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Preparing4Mx
Joined: 28 Dec 2007
Posts: 9
Location: AZ
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 Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 1:55 am Post subject: Newbie Questions, Mexico City |
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I posted this in the newbie forum and was told to post it in here, too.
Hello, I am new here. Forgive me if any of these questions have already been answered; I've been reviewing the site for a couple of weeks and still have some questions. First, I'll tell you my situation and then I'll list my questions.
My husband is from Mexico City and I am from the U.S. We have a 3 year old daughter that was also born here in the U.S. For many reasons, we've decided to move to Mexico City within the next year and give it a try for at least one year. His family is there and we would be staying with them until we find a place to rent. We visit every year for a few weeks so I am somewhat familiar with what it is like. I have a bachelor degree (not in education) and am currently working on a master degree in psychology. I will be finished before we go. I have taught and tutored English to adults, but never to children and they were always private classes. That is the only experience in the area that I have. I do not hold any teacher certifications. I do speak fluent Spanish. I would like to take care of everything before we move, if possible. I plan to put my daughter in a bilingual school.
My questions:
1. Is it worth paying the money to get my TESOL certification? How much is too much? Is it worth paying extra to get guaranteed job placement? I'd rather do my TESOL cert here before going to line up a job from here.
2. Has anyone heard of Global TESOL College? What experiences have you had, if any? Do they view it differently there if you do it online? I wouldn't be able to go to a location. Everyone is saying I need to do the cert w/ practice teaching, is this like a student teaching component? This company does offer that, but not sure how it works exactly.
3. Will I have trouble finding a job with my experience and education?
4. I've heard it's best to find a job BEFORE moving, is this true?
5. Is is difficult to get a FM3 work visa? Should I get one before leaving?
6. What is the pay range for teachers in this area? What is too low to accept?
7. Does anyone know of any good bilingual schools in the area for my daughter? Price ranges? Would I be able to negotiate free school for her in my contract?
8. Are there any pros and cons anyone thinks I should know?
9. I work at a university where they do not offer certification, but I can take ESL classes for free; do you think this would help?
10. What do I need to get done to my diplomas, etc and where do I go?
11. I am forgetting anything?
Sorry for so many questions!
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I would appreciate any feedback that you can give. Thanks in advance |
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dixie
Joined: 23 Apr 2006
Posts: 644
Location: D.F
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| Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 12:29 pm Post subject: |
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| Does anyone know of any good bilingual schools in the area for my daughter? Price ranges? Would I be able to negotiate free school for her in my contract? |
I assume this means that you are leaning towards teaching at a private elementary school? If that is the case, keep in mind that the "better" schools often require their teachers to have a teacher�s degree, although there are exceptions. With your level of education, working at a university (what is your job there?) and private teaching, you likely would at least be given consideration at several schools.
Also keep in mind that depending on when you make the move, it might be hard to find a job at a "better" school, as the hiring could be complete and all vacancies filled (for the time being at least).
If you do get a job at an elementary school, you are not likely to recieve free schooling (although you might be able to work it out). Rather, most schools will give their employees discounts on their child�s tuition. |
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thelmadatter
Joined: 31 Mar 2003
Posts: 1212
Location: in el Distrito Federal x fin!
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| Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 3:09 pm Post subject: job |
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4. I've heard it's best to find a job BEFORE moving, is this true?
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The answer to this Q is yes and no... if a school hires from abroad, they tend to pay significantly higher to attract that candidate, than if they hire locally (be that hire a foreigner or not). However, it is much easier to find a job once you are here and I know of at least one case where the person got hired in-country at a really good salary.
Getting a job (as a native English speaker) is easy, finding work you can live on is fairly easy... getting a really well-paying job is a bit harder and takes time and/or luck.
| Quote: |
1. Is it worth paying the money to get my TESOL certification? How much is too much? Is it worth paying extra to get guaranteed job placement? I'd rather do my TESOL cert here before going to line up a job from here.
