Job Discussion Forums

Snowmeow · Joined: 03 Oct 2005 Posts: 24

I have been looking at some schools in Mexico and I don't have a lot of reliable information on individual schools but American School Foundation Mexico City seems to be perhaps the most renowned school in Mexico at the high school level. I will inquire directly with them about positions, if any, but does anyone have any impressions that they would like to share? By PM even?

aliaeli · Joined: 04 Jun 2008 Posts: 46

I interviewed with them once. They seem pretty alright to me. However, I went there under the impression that I was applying for a teacher's position either at the high school or middle school, but it turned out to be ... mmm, wha'st the term... more like freelance classes?
I didn't like the salary or the hours, which would've been 10,000 pesos a month working 42 or was it 45? hours a week. Availability being mornings 7-10am, the lunch hour 2-4, and evenings 5-9. AND Saturdays if needed to max you out at 42 or 45 hours.
But that seems to be the norm everywhere. However, unlike the norm you you do get all the benefits. And another good thing is that it's only one site so you're not traveling around all over the city all of the time. They might even let you pick which site, there are a few. Also, if you took the freelance work, you might be able to transition into the actual school next year if you let them know that is your intention.
They left me with a good impression, much better than similar employers such a Georgal Idiomas or Harmon Hall. And even though their salary and benefits and schedule leaves a bit to be desired, it's definately one of the best packages of all the language institutions I've seen.

MO39 · Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2009 7:03 pm Post subject: Re: my opinion

aliaeli · Joined: 04 Jun 2008 Posts: 46

Well, it wasn't them who misled me. In fact, I don't think I was misled. I think I was assuming, because the third party that told me about them knew I was looking for a teaching position in a high school or middle school.
I disagree. I think it is useful to make the comparison. Besides, they might be a private colegio but they also have a side business liken to that for-profit language mills. And besides, I'm comparing pay and benefits not expected quality or clientel.

dixie · Joined: 23 Apr 2006 Posts: 644 Location: D.F

ASF only has one location - all 4 levels of schooling are on the same site.

Not sure how a comparison to a language school works, as ASF is not-for-profit - everything they make (and it's a lot!) goes back into the school; over 70% of that being used to pay their staff.

I know they have an in-house job fair this January 24th. Although do be warned that as a foreigner applying for a job while in Mexico you may not receive the extra bennies (housing allowence, flights, moving costs, etc.).

Greengates is also another great school from what I have seen/heard. The other top school (supposedly) is Westgate but I have heard nothing but horror stories so I would steer clear.