Job Discussion Forums

[SmallBigWorld]

A basic question for all of you folks with some experience in Latin America. Leaving aside the cost of living factor for the moment, what do you think is the best-paying place for an English teacher to live in the region? Judging by past posts, it seems that distinction would go to Santiago or BA, but that rent in BA is quite high. Is Santiago the place to go if money is more of a concern?

If it's possible, when answering can you give a general idea of hours and salary, as well?

[My wife and I are both citizens of the USA with University degrees, TEFL certification, and over a year's experience in Korea]

Any help is much appreciated. Thanks.

[john_n_carolina]

[MELEE]

Mexico.

You two could expect to make around a thousand US a month each. A couple's living expenses are usually less than 2 single people in Mexico so you'd do well. You might be working 40 hours a week, but teaching less. A lot depends on what age group you want to teach and if you want to do business English or not. And like John said, where you want to live in terms of city size, nearness to the beach, etc.

[SmallBigWorld]

Thanks for the advice, Melee. I have a few follow up questions, as I know very little about Mexico.

Ideally, we'd teach children in a large city. But because my wife and I are both writers, we don't want to work more than 20 hrs/wk. Does that put our possible income more in the $500 per person range?

And what is the rent range for a nice 1 bedroom apt. in a good (but not great) neighborhood?

[Phil_K]

The largest of all would be Mexico City (c.9m in the city and c.20m in the metropolitan area, which is indistiguishable from the city).
In a private language company, rather than a school or uni (of which I have no experience) $120 (pesos) is about average now, which for 20 hrs over 4 weeks = $9600 = approx. US$870, so yes, quite easily.

One bed apartment centrally located and good area, (Escandon, Roma, Del Valle Norte), between $3000-$5000 = US$270 - $450.

[MELEE]

Are either of your certified school teachers in the US? or have a degree in (K-12)education?

The best jobs would be in private collegios (K-12 schools) that are either , English medium, Bilingual (English and a couple of other subjects taught in English) or just have an English program. The best of these jobs will look for teachers with K-12 teaching credentials. In these cases you'd usually work 8am to 1pm. Depending on how good the school is you might have a planning period during the day, or you might have to do your planning on your own time. Some middle and high schools also run an afternoon shift. Mexican public school teachers often have to work both shifts to make enough money. There are not as many after school languages schools aimed at kids as there are in Asia, but there are some too, those jobs would generally start around 3 pm and work until 9pm.

[dixie]

If it is kids you are interested in, then I would have to second what MELEE says in that private schools are your best bet. I have never met anyone who teaches kids another way, except for private tutoring (and that can be hard to get set up).

Bilingual schools (elementary level) typically have a teacher teaching two groups, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. I worked from 7.45-230 where I was last year. They did however have a couple of teachers that were only part time, and so they only taught one group. That is more of a "special" case I think though, as the school will likely want you to be there full time IF they have the openings.

Do you have any type of K-12 certification? Depending on where you go, when you go and the school, you may or may not need that certification.

When considering apartments, don�t forget furniture! Unless you are bringing yours along with you, I would highly suggest looking for something that is furnished (unless you can afford to buy whatever you need).

[john_n_carolina]