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I dont know if it is worth it in your case. I would come to Mexico and see what you can do without it first. Guaranteed job placement does not mean a good job (usually a language school job), so if youre picky, forget that option. I know the feeling of wanting your ducks all in a row to make the transition less scary, but you may not really be able to do that in Mexico. |
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MELEE
Joined: 22 Jan 2003
Posts: 2583
Location: The Mexican Hinterland
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| Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 3:15 pm Post subject: Re: Newbie Questions, Mexico City |
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1. Is it worth paying the money to get my TESOL certification? How much is too much? Is it worth paying extra to get guaranteed job placement? I'd rather do my TESOL cert here before going to line up a job from here.
Certainly worth it. There's a good chance that you'll get a job where the school will hand you a class list and say "go get 'em". So the TESOL course will give you an idea what to do in that situation. Not all courses are created equally--some teach you to teach with a course book, others teach you how to teach with nothing--in my opinion those are the best ones. Job placement is not worth it, again in my opinion.
2. Has anyone heard of Global TESOL College? What experiences have you had, if any? Do they view it differently there if you do it online? I wouldn't be able to go to a location. Everyone is saying I need to do the cert w/ practice teaching, is this like a student teaching component? This company does offer that, but not sure how it works exactly.
I think observed teaching practice is the most important component in a TEFL course, I wouldn't recommend one with out it for someone who's degree is not in education and has no previous classroom teaching experience (1 on 1 tutoring is a different skill).
3. Will I have trouble finding a job with my experience and education? No. Will your husband be working, or will you be supporting the family? You will have no trouble finding a job, but one that allows you to support your young family is a different story.
4. I've heard it's best to find a job BEFORE moving, is this true?
No. That's what I did, but I actually think it is best the other way around, especially if you have a place to land (your husband's family). It's much better to come and see the schools live in person.
5. Is is difficult to get a FM3 work visa? Should I get one before leaving? No and No. You should get your degrees apostilled before you leave (see the sticky) and it will be easier if your MA has been issued before you leave, some schools issue them months after graduation.
6. What is the pay range for teachers in this area? What is too low to accept?
I'm not the best to answer for Mexico City, but again, it depends on the hours and whether you are the sole income for your family.
7. Does anyone know of any good bilingual schools in the area for my daughter? Price ranges? Would I be able to negotiate free school for her in my contract?
It depends on what part of Mexico City you live in, remember parts of the city are HOURS away from other parts! Again being out of Mexico City, I'm not the best person to answer this. Also, you should know, preschool is mandatory in Mexico. It starts at 3 and has 3 grades, your daughter will need a certificate of completion to enter primary school in Mexico.
8. Are there any pros and cons anyone thinks I should know?
As the mother of two 3-year-olds. I wouldn't move to Mexico City. Obviously millions of children live there, and grow up there, but that level of urbaness and polution is not what I want for my children.
9. I work at a university where they do not offer certification, but I can take ESL classes for free; do you think this would help?
Yes! most certainly. If you get a transcript of those classes you may be able to use that in lieu of a TEFL cert.
10. What do I need to get done to my diplomas, etc and where do I go? See the apostille sticky at the top of this forum.
11. I am forgetting anything?
Probably. 
Here are my questions for you:
Have you thought about doing translation work? Or helping Mexican academics clean up their papers (most publish in English) and prepare for international conferences?
What part of Mexico City does your husband's family live in?
What do they do? They will be your best network of contacts for jobs/private lessons.
What does/will your husband do?
