Job Discussion Forums

[Lils]

Hi guys, im a newbie

Thought i would post asking some advice.

I am due to move to Cancun in November ( the worst time for teaching). I ahve been in contact with many schools and they are happy to meet with me when I am there for discussions about jobs etc. I ahve enough funds to cover me for a few months and I just pray that a teaching post comes up. Does anybody know of any schools in this area that often take on english teachers on a regular basis? Or has anyone taught already around this area?
I know this is a mjor beach resort and competition and vacancies are tighter. Some ppl think i am crazy leaving here and not having any job security but i do not have a choice and you have to take the risk right?!!

The other thing i am struggling with is accomdation- i need to be able to rent an apartment but cant do that whilst im still here- does naybody know of any agencies you can through to help you with accomdation quickly when you arrive over there?

Thanks for all help and advice

[Samantha]

You didn't say what your qualifications are, but that makes a big difference in a competitive market like a beach resort in winter season. You may also want to contact the Harmon Hall in Playa del Carmen to check what credentials he requires and what the possibilities are. The economy is tough in Mexico right now, and especially the tourist resorts after the H1N1 warnings. English lessons and tuition fees go by the wayside for many during times of economic hardship.

Cancun is an expensive resort city, which you probably already know. Apartments in tourist destinations at the onset of peak season are not cheap. November is the start of the "snowbird" season when people venture to Mexico to escape the ice and snow for the winter. You will need to scour around with the local paper and on foot in the neighborhoods, asking at the little tiendas, to find something less pricey in places tourists don't hang out. Good luck and keep us posted.

[Lils]

I know the economy is tough, many schools have said they have no vacancies due to unpredictable nature of business this year. Many have said that they would be more than happy to meet when i arrived which is good but i understand i will have to be armed and get walking when I arrive.

I have 100 hours of TEFL training and have done a 9 months working at a school in Thailand when i was doing some travelling before returning to go to uni.

I understand prices are higher in and around Cancun but downtown is where the schools are so I have to look there really as do not want to be travelling miles on the bus everyday!

[ls650]

Wouldn't it make more sense to target a larger, non-tourist city, such as Guadalajara, Mexico, Monterrey, etc.? You're much more likely to find TEFL work, prices will be lower than the tourist zones, etc.
Once you've taught for say six months or a year, you'll be in a much better position to move to the resort area you desire.

[Samantha]

Good advice.

[Lils]

Yeah just from looking at online postings u can see that out of the tourist areas there are many more job oppotunities but its hard when you have your heart set on a certain place!

[ls650]

I dunno. I think I'd much rather live in an "authentic Mexican experience" area than in Cancun.