Job Discussion Forums

[SaratheSlytherin]

I imagine that the visa process is the same, unlike the EU where EU citizens have a monumental advantage in finding work... I guess certain requirements apply to all foreigners.

My doubt involves the preference of the schools.

I learned that schools of course want native speakers, but I'd like to know if Mexican schools tend to have a preference for a specific nationality (i.e., Canadian, USA, British, Australian, etc.) or if a native accent is what matters?

Thanks if you can help me.

[Samantha]

See the other thread you started yesterday. Someone responded.

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=79503

[TheLongWayHome]

[Prof.Gringo]

[sroetem]

schools actually do have a preference.
Many of the encounters that I've had would
like to have American (u.s.) accents in their schools,
but this could also be a coincidence.

If you're curious, I could share my thoughts.

[Samantha]

Interesting, as that hasn't been my experience. My experience here has been more in line with what LWH posted. "Native speakers sell, doesn't matter where they come from."

[sroetem]

ok, so I've had a different experience. We're fortunate enough
to have been able to discover other cultures because of the
chance of being born to an english speaking nation. It's been nice here in Mexico.

[Samantha]

You first said it could be a coincidence, so just to clarify your comment, did you get turned down because you didn't have an accent from the USA, or you got offered a job that no one else could have, because you did have a USA accent (which one, there are many)?

I am Canadian, and have never heard of that. I have worked here with Brits, Americans and other Canadians, as well as many Mexican English teachers.

[sroetem]

I apologize for not clarifying.

The 5-6 schools and one uni I have spoken (and several students, mind you) with gave me the impression that they preferred a west coast u.s. accent because of the neutrality of it's tone. That could mean folks from Alberta to Arizona and over.....not sure.

But I'm guessing, and have seen studies about perceptions, that all of these said folks are watching holly wood flix. Hence the pref for west coast accents. Whadda ya'll think? I grew up in Texas.

...and I do know British Council orgs that people expect to employ lads and lasses from THE British Isle. So, there is a market for everything.

I also haven't gotten turned down for not having the 'right' accent, but I do believe having the 'right' one hasn't been a detriment.

[Prof.Gringo]

I met a Scottish teacher here once and I could not understand about 30% of what he said. I can only imagine student reactions to him...

Met a Brit that was turned down for a call center because his accent was too "strong".

And there are plenty of Americans that have unsuitable accents (for example heavy southern accents or use "urban speak").

But learning American English makes the most sense in Mexico as the US and Mexico have far close ties than Mexico has with the UK or any other Commonwealth country.

Some schools (meaning whoever does the hiring) have prejudices.

I think a clear English accent is the most important thing.

[sroetem]

A clear/neutral accent is the most desirable from any region of any native speaking eng country in the world. I agree.

I have met friends from OZ in China that I have a hard time understanding. I know Scots from my time in e. eur that I struggle comprehending. One of my good irish friends has been working on
the neutrality of his accent for years. He says he was fortunate to get a gig in Korea.

I'm sorry, I don't necessarily agree with the midwest u.s. accent being the most clear. Another poster has drawn attention to a report on wiki.

I've read that neutral accent/broadcaster report before. I don't buy it. If you are unaware of my statement; just do a search for 'neutral u.s. accent' on wiki. I've lived all over the u.s. and stand by my statement of west coasters having the most preferred u.s. accent. Movies made in hollywood have many different actors speaking a fairly neutral accent due to their time spent there. I know this isn't true for all casts.

Yes, I grew up in Texas. I lost the "y'all" and ''fixin ta'' years ago. My current employer and others have noted that accents on the west coast are more preferable by those in mexico. Yes, we have close relations.
For that I won't apologize.

I imagine the rest of the eu countries prefer the neutral uk accents.

[Checka_tu_mail]

It's a popular misconception that the general preference here is for any variant of a US accent given the proximity of Mexico to the US. The issue is much more complex. Last year I conducted research in a university in SLP on just this topic and found that the majority of students preferred a British accent. British English was considered more desirable precisely because of the proximity of Mexico to the US and the sometimes fraught relationship between the two countires.

In linguistic terms, British English was seen as conferring an elevated status, even though the choice made little sense when looking at the students use of English after graduation. Of course, this conclusion is based on research conducted in SLP, and students in other parts of Mexico may have a different take on it.

[sarliz]

I personally think that the more accents a student is exposed to, the better, and have hired accordingly. Right now, our teachers are from the US, Ireland, and New Zealand, and in the past have included Canada and the US Virgin Islands. Granted, I only run a wee 3-teacher school, but that's my 3 pesos worth.

[sroetem]

"I personally think that the more accents a student is exposed to, the better"

I agree 100%
Variety is the spice of life, no?

[TheLongWayHome]

It makes no sense for students to fuss over which accent they prefer as long as they understand the teacher. 99% of students will not come out of a teacher from New Zealand's class with a heavy NZ accent. They'll speak English with a Mexican accent. They won't be mistaken for native English speakers.