Job Discussion Forums

[london_chico]

Dear all,

I'm currently planning to move abroad from the UK to train in TEFL and teach around next June. I'm tenatively doing this as the possible start of a career change into teaching, and to learn to speak Spaniah fluently. I'm researching both Ecuador and Mexico as I'd like to live in Latin America, and the other main country, Peru, doesn't really appeal.

For Ecuador i'm fairly decided that either the SIT at EIL, or Southern Cross CELTA will meet my needs. However, mexico is so much bigger, and there's so many more TEFL courses, I just don't hgave a clue if they would suit me.

So does anyone have views on:
� In terms of lifestyle, which would suit me best? I�m keen not to live somewhere too big and congested, and would like a fairly relaxed lifestyle, and nice surroundings, as part of my reason for leaving is to get away from the madness of London. So Mexico city is a definite no no. Does Mexico have large towns/small cities equivalent to Cuenca in Ecuador? Ecuador seems to have a few that sound perfect, but again Mexico is so big I find it hard to narrow it down. How is safety � I get the impression Ecuador might be safer?
� Are the TEFL courses in Mexico, such as ITTO, INTESOL, via Lingua, Durham institute reputable, and will I be able to get decent work with them?
� Any views on comparison of working conditions between the two for anyone who�s been to both, both wages and how you�re treated?

I suppose overall, if anyone has any views on the pros and cons of each and could summarise the best towns to go to in mexico for a good lifestyle where work is available I�d be so grateful, as I�m feeling a bit overwhelmed!

Many thanks,

Neil

[TheLongWayHome]

I'd recommend getting something with the word CELTA on it as it's by far the most recognised and respected tefl course in Mexico.

Mexico has plenty of small - medium cities that a lot of people flee from Mexico City to come and work in.

I've noticed it's becoming harder and harder to get by on a first time tefl position ($6000 - $8000 pesos) and that's if you get paid all year round. Tefl teaching here depends on demand and due to the "crisis" demand has dropped considerably. You can of course work in schools and unis but this leaves you without pay for the entire summer and christmas holidays.

If you're coming to Mexico bring enough to get a flight home. I've known a lot of teachers that come here with no savings, start earning in pesos then can't get home.

[spanglish]

You might look into Manizales, Colombia as well. It's a small city with lots of universities, greenery (though that means more rain), nice scenery and outdoor options. It also has a more doable cost of living than Bogota and Medellin.

[windowlicker]

[london_chico]

Hey guys,

Thanks for the advice so far. Windowlicker, sorry I know that statement must have sounded odd. I just meant that based on my own (subjective) criteria for where I wanted to go - somewhere towards the north in the warmer regions, reasonable job prospects, safe, where the Spanish dialect is closer to pure Spanish (I hear Chile is quite a rough dialect), then I had chosen Ecuador and Mexico. So I meant that the main centre that met my criteria - Peru - which as I understand it is one of the bigger TEFL markets in Latin America, I didn't really fancy, mostly as I don't want to live in Lima or Cusco.

I've had some advice from people in Ecuador who've done their cert there that there are jobs in places like Cuena/Loja, and ECuador sounds like an amazing place. So I'm interested in a view on similar kinds of places in Mexico, for example if I did the INTESOL course in Guanajuato, could I expect to find work there? Does anyone have views on one versus the other?

Sorry I know everyone wil have different views on these kind of questions, but hopefully from what I've said you have an idea of what will suit me.

Cheers

[windowlicker]

[Justin Trullinger]

If Mexico is winning, there's a good SIT TESOL course in Oaxaca.

I haven't been yet, so can't say anything about job markets, but hear that Oaxaca is absolutely beautiful.


Best,
Justin

[Prof.Gringo]

[london_chico]

Thanks guys, the Colombia recommendation is interesting windowlicker, but for the sake of my parents nerves I'll probably head somewhere with a less iffy reputation, whether it's fair or not!

Prof.Gringo - so is it quite hard to get work with younger learners in Mexico? I'm keen to teach kids really as I think I'd find it more enjoyable, what sort of entry level work is there? And what kind of salary could I expect? It sounds like initial earning potential may be higher in Ecuador...

Cheers

[Prof.Gringo]

[geaaronson]

Collegios in DF. My goodness...there�s dozens that will hire at almost any time. Check out THE UNIVERSAL daily newspaper or the website computrabajo.com.mx

[Prof.Gringo]

[london_chico]

hey guys, thanks for all the advice, really helpful. Sounds like there are some really nice places in Mexico...though given the size of it and number mentioned I'm feeling slightly overwhelmed with information!

obviously everyone tends to like the place they're in, otherwise they wouldn't be there, and may not have been to others, so I know it's hard for anyone to compare places! What I'm trying to get a handle on is essentially, where a first job would give me the better standard of living, and where I'm likely to feel safer and most comfortable settling in, between Ecuador and Mexico? Obviously we hear a lot about the drugs wars in Mexico which is slightly off-putting, but perhaps not something that affects you in the smaller towns and cities. Also just the fact Ecuador is in South America further from America and perhaps less 'westernised', and a bit smaller and possibly more intimate, attracts me. But I don't know if this intuition is right!

Sorry for my very vague questions, but not having been to the region before its very hard for me to know which would suit me best.

Cheers,

neil

[AdrianG4]

[JacobTM]