Job Discussion Forums

jumpinindarain · Joined: 22 Apr 2009 Posts: 2

Hi! I'm an ESL teacher in South Korea right now and I'm hoping to move to Mexico to start teaching around November. I'm wondering if you could help me out by answering some questions. I have a bachelor's but I don't have any sort of teaching certificate (just experience) and I would like to teach adults.

How far in advance should I apply?

Is the internet a good resource to find a job or is it better if I just hop on a plane and start looking around (if so, how on Earth do I go about doing this?)?

What is the process for obtaining legal work (aka not under the table)? Is this difficult to find?

Do most jobs come with perks like housing and medical insurance?

How are the wages?

What type of jobs can I obtain (ex. private English academy, public schools, universities)?

For those of you that spoke minimal Spanish when you got there, did you manage to pick it up fairly easily or was it a painful process?

silvertonguedcavalier · Joined: 04 Dec 2008 Posts: 27 Location: Toronto

Hey,

I'm not an ESL teacher, but I can share what I've learned from my research into teaching in Mexico.

ixl1503 · Joined: 26 Apr 2009 Posts: 1 Location: Mexico

I have worked as an ESL teacher in Mexico for 2 years. The experience has been good and bad. For the most part it has been wonderful. Most will look for the minimum of a TESOL/TEFL certification. There are lots of jobs here and the internet is a great source. A reputable school will sponsor your FM3 work visa but in comparison to Korea the wages are very low. You will however earn enough for a comfortable life here in Mexico as the cost of living is relatively cheap. As anywhere, you can live cheaply or expensively - it�s up to you. Many places do not provide housing and if they do, you are generally charged rent and are responsible for elec, water, tel, etc. As for the language, I spoke none when I first arrived but it�s pretty easy to pick up and learn. At least to the beginner conversational stage. Many words in Spanish are similar to English. Just depends how dedicated you are to learning the language, just make sure you bring a phrase book with you (and make sure it�s Mexican Spanish not just Spanish, as they are different). After Korea, I�m sure you will love the lifestyle here. Good luck. I have to admit I love it here, swine flu and all!!!!!!!

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Thu Apr 30, 2009 5:38 pm Post subject: Re: What's the deal with Mexico?

jumpinindarain · Joined: 22 Apr 2009 Posts: 2

Thank you so much, this has been really helpful! One more question - the drug wars in Mexico are all over the news. Do you feel safe teaching there?

TheLongWayHome · Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Posts: 1016 Location: San Luis Piojosi

You probably won't notice it unless you plan to teach in Tijuana or Cuidad Juarez or Matamoros. It's not something most foreigners come into contact with.

rhamses · Joined: 05 May 2009 Posts: 21 Location: Mexico

If you really are looking for a top notch teaching job in Mexico try Tec de Monterrey. They have about 33 campuses in Mexico so you can look around. But be warned, the students are the most privileged in the country. So theyre very spoiled. But as far as working there, after a year any top notch university in Latin America should take you.

Good luck

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 1:32 am Post subject:

Mexicobound · Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 3:35 am Post subject:

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 2:06 pm Post subject:

Oreen Scott · Joined: 11 Jan 2008 Posts: 179 Location: Oaxaca, Mexico

I live in Chihuahua, Chihuahua. I walk around feeling totally safe, and I drive to places like Creel, which is the heartland of Chihuahua marijuana farming. (The federals currently occupy an entire hotel in Creel, endeavoring to clean it up) But, I'm crazy.

There were more people killed in the state of Chihuahua last year than in the war in Iraq.

I don't personally know anyone who has been killed, but most of the people I know here have had a relative or close friend murdered. Some involved with drugs, or law enforcement, others just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

There were six murders in this city last Friday. I was ten seconds from witnessing one of those murders. When I arrived the shooters were gone, but the police had not arrived, and someone was using a cell phone to call the police.

The dead guy was lying on the road parallel to his van.

The funny thing is, usually there are two police cars stationed on the corner where the murder occurred.

Some people would say the police knew that the assassination was going to happen and that the assassins were going to make they get-a-way down that street. I don't know about that.

The man who was murdered was not involved with the drug cartels, but inadvertently got in the way of the shooters involved in an el centro incident where two men were killed.

A month and half ago, in almost the same spot as where the innocent guy was killed, another murder occurred.

I don't live in a particularly dangerous area of the city. The whole city is under siege.

But then, Chihuahua state is the most dangerous state in Mexico.

Ruffle the cat · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Posts: 32 Location: different counties

I live in Queretaro QRO. This is my second time living here and both times I have felt save and secure. When I talk to a taxi driver and they ask me if I like it here I say yes it is safe, clean and the people are very friendly and helpful.
My Spanish isn't great but I can get around. The only negative thing I have found here is it is now very expensive, still cheaper than home ofcourse but not like China.
Right now the economy is not great my friend who ownes 2 ESL schools tells me she has had to downsize, but that won't last forever. This city has lots of industry so things will bounce back for sure.

MikeySaid · Joined: 10 Nov 2004 Posts: 509 Location: Torreon, Mexico

time to move?

http://www.milenio.com/node/217500

http://elsiglodetorreon.com.mx/noticia/434852.tiroteo-sobre-bulevar-alcanza-a-familia.html

Prof.Gringo

ElJuero · Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Posts: 58

Just to throw this in - the pluses and minuses can be different state to state. Oaxaca and Chiapas for example are two of the poorer states in Mexico - beautiful in their own right but also quite problematic.

Even immigration, though one would think it's a federal issue, is different in Oaxaca. Things are particularly political here including regular strikes in the streets by teachers and the immigration office here is particularly difficult. Costs can add up quickly when you consider multiple delays and "refiling" of paperwork. Immigration has been known to raid both Mexican and foreign owned schools to check visas. You can work under the table but you will be paid lower wages and run the risk of a run in with immigration. Pay hovers somewhere in the 60 peso range depending on the school. This means a split schedule usually often working 6 days a week. School owners vary from incredibly pleasant to horrid and unethical

"Not getting rich" could also be described as living in a one room w/ a bed, and you'll pay more for a kitchen setup (usually).

I love Latin America but on some level I regret starting esl here. The pay vs. the costs is not great and I'm pretty frugal. I think anyone should expect 4-8 months to get established in a job that's doable (many may not be and you may find yourself cyclying through the bottom of the pile for the first two -three months......)