Job Discussion Forums

[Prof.Gringo]

Hello and Happy Holidays!

I am posting this to talk about good language schools in Mexico.
A language school is just that. Where a teacher gives classes in one location and is not a university, colegio, business etc.

If you know of any good language schools in Mexico feel free to please post names, addresses, pay rates, benefit packages etc.

[TheLongWayHome]

I voted "Not one I've ever seen" judging by the 5 cowboy outfits I've worked for in SLP.

I'd only recommend these places if you're a party teacher, backpacker or short-termer. You'll have a whale of a time.

It's not absolutely essential to begin your tefl career in these places though. Yes, it is easier but you can get better jobs without having worked in these places.

[Prof.Gringo]

Any takers?

If you know of a good, decent langauge school anywhere in Mexico (All 31 states plus DF) please post it here!

Please no: Split shifts, under the table pay, no contracts offered, late pay or underpaid, no benefits, no FM-3, etc "Cracker Jack" schools.

Please post professional, honest, ethical language schools that are respected and well spoken of by both teachers and students alike.

[TheLongWayHome]

[Phil_K]

I could nominate mine but I'd be lying!

Personally, I'd never work for a uni because:

- I doubt they'd have me with no qualifications
- I hate teaching teenagers and kidults
- I don't even like teaching much!!!

Language schools have been good for me because, although I've suffered, I've used my intelligence to take the good things out of each one, apply it to the next post, build up my skills and experience, and finally land land a plum job that means I'm paid a salary to do what I do best with limited teaching. That's all I ever wanted really!

[Prof.Gringo]

[hlamb]

I worked for one my first year in Mexico that had an FM3, which they helped me get, and paid for, paid vacations, no split shifts, etc. etc. All done by the book and then some.

But I was unhappy because I was forced to translate everything into Spanish for the students, even ones who'd been there for four years. To keep students paying their money, I had to forsake everything I know to be true about teaching English. It was not a fun place to work, and the other teachers agreed with me.

My next two years I worked for a school with some interesting admin issues, split shifts, no benefits, no FM3, etc. and loved it because the curriculum worked for me and the students, I had freedom to teach with creativity, as long as the students learned, and it was a great atmosphere. Sure, lots of teachers didn't stay long, but some of us did, and the students benefited. So doing it by the book is not always the best option.

[Prof.Gringo]

[gregd75]

wow!

To date 55% of those polled voted to say something positive about language schools.

GREAT!!

Just goes to show certain posters that not everyone is so 'down' on language schools.

Now, Prof. Gringo- would you tell all about your position, please? What school do you work for? How much aguinaldo (in pesos) will you receive? How many teaching hours a week do you have, and what schedule do you have? (you seem to want hlamb to tell us)

Enlighten us all please.

[Samantha]

This thread is amusing, because obviously we are not all alike, and have different preferences and expectations. I have taken good experiences from every school I have ever worked in. If you can't be flexible and accept the way things are here, then Mexico is not the place to be. We, as foreigners, need to adapt to the way things are, not the other way around.

I have worked in many different scenarios here. Language schools, uni's, private schools. They all have their pros and cons, but some of the small, well established language schools were the most rewarding for me. Many teachers like split shifts, especially in some of the wicked climate we experience in many parts of Mexico. Afternoons were meant for siestas or the beach. I have mostly worked entirely with Mexican teachers, who thankfully don't bitch and complain about the job the way many foreigners do.

[Prof.Gringo]

[gregd75]

Prof Gringo...

Interestingly you didn't seem to answer my question. WHO do you work for? How many teaching hours a week do you have? (the original questions)

You want hlamb to answer, but interestingly, you seem to be avoiding doing so yourself....

[Prof.Gringo]

[gregd75]

come on now... you asked the poster for specifics...

teaching hours per week and the name of the collegio.

I assume this is the information you are asking for from other posters, right????

[hlamb]

I'm not going to name the schools, out of respect for people in those situations now. However, I can say that I made 60 pesos an hour for 28 contact hours a week at my first school. Half my rent was paid for most of the year, as the other teacher living there left/was fired *(depending on who you ask). My local phone costs were paid, as was my gas. I paid the electricity and long distance, as well as rent, which was 700 a month for my half of a decent two bedroom apartment that included internet. It was close to the school. Holidays were paid and there was a bonus at the end of the year. My FM3 was arranged and paid for. There was almost no prep time, except for translating everything into Spanish. It all sounds great (except for the translation). However, in return I had to put up with the owner.


My second school I made 70 pesos an hour to start with and had 15 guaranteed hours a week. I usually worked at least 22 and often much more doing private classes. I was able to make more after a short time with the school. My pay fluctuated depending on my hours but I had no trouble making ends meet and came home with some savings at the end of two years, even when visa runs were factored in. I worked split shifts almost every day. No housing was offered, but another teacher arranged a place for me to stay when I first arrived. No visa was offered. I had to leave every 6 months. I received some holiday pay but no bonuses. On the surface, it doesn't look great, but my boss and I worked well together, the students were far more motivated, we could (and did) fail them if they didn't work hard or learn, and it was a great place to work. I still miss it.

What looks good on paper doesn't always work out in reality.