What parts of Mexico have you visited? Are you set on Mexico City? (sometimes it can be easier if your Mexican family is not so close by )
Does your daughter have Mexican citizenship? If not I'd contact the nearest Mexican consolate right away to find out what papers you need to get that for her. If she's comes in as a tourist, you will need to get an FM3 for her too after you get yours and it will cost the same--so save yourself the hassel and get her citizenship (this should probably de done before you get to Mexico as Mexicans who are dual citizens are required to enter Mexico on their Mexican passport.) |
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spiral78
Joined: 05 Apr 2004
Posts: 11534
Location: On a Short Leash
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| Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 3:49 pm Post subject: |
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| Be aware that GLOBAL's teaching practicuum is often NOT with real students, but consists of a lesson delivered to peer trainees. If this is the case, you won't have had an actual practicuum!! |
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gypsygirl1475
Joined: 03 Dec 2007
Posts: 78
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| Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 8:28 pm Post subject: |
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Hi,
As for the situation with your daughter, I have two girls that go to ublic school in Ecatepec, but they have been raised down there, but our son has only been in Mexico for about 3 years now and I will be coninuing his education through homeschool. Mostly due to him wanting to help his father in his business. Just thought it might be something to consider. Lots of TEFL teacher moms do it. If you need further help on the subject just PM me, I have lots of resources.  |
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Preparing4Mx
Joined: 28 Dec 2007
Posts: 9
Location: AZ
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| Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008 1:09 am Post subject: Re: Newbie questions, Mexico City |
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| dixie wrote: |
| Quote: |
| Does anyone know of any good bilingual schools in the area for my daughter? Price ranges? Would I be able to negotiate free school for her in my contract? |
I assume this means that you are leaning towards teaching at a private elementary school? If that is the case, keep in mind that the "better" schools often require their teachers to have a teacher�s degree, although there are exceptions. With your level of education, working at a university (what is your job there?) and private teaching, you likely would at least be given consideration at several schools.
Also keep in mind that depending on when you make the move, it might be hard to find a job at a "better" school, as the hiring could be complete and all vacancies filled (for the time being at least).
If you do get a job at an elementary school, you are not likely to recieve free schooling (although you might be able to work it out). Rather, most schools will give their employees discounts on their child�s tuition. |
I thought about teaching at an elementary level IF I can get a good discount or free schooling for her. Otherwise, I'd prefer adults. I am a counselor for a major university here (I don't teach anything), but have done lots of mentoring and training for adults on top of the ESL teaching that I did for adults (private lessons). I actually work with students that want to become teachers that are going through certification and one of the programs that I specialize in is ESL, but it is aligned for AZ requirements of course. We are thinking of moving anywhere from Jan-April of 2009. I am trying to prepare in advance.  |
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Preparing4Mx
Joined: 28 Dec 2007
Posts: 9
Location: AZ
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| Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008 1:26 am Post subject: Re: Newbie Questions, Mexico City |
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| MELEE wrote: |
1. Is it worth paying the money to get my TESOL certification? How much is too much? Is it worth paying extra to get guaranteed job placement? I'd rather do my TESOL cert here before going to line up a job from here.
Certainly worth it. There's a good chance that you'll get a job where the school will hand you a class list and say "go get 'em". So the TESOL course will give you an idea what to do in that situation. Not all courses are created equally--some teach you to teach with a course book, others teach you how to teach with nothing--in my opinion those are the best ones. Job placement is not worth it, again in my opinion.
2. Has anyone heard of Global TESOL College? What experiences have you had, if any? Do they view it differently there if you do it online? I wouldn't be able to go to a location. Everyone is saying I need to do the cert w/ practice teaching, is this like a student teaching component? This company does offer that, but not sure how it works exactly.
I think observed teaching practice is the most important component in a TEFL course, I wouldn't recommend one with out it for someone who's degree is not in education and has no previous classroom teaching experience (1 on 1 tutoring is a different skill).
3. Will I have trouble finding a job with my experience and education? No. Will your husband be working, or will you be supporting the family? You will have no trouble finding a job, but one that allows you to support your young family is a different story.
4. I've heard it's best to find a job BEFORE moving, is this true?
No. That's what I did, but I actually think it is best the other way around, especially if you have a place to land (your husband's family). It's much better to come and see the schools live in person.
