Job Discussion Forums

[AJAlex]

I have already posted a quick enquiry on Newbie forum, but I thought I would add one here to see if anyone can help out.
I have completed a 4 week TESOL cert. course in Barcelona and would really like to work in Mexico. I have worked in a classroom for 1 year with primary age kids (as a classroom assistant) and am reasonably well travelled but, as yet, little experience in the EFL field. I am 32 and this would be a second career for me - I have a background in Hospitality so I guess if all else fails I may just go out to Mexico anyway and work in a luxurious resort!! I would ideally like to work with younger learners and I would really like to work somewhere warm and sunny, with a beach within walking distance, a tequilla bar close by, balmy nights and tropical views......(ahhh dream on..)

[Ben Round de Bloc]

[AJAlex]

Bah spoilsport! Actually I know that my dream of sun, sand and sun will probably remain just that - still there is more likelihood of it becoming true in Mexico than there is here in Scotland (very very cold right now) but I was especially interested in your comments re teaching English to hosp. staff. Could use it to top up funds maybe and use up any remaining time that could be well spent on da beach...hmmm

[MELEE]

AJAlex,

opportunities occasionally pop up, but then they are snatched up! I

f you are interested in staying in Mexico long term, you will be more likely to move into the type of situation that you are dreaming of. Mexicans work on connections so if you are willing to start working in one place opportuntities might open up to work in others with time. There are several universities in Mexico that teach tourism management--you might want to contact one of them. There are also vocational high schools with tourism curriculum, especially in coastal areas, but you could start off with just a couple of hours a week and need to live off of "other income"

[Sfletcher]

A quick message for Melee...

What is the score like in Oaxaca at the moment? I'm an English guy, newly qualified with CELTA, and it's been my ambition for a long time to come and teach in Oaxaca. As an inexperienced teacher, am I deluding myself in thinking that I can get by on the work I find there.

Also, what about the paperwork - I hear much about getting certificates and such certified legally and translated into Spanish. But what is the situation in reality � especially as I have no plans at the moment for settling there longterm.

Your experience in these matters is greatly appreciated.

Steve

[MELEE]

I'm interpreting your message to mean that you want to work in Oaxaca, because you want to live in Oaxaca and experience the place, not because you want to establish a fantastic teaching career or because you feel a need to help Oaxacans improve their English. If I'm wrong let me know because I'll have a different response in either of those cases.

I also assume that you are talking about Oaxaca City?
I live in the state of Oaxaca, not in Oaxaca City, and while, I usually visit often, I've been doing other things recently and haven't been since June!

There are lots of language schools that would be happy to have a native Speaker with a CELTA, even without expeience--some of the chains, like Berlitz or Harmon Hall, will put you through their in house training regardless. You'd have a great year or however long you think you'd like to stay and probably make enough to cover your rent in a shared apartment or a boarding house, but you'd need other money to fund your travels around the country.

In regards to paperwork, I think past messages are pretty straight forward, I always try to tell it straight. To work legally you need to get an FM3. In Oaxaca, you need to get something Apostillized, your degree or your CELTA (not both), and you need to get that translated. I translate documents for teachers working for us, but we have a realtionship with the immigration office that allows me to do so, otherwise, you would need someplace official (like the Mexican Consulate in England or the British Council in Mexico) to due the translation. An FM3 is good for 12 months and currently costs about 2000 pesos.

Best of luck,

[Sfletcher]

Thanks so much - very helpful.

Just for the record � I am keen to experience the place and the culture, but I'm also going there to teach English and, hopefully, give something back to community. I don't see it as a totally selfish venture!

Steve