Job Discussion Forums

km · Joined: 06 Apr 2004 Posts: 11 Location: uk

Hi everyone, i'm thinking of going to mexico but i've seen a placment program in mexico by a company called internet works. They set you up with a job and a place to live for a fee, does anyone know anything about them? Is it worth going through placment programs?

schely10 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 38 Location: Guadalajara, Mx

I will be working with Internet Works in June. I'm hoping that it will be worth the cost. I've read a lot of posts here that say that you should just go and find a job once you get there, but I wanted to have most of the hard work done when I arrived. Plus, they do offer limited health insurance. I will definitely post this site after working with them to let others know.

km · Joined: 06 Apr 2004 Posts: 11 Location: uk

if you are going in june, do you already know where in mexico you will be working, will you be with a host family or will you live with other teachers etc. I know it says on their website that you have to be flexable as possible but i was just wondering how much you know/ get told before you go?

Thanks.

schely10 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 38 Location: Guadalajara, Mx

I was told that I would be going to guadalajara right after I paid the application fee. I have not been told if I would get an apartment or stay with other teachers yet. But, I did request an apartment on the application and stated that my second choice would be to stay with other teachers.

I just emailed my application this week and called to make sure they received it. I was told that most people were on holiday and the rep from guadalajara would contact me after the holiday ended. So, I will keep you informed Very Happy

.

Schely

schely10 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 38 Location: Guadalajara, Mx

Plus, I think that it is hard to find placements in smaller cities during the summer and that is why more than likely, I will be going to guadalajara. I was told that the language schools there are still operating in the summer, but regular schools and universities are closed for summer break. Guadalajara was one of the five cities that I listed.

km · Joined: 06 Apr 2004 Posts: 11 Location: uk

Also, do you know if after staying there for a minimum of three months, if you like where your working etc, can you stay on? And if after three months, if you want to move into a place of your own (if you started with a host family) is that still possible? Sorry for all the questions, i'm thinking of applying to go in september/ october and just want to know some more detailed information.

Thanks. Laughing

schely10 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 38 Location: Guadalajara, Mx

I do believe that all those things are possible, but to be sure, you can call the toll free number. It is 800 426 0161. I dont want to give you incorrect information. The guy who works there is very helpful. I cant remember if his name is Mark or Mike, but he answered all of my questions. Maybe I will see you when you come in September!

schely10 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 38 Location: Guadalajara, Mx

Oh, I just looked at your location. That may not be toll free for you since you're in the UK. Sorry! If you like, I can call for you and ask. Or, you can email your questions to them at [email protected]. I hope this is helpful.

richtx1 · Joined: 12 Apr 2004 Posts: 115 Location: Ciudad de M�xico

km · Joined: 06 Apr 2004 Posts: 11 Location: uk

Hey laural, do you have a tefl certificate then, because on the website it says they prefer a degree as well as a tefl but the degree is more important. Do you think i should get my tefl before i apply?

Ben Round de Bloc · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1946

km · Joined: 06 Apr 2004 Posts: 11 Location: uk

Thank for all the advice, i think i will go through the program as i feel i'll need the help! The company does seem legit as i have yet find anyone that says anything bad about them, although the notion that you have to be flexable is strongly stated-which is fine for me.

Thanks again.

schely10 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 38 Location: Guadalajara, Mx

Hi there!

I dont think you will need it if you have a degree. I asked that same question and was told that since I have a master's + teaching experience that the tefl would not be necessary. From what I have read from other postings on this site, this holds true. If you have a degree + some teaching experience, there really is no need for the tefl.

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

I would really like to work at a good school in Mexico next - but I'm finding I'm having a hell of a time lining up a job there, despite experience and a TEFL certificate.

At this point I'm willing to use a placement agency, so I checked out that Internet Works...

Holy smokes! $925 US! Sheesh!

schely10 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 38 Location: Guadalajara, Mx

I dont know. I think it is worth it for the peace of mind. The things that I felt were important included a guaranteed job, housing, health ins. and assistance from a rep 24/7 for an entire year. Others have said that it is very possible to just arrive and start looking, so that is still an option for you. Also, there seems to be some very knowledgeable people on this forum who could be of assistance to you, like a poster named Melee. I think (s)he (not sure which) is a school director. Check with her/him Smile

about job availabilities. I just read a post stating that (s)he could be contacted if you're interested in positions.