5. Is is difficult to get a FM3 work visa? Should I get one before leaving? No and No. You should get your degrees apostilled before you leave (see the sticky) and it will be easier if your MA has been issued before you leave, some schools issue them months after graduation.
6. What is the pay range for teachers in this area? What is too low to accept?
I'm not the best to answer for Mexico City, but again, it depends on the hours and whether you are the sole income for your family.
7. Does anyone know of any good bilingual schools in the area for my daughter? Price ranges? Would I be able to negotiate free school for her in my contract?
It depends on what part of Mexico City you live in, remember parts of the city are HOURS away from other parts! Again being out of Mexico City, I'm not the best person to answer this. Also, you should know, preschool is mandatory in Mexico. It starts at 3 and has 3 grades, your daughter will need a certificate of completion to enter primary school in Mexico.
8. Are there any pros and cons anyone thinks I should know?
As the mother of two 3-year-olds. I wouldn't move to Mexico City. Obviously millions of children live there, and grow up there, but that level of urbaness and polution is not what I want for my children.
9. I work at a university where they do not offer certification, but I can take ESL classes for free; do you think this would help?
Yes! most certainly. If you get a transcript of those classes you may be able to use that in lieu of a TEFL cert.
10. What do I need to get done to my diplomas, etc and where do I go? See the apostille sticky at the top of this forum.
11. I am forgetting anything?
Probably.
Here are my questions for you:
Have you thought about doing translation work? Or helping Mexican academics clean up their papers (most publish in English) and prepare for international conferences?
What part of Mexico City does your husband's family live in?
What do they do? They will be your best network of contacts for jobs/private lessons.
What does/will your husband do?
What parts of Mexico have you visited? Are you set on Mexico City? (sometimes it can be easier if your Mexican family is not so close by )
Does your daughter have Mexican citizenship? If not I'd contact the nearest Mexican consolate right away to find out what papers you need to get that for her. If she's comes in as a tourist, you will need to get an FM3 for her too after you get yours and it will cost the same--so save yourself the hassel and get her citizenship (this should probably de done before you get to Mexico as Mexicans who are dual citizens are required to enter Mexico on their Mexican passport.) |
First, let me say that you are AWESOME and thanks for answering these questions in such detail! 
My husband will be working, too, he is from there and I'm sure will have no problem. He will most likely work with his brother or brother-in-law. So, I will not be supporting the family on my own. We will also have some savings before we go just in case we don't find work right away.
I will have my diploma before going to Mexico.
We will most likely be close to his mother's place and I'm not sure what the colonia is called, but it's not too far from the Basilica. My daughter is 3, but will be 4 this April and has not been to pre-school yet. I wasn't aware that pre-school was 3 grades...I'll have to ask my sister-in-law about her experience with her kids.
I do know about the pollution, but we'll probably only be there for a year and there are many other benefits to going there; the biggest being her family...here she has none. My husband and his family grew up there and they all seem fine. Thanks for the concern, though.
As far as translations and the other jobs you mentioned; I have done that here, but hadn't considered it there as I'm not sure what it pays. His mother does not work, his brother works for a cell phone company, his sister does not work and his brother-in-law is in sales. He did work for a language school and gave me a few tips, but didn't know too much.
Yes, we are set on Mexico City or el estado de Mexico where his sister lives which is a nicer area. We want to be close to his family because we all get along fine. We visit Mexico City and el estado every year. My daughter doesn't have Mexican citizenship yet, but that is one thing we are checking on. |
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Preparing4Mx
Joined: 28 Dec 2007
Posts: 9
Location: AZ
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| Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008 1:29 am Post subject: |
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| spiral78 wrote: |
| Be aware that GLOBAL's teaching practicuum is often NOT with real students, but consists of a lesson delivered to peer trainees. If this is the case, you won't have had an actual practicuum!! |
I didn't know this; thanks for the heads up!  |
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