Job Discussion Forums

Gary-Korea · Joined: 25 Apr 2011 Posts: 8

Hi guys,

My girlfriend and I have a couple of years experience teaching English in South Korea. After a lot of thought, we have chosen Mexico as our next destination. I understand that we can enter Mexico on a 6 month tourist card and then apply for a FM3 visa once we have found a job. I have a few questions in regards to this:

1 - What documents will need to be apostilled in our own countries (UK and USA) in order to apply for the FM3 visa? I've heard original degree, birth certificate and criminal background check.

2 - Would it be advisable to get TEFL certified before applying for jobs? Can you recommend any good places to do this in Mexico?

3 - What type of schools are the best places to work in Mexico? I've heard universities can a be a good option. What are the entry requirements for these types of jobs?

Any help you can offer will be gratefully appreciated.

Enchilada Potosina · Joined: 03 Aug 2010 Posts: 344 Location: Mexico

Gary-Korea · Joined: 25 Apr 2011 Posts: 8

Thanks for the quick response.

Unfortunately, I don't have a related degree but my girlfriend studied English. Therefore, would you recommend I completed a CELTA in order to get a better job? Would a TEFL certificate be just as good? This maybe cheaper.

So I would have to do a course, get the certificate, get this apostilled through the post and then look for jobs? It's a good job we managed to save a bit of cash in Korea!

I have another question, are there any possiblities for employment for foreigners away from teaching English? How about the possibility of starting a small business?

Enchilada Potosina · Joined: 03 Aug 2010 Posts: 344 Location: Mexico

Isla Guapa · Posted: Sat May 28, 2011 9:04 pm Post subject:

Enchilada Potosina · Joined: 03 Aug 2010 Posts: 344 Location: Mexico

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Gary-Korea · Joined: 25 Apr 2011 Posts: 8

Thanks for the input guys.

In answer to your question, I think we might settle in Guadalajara if everything works out for us. Nothing is 100% sorted though.

So what would be the requirements to work through a language school teaching in companies? Would an unrelated BSc and 2 years English teaching experience be enough or would it be in my own best interests to complete a CELTA/TEFL?

I'm at the stage now where I will need to send my degree certificate off soon to be apostilled. I need some advice as to whether this really will be worthwhile if I go down the root of doing the CELTA or TEFL. I had a thought about this and if I completed the English teaching qualification in Mexico and was given a certificate by a Mexican registered school then am I right in saying that this won't need to be apostilled?

Also, this would be used as the document to justify getting my FM3 from immigation, so am I also right in saying that there would be no need to get my degree certificate apostilled?

Thanks again for your help!

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

You are correct in thinking that a CELTA or TEFL obtained in Mexico will not require an apostille and it is often the case that immigration only needs that certificate to process a work visa (and in some cases, no cert or degree at all is required, but don't bank on that).

However, it seems no two immigration offices within Mexico are the same. You would probably be best served by getting your degree apostilled anyway and bringing it, just in case even if unrelated to EFL or English.