Job Discussion Forums

[nigglynel]

I'm planning an extended trip to Central America and really have my heart set on staying in Mexico for a while. I have decided that doing a Celta will certainly help my cause for staying there! I have a degree but i'm not sure that would fill me with enough confidence to stand up and be able to tell people how to speak my language! SO...i could do the Celta here in the UK and live rent free whilst i'm doing it (good old parents), or do you think that perhaps doing it over in Mexico will be a more worthwhile experience in terms of being able to build up work contacts and having enough students to practise on? I only mention the availability of students because if i do the course at my parents' i will be in Newcastle...not too sure how many foreign students are attracted to the beautiful North?!

Also, any tips from teachers over there on a good place to start would be gratefully received. I am especially interested in women's experience over there in a predominantly macho environment! In the mean time i shall trawl through the forum.

Muchos gracias!

[Phil_K]

First of all, Mexico is in North America, not central! Pedantic, I know, but it doesn't half annoy the people here!

If you are coming to Mexico City, a good place for beginners is:

Georgal Idiomas
Barranca del Muerto 493,
M�xico, D. F. 01600
Tels. 5651-1500 y 5955-1000
[email protected]

They have a professional outlook, don't require experience, give the full benefits and don't make too much fuss if you leave after a short time.

They are always hiring and give 4 weeks training, some of which I have adapted and am still using now...

[nigglynel]

[Phil_K]

Just to say, you will have to be here in Mexico to find most jobs. Especially in the language schools, they don't hire from abroad.

[nigglynel]

Well that would certainly be my assumption, but what i meant by the ease of job search was simply that having studied there i would be able to build up more potential leads for jobs through the school etc rather than just landing there and building from scratch.

Looking at DF but possibly Guadalajara, although that's where my ex boyfriend lives !!

[superrgirl]

You remind me of me! I did the CELTA here in August. I think it was the best decision because I did it with the school that then employed me, and it gave me a month to get used to Mexico before the hectic life of a teacher begun. Mexico City is a wonderful city but as a teacher you'd probably have to get up before 6 several days a week and travel long distances throughout the city by yourself. It's not that bad but doing the CELTA here would give you a chance to get to know the city in a more relaxed way and with more support.

Also, doing the CELTA here meant I got over the food poisoning before starting work

I have no doubt that you'll be able to find a job here - my friend here did her CELTA in Spain and applied for IH from the UK, was interviewed over Skype, then flew out here after receiving the job offer. You probably wouldn't have much trouble finding a job with IH Mexico - they're very short staffed.

Also, I'm a woman, blonde, and very white. I get a lot of attention in the street but (touch wood) it's been pretty harmless, men shouting guapa after you a lot. If I'm alone and in an empty street it makes me feel quite vulnerable, but empty streets aren't very common in the DF so I'm pretty good at ignoring it and walking past. I think I'm just seen as a bit of a novelty.

[nigglynel]

Hey superrgirl, thanks for your reply! May i ask, did you do your CELTA at IH in Mexico? And are you still there?

Early mornings sound hellish but i'm sure i can deal with it for a wee while. I appreciate your advice, especially about getting used to the surroundings before pounding the streets for jobs. Did IH help you with accomodation or did you stay in a hostel?

Aaah yes, as for the guapa comments i can cope with that and ignore the cat calls. I lived in India for a little while and kind of got used to being stared at to the point where i could happily read my book and let them carry on.

[Prof.Gringo]