England, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg and USA. All visited by back packing.

Work History:
After School Program Counselor, YMCA (ongoing)
Instructor, Leaders in Training, YMCA (ongoing)
Christmas/Holiday Camp Counselor, YMCA (2005-2006)
Summer Camp Counselor, YMCA (2005)

The age range of the children and youth I have worked with were and are 5 to 12 year olds. My duties include helping with homework, organising games, crafts, supervising children, correcting inappropriate behaviour, communicating with parents and planning out trips to muesums etc.

I have worked for a national sport organization as a Programs/Projects Coordinator. Organized international sporting events, liaised with international sporting bodies etc, helped manage and monitor coaching and refereeing certification.

Volunteer Experience:
Youth port coach in numerous sports
Sports skills instructor, YMCA

Certification:
Level 2 coaching certificate from the Coaching Association of Canada

I do not want to confine myself to Mexico. I am interested in traveling throughout Mexico, Central America and South America, so I am open to most anything.

I hope that is enough. After working with kids for almost a year I just found I like it better than any other job I have held before. I do know if matters, but I am in my mid-30s and want to travel again. I think what better way than teaching English. I not only want to teach English, but History and Geography so it feels like I am using my degree.

Again, thanks Justin for the advice. I hope this helps a bit.

Mike

[ls650]

A couple of points: you mention a lot of tourist centers, and you say you want to work with children. Teaching children, generally speaking, doesn't pay as well as teaching at the adult level.

With your experience and papers, I think you stand a pretty good chance of finding full-time work in a private school. You should expect to make about 6500 or 7500 pesos per month. Be prepared for long days teaching spoiled rich kids, though...

[Guy Courchesne]

Ditto on that. I wouldn't recommend Acapulco...not a great deal of positions there for you, but Vallarta might be better, or Guadalajara as it's close by.