Job Discussion Forums

[TeresaLopez]

I am going to address a variety of things without quoting, but I think it will be obvious who I am replying to. First, it isn't a requirement for an FM2 or and FM3 to have a birth certificate, but I know people who have been asked for one. Also, *I* have never had a school ask for a BC either, but I know people who have. Probably just better to be prepared. If I recall correctly, the cost of an apostille isn't much, $10 US or something like that.

The point of a portfolio is to showcase yourself, even in things you might think don't have any bearing, like the newspaper articles, but they do show that you have a good grasp of English. You can put in a lesson plan, or two, your grades, an outline of your courses, your grades, things like that. If nothing else it shows you are prepared. I know several people who are in hiring positions, and you wouldn't believe the tales I've heard. So what if you're over-prepared, I don't think anyone would consider that a bad thing.

Also, there are schools that will hire you without a TESOL certificate as they have their own in house training. Interlingua is one. You do have to be tested in both speaking and writing, and pass an interview. If you do you are invited to their 3 week training course, which is quite vigorous. It's not a bad first gig, especially if you are young. But, their method is very rigid, which can make you crazy if you are at all creative. But, on the other hand, everything is provided for you, even lesson plans. I would avoid Quick Learning. If you want to know why, feel free to PM me, don't want to go into it on a public board. Also, you might pick up private classes for higher level conversation classes where what the student wants to do is, well, converse. I have one long-time student who really doesn't need classes at this point, but doesn't have a lot of people to speak English with, so that is what we do. I look for interesting things to read, or videos to watch, and then we talk about them, I correct any errors he makes with a brief explanation if needed. We are both Jethro Tull fans, so we once spend a few weeks reading and discussing a paper someone had written about the meaning of "Thick As A Brick". Of course, we went off on all kinds of tangents. But honestly that type of class doesn't always require specialized training IF you have a good understanding of English grammar. Also, for interviews you might want to wear a suit if you have one. Again, may be overkill, but maybe not. As someone else pointed out, enthusiasm goes a long way.

[txbyrd]

this is great information- thanks to all the contributors

[Spector]

[kayt3k]

Hola Propiavoz

I'm thinking about heading to Guadalajara very soon, and it seems we have very similar interests -recent graduates, Latin American afficionados, biling�es, etc.. Asi que, let's be friends! I know we can't PM yet, but if you want e-mail me at [email protected] and you can tell me how excited you are for your trip.

[Guy Courchesne]

Went down to migra to see about the new FM3 process as mine is up for renewal later this summer. Doesn't look there have been many changes except that I'll be getting a photo ID card instead of the flimsy passport-like booklet.

Here's the checklist for renewal (not for a first time FM3)

-electronically completed Tramite de Estancia, which you fill out online and print off
-5 photos (they are apparently going to put digital photo machines into migra offices in the near future)
-basic FM1 form, which you get from a migra office

-your current FM3
-proof of payment of the application fee, which you pay at a bank. 2102 pesos.
-a letter written in Spanish explaining your activities, be they working for a school (school writes the letter), working independently, or being a dependent such as husband, wife, son/daughter etc.
-your last pay stub or last tax declaration, or those of the person supporting you if you are a dependent

[leslie]

I went to the local immigration office (migracion) today to add another school onto my fm2.

They gave me an info sheet and a website to go to.
www.inami.gob.mx
tramites migratorios nuevo

Maybe take a look at that website if you plan on coming.
There's a little English, but most of it is in Spanish.

This is where you get that online form that Guy was talking about.

[TeresaLopez]

I thought with the new regulations you no longer had to notify of a change of activity. At least that is what I understood from a couple of different web sites. Or do you just have to notify and not ask for permission? Do the people at Immigration seem to have a handle on things? At least here in Mexico City, that actually seems to be one government office that operates pretty efficiently.

[leslie]

I think migracion in Tampico is well-organized. I've never had any problems, just paperwork.

I'll post again when the process is over and let you know what happened.

But at the moment, migracion is asking for a letter from the school and me.