Job Discussion Forums

jackofalltrades · Joined: 26 Sep 2009 Posts: 12

Hi

I am wanting to teach ESL. I have a degree in history and I have teaching experience. Just the other day, my friend tried to get me a job with a university. The University said they would call me they never did.. first of all..is this normal in mexico? What can i expect from english schools? Is it easy to get a job in mexico..?

My other thing is that i really want to live in DF , but the thing is i have NO idea where to go or even start. How much money should i bring..i don't want to be there and then have to go home with nothing to show for it. Sad

can someone help me?

wildchild · Joined: 14 Nov 2005 Posts: 519 Location: Puebla 2009 - 2010

did the Uni say they would call you? Or did your friend say that they said they would call you?

anyway... take the initiative: why don't YOU call them!

jackofalltrades · Joined: 26 Sep 2009 Posts: 12

my friend actually said they would call me, told me to be patient and don't worry so i waited all day friday(had things to do) and today it's already 3:34 and i still have things to do

I did call them..or tried to the phone didn't pick up and i called four times. My friend said he probably doesn't have credit on his phone. this is all kinda confusing..with my friend it's always one thing or another. We've tried several times already to get me a job down there and no dice. I really would like to go to Mexico City.

The thing about that though is that for me it's kinda overwhelming..i have no idea where to go or even who to talk to. I don't want to just blindly walk in and not know what to see or who to speak with. If i could get some information on this i would really appreciate it. thanks...

gregd75 · Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2009 1:22 am Post subject:

I read your post, but didn't notice whether or not you have a TEFL certificate.

Getting a position would be much easier if you have some form of certification. I'd point you into two directions.

Firstly take a look at the MEXTESOL webpage www.mextesol.org.mx sometimes they have jobs posted and this may help you.

Secondly, teachers International is a good teacher training roganisation based in Mexico City. If you decided to get certification with them, they have plenty of contacts and may actually help you to get a job afer you finished.

I'm in Guadalajara, but have had teachers from this course come and work with me and the course is good- the teachers I had were well-trained, able and I think well prepared.

Maybe these two things could help you.

As for the phonecall, I think it's pretty normal here in Mexico. I know it may sound cheesy, but as a recruiter I actually like it when I interview someone, or talk to a candidate and the next day they send me an email saying thanks etc and that they are looking forward to hearing about the job. Send an email!

leslie · Joined: 08 Feb 2003 Posts: 235

gregd75 · Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2009 7:15 pm Post subject:

Just to pick up on your point Leslie, a history degree and teaching experience may not be enough.

The post doesn't mention if the teaching experience is in EFL or in teaching other subjects. I am sure people will agree that exactly WHAT the teaching experience is will be very important.

I strongly believe that EFL experience / certification is critical to getting a job here.

There are also several schools that recruit directly from the USA and abroad. They may not provide the best salaries but they give new starters the security that they are coming down to a position. Any good recruiter who recruits candidates outside of Mexico will have a robust recruitment process, including the opportunity to email directly with a teacher currently working at the institution.

I stand by my comments that a TEFL certicate is important to recruiters (unless your teaching experience is in EFL).