Job Discussion Forums

[sarliz]

Hi-
Ideally, I'd like to land a teaching gig in Mexico in the next year. I'm in Chicago right now, and would like to get my feet wet in the english teaching department while I'm still here (I teach art classes right now, so the teaching is not new, but the grasp of english grammar needed is). I'm thinking of taking a little course here and teaching a wee bit before heading south and taking a full-fledged TEFL course and getting placement in Mexico. So, if anyone has suggestions about a.) possible class ideas in Chicago, b.) reccomended programs in Mexico or c.) any experience you've had teaching/getting a job/whatever in Mexico, I would love to hear about it!
Thanks,
Sara

[kitkat1]

Sara
I agree with your idea to do a mini training and teaching in Chicago before heading south and doing a certification in country. Being in country should also be helpful for your job search. In Chicago I would start with some of the low income literacy programs. They take volunteer teachers and before you start you participate in a 12 hour weekend training. It's nothing official but it's a nice way to start. I taught for a while at the Erie Neighborhood House:
http://www.eriehouse.org/opportunities.asp
You might also consider a certification program from one of the universities - that takes more time but they will definitely provide you with more training and teaching opportunities.
After teaching for a while locally, I went to Mexico to do a TEFL certification program (of course, it no longer exists but it was great. I was super lucky to have a really qualified trainer). I then went to Guadaljara to check out the job opportunities. I arranged in advance to meet with two private language schools and got a job offer. Went back to Chicago to wrap things up and then left again. I planned to stay there for 6 months and left two years later. I think I'm in the minority, because I stayed at that school for the entire time. There is some adjusting to be done when moving to Mexico so my best advice beyond getting TEFL certified is to research everything and make sure you know what you are in for. The people who had the most trouble seemed to be those who were least prepared for the realities of living here.
Whatever you do, Good Luck!

[cwc]

I agree. However, I feel a lot of people would be better served by packing two suitcases and getting on a plane. It�s Mexico not China. As this forum will attest, there is a big shortage of ESL teachers in Mexico. Even untrained idiots (backpackers) get jobs. If a person is dedicated to learning to teach and live in a foreign country, a shabby job will be replaced with a decent job in six months. We are all too afraid to try our wings. A person who has never suffered has never truly grown. You will be amazed at the human spirit�s ability to persevere. It goes without saying that a strong desire for personal growth is basic to this equation. Pansies need not apply!!!