Job Discussion Forums

[Prof.Gringo]

[SaratheSlytherin]

I studied abroad in Mexico and I can tell you that the more Spanish you know, the more doors will open for you.

At least learn some basic Spanish!

It's better than none, like the other poster said.

I realize that the Tefl approach uses a lot of immersion but sometimes when you teach, a quick translation is the best way to explain something.

Furthermore, you will be living there, and interacting with people who might not know English.

It means a lot to people when you attempt to speak their language...

Buena suerte...

[TheLongWayHome]

[SaratheSlytherin]

No, no, no... you don't understand... I didn't mean use it as a crutch or anything.

What I meant is that there are various ways of explaining something, and sometimes when the teacher shares the same L1 as the students, there are times when it's appropriate to take advantage of that... I'm not saying use it as a substitute for other teaching techniques. i'm just saying that sometimes... it makes sense.

Just clarifying... thanks!

[aaaronr]

If you went to university in the U.S., then you probably had to learn a second language. In the U.S. that second language should be Spanish because so many Spanish speakers live in the U.S.

It made teaching Mexico easier for me to know Spanish. Knowing cognates helps a lot when you are teaching. Not knowing Spanish that well keeps you from translating everything.

If you live in Mexico, you should definitely learn Spanish. Why not? It will help you on a day to day basis, and most people will appreciate the effort even if you're not fluent.

Learn it. Live it.

[SaratheSlytherin]

I went to university in Mexico (as well as the US)... so I speak perfect, or nearly perfect Spanish. I'm not bragging, it just goes with the territory.

In the classroom, I avoid translating everything, but outside the classroom, in the real world, I am thankful to know Spanish. In Mexico, English is the foreign language and Spanish is part of the culture and heritage.

I have told my students that I have a medical condition that causes me to forget my Spanish periodically... jejeje.

[JZer]

Can one take a morning Spanish class and work in the afternoon? How doable is that?

I have done this in Taiwan. Can it be done in Mexico City?

[wildchild]

should seem purdy doable to me...

and why not...?

[JZer]

What kind of job can one get in the afternoon in Mexico? What are typical hours for afternoon jobs?

[geaaronson]

If you are teaching through a recruiter at corporate training centers or at a language school, the usual afternoon hours are 4-9 p.m. although it is feasible to find that infrequent class earlier in the afternoon.

[SaratheSlytherin]

"If you went to university in the U.S., then you probably had to learn a second language. In the U.S. that second language should be Spanish because so many Spanish speakers live in the U.S.

It made teaching Mexico easier for me to know Spanish. Knowing cognates helps a lot when you are teaching. Not knowing Spanish that well keeps you from translating everything.

If you live in Mexico, you should definitely learn Spanish. Why not? It will help you on a day to day basis, and most people will appreciate the effort even if you're not fluent."

Learn it. Live it.

You are so right!!

If you're teaching in Mexico, that means living in Mexico. Making an effort to speak the language shows respect for the culture.

In my case it was just a matter of my love for the Latin culture and the Spanish language. I love teaching but I also loved so many things about Mexico... my heart is there (one reason I'm considering going back there to teach) and I'm so grateful I learned Spanish. I started learning on my own in kindergarten, but it's never too late to learn.

[SaratheSlytherin]

[Prof.Gringo]

[JZer]

Yes,

I understand that I might need to save the tuition for Spanish class before I come to Mexico. How much for a semester of Spanish classes in Mexico City?

[Prof.Gringo]