Job Discussion Forums

[jefcanuk]

My girlfriend and I have recently started looking into teaching English in another country. Due to a desire to remain somewhat close to her family (her parents are in Texas), and our desire for warm/hot weather, we have decided that Mexico would be a great option. Our familiarity with, and love of Mexican culture also contributed to the decision. Our target area is Merida (or maybe Veracruz) but I would be very interested in hearing about other places with opportunities, as long as they aren't too far from the beach. We are giving ourselves a year to save up and get certified before we go.

A little about us, and then I will bombard you with questions:
I am 37, a bartender and a student. In a year I will have a 2 year degree from a Community College here in Portland. I am a Canadian citizen and a native English speaker.

My girlfriend is 34, a server in a restaurant. She has an M.A. in Writing (English Dept. degree) from Portland State University. She also teaches a class in creative writing for mature learners (these are native english speakers), and will have 2 years of teaching experience.

The questions:
1) Am I right in thinking I would be able to get work without a BA?
2) Would I need a CELTA? (probably a dumb question, I assume the answer is "duh, YES!)
3) Would my gf need a CELTA?
4) Is she employable at the University level in Mexico? (she could likely teach writing or English literature as well)
5) Are there many University jobs in Merida?
6) Are there many language school jobs there?
7) What kind of pay and benefits are likely to be bestowed upon the lowly me and the lofty gf? (I know it all depends, but a range of salaries, and the types of benefits one can expect would be helpful. Health care? Housing?)

Thank you all in advance for taking the time to read this post. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[New Haven]

Jefcanuk, I taught in Merida for 3 years and, after a 2.5 year sojourn in the States am returning to Merida.

Anything is possible, including getting work without a BA, especially at some of the smaller language schools. Some teacher training program would be very helpful, and the CELTA is the best. I did mine at International House in Playa del Carmen and did not have to get my certfication apostilled because it was awarded in Mexico. We always hear on this forum how much more competitive the CELTA makes one, but in my experience no one really cares, nor in fact have recruiters even heard of the CELTA...at least in Merida. At a language school expect to start out at 60-80 pesos an hour.

Your gf will get a lot further in Merida with her master's degree than with a CELTA. Personally, I wouldn't bother with it since she already has teaching experience. She would not have a problem getting work at the uni level because of her advanced degree and experience; however, the ESL/EFL job market is tightening here. New language schools continue to open and, more and more, locals are undergoing teacher training for ESL/EFL. That said, many schools specifically look for native speakers, especially at the advanced levels. At the university level your gf could expect to earn say 120-200 pesos an hour.

If you find any school that offer benefits, I wish you'd let me know! You will likely only get part time work and no benefits; also don't be surprised if you are offered split shifts and/or Saturday work. As an experienced teacher and "known quantity" I have been offered tons of Saturday work, which I will be glad to have...but no week days yet.

You have stated that you have chosen Merida because it is close to TX, but it's actually quite far away. You might be better off in one of the northern states, though I know nothing about employment there.

Good luck.

Sharon

[MotherF]

It's my opinion that your girlfriend should do some sort of training because I think she will find that teaching/learning/explaining a foriegn language is quite a bit different from teaching language arts, comp, etc. in one's first language to other native speakers of that language. That's not to say her previous teaching experience is useless, she will have valuable lesson planning and class management skills.

And I also think that while Merida is about as far from Texas as you can be and still be in Mexico, the main issue with "closeness" to the US in terms of visiting family in this country revolves around one's closeness to a major airport with direct flights. In that case Merida is not a bad choice, there are many direct flights to Dallas and Houston, even San Antonio and other Texas airports available from Merida and Cancun. Of course it's still a lot farther than say Monterrey, but in terms of travel time Merida could be closer than a smaller city or small town in the north or north-central part of the country.

[jefcanuk]

Thanks guys. I guess by "close", I just mean that Mexico is much closer than, say, Indonesia. We haven't really chosen anywhere, but Merida seems like a good option because it's a large-ish city, not too touristy, and is about a half hour from the coast. DF seems a bit too huge (and far from the coast), I'm sure there is a lot of in between, and if there is more work for us in other cities, we may just have to go there...

[New Haven]

jefcanuk...MotherF makes a good point with regard to teacher training. ESL/EFL is very different, requiring different strategies.

If you decide on Merida, let me know. I will be glad to talk with you re: places to check out. You can send me a PM.

Sharon

[globalcitizen1968]

[esl4everever]

jefcanuk...MotherF makes a good point with regard to teacher training. ESL/EFL is very different, requiring different strategies.

If you decide on Merida, let me know. I will be glad to talk with you re: places to check out. You can send me a PM.

Sharon


Sharon -

My mexican citizen husband to be is already in Merida.
I will be following behind him very soon & be in Merida with him.

I plan to do els teaching, photography and web design abroad.

Any information you have on schools I may contact would be appreciated.
I have:

- BA in studio art emphasis in oil painting.
- early childhood development permit including FBI background check clearance.
- CTESOL certificate
- 7 months experience teaching ESL volunteer in SF Bay area.


Me and my husband are also looking for a room to rent in Merida & having some issues located one in Merida or Progreso area.
Do people live together in houses to share rent in Merida?

And I wanted to ask if you may know if there is a new director for Harmon Hall in Merida?
We were in contact but suddenly theres no contact.

thank you ahead of time.[/quote]

[New Haven]

I responded to your questions on another forum...Cancun Bound, I think. I do know of a place that is available for rent. PM me for details.

Sharon