Job Discussion Forums

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Sat Dec 12, 2009 6:33 pm Post subject: Language Schools

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

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 · Posted: Mon Dec 14, 2009 5:39 pm Post subject: Where are they?

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

Phil_K · Joined: 25 Jan 2007 Posts: 2041 Location: A World of my Own

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 · Posted: Mon Dec 14, 2009 8:36 pm Post subject: Re: Where are they?

hlamb · Joined: 09 Dec 2003 Posts: 431 Location: Canada

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 · Posted: Mon Dec 14, 2009 8:58 pm Post subject: Might I have some more please?