Job Discussion Forums

[Guy Courchesne]

Yeah, I don't hear 'diga' very much here except at some businesses when you call. Almost like saying ' I'm busy, hurry up'.

[MO39]

My experience in Mexico has been that people answer the phone with "Bueno". In Spain, however, "Diga" is used.

[Samantha]

Dixie wrote:

[Guy Courchesne]

I'd say there are simply a lot of employers that will hire teachers to work under the table. You'd see it in greater numbers in larger cities because there are more employers and more teachers. I would assume it's more difficult for an employer to hide the fact they are employing someone without working papers in a small town. I saw this in a small Chiapan town where everyone knows everyone else, especially on the family level. That, and migra hunts Central Americans in the region.

Level of qualification would have to depend on the job and the migra office, and I think most importantly, the employer's relationship to that office. Is a master's degree in photography, for example, in any way related to teaching English? Depends on the case you make with the migra office. The lawyer at Westhill Institute (private primary/secondary school) in DF would have a considerably easier time convincing migra of that than would a Wall St Institute (corporate language school) service manager. Even the reverse could still be true.

[MELEE]

I think I'd also say that the number of teachers working illegally has more to do with the number of schools who either think it is too much of a hassel to help teachers get FM3s or are evading their taxes so cannot help teachers without first cleaning up that situation, than it does with the qualifications of English teachers in Mexico.

[Oreen Scott]

A ways up this post it was suggested a stay in an inexpensive hotel would be a good idea when seeking employment.

My research suggests $25/night is reasonable. Am I on the mark or off mark?

[Samantha]

There are back-packer style hotels in my area for $15.00 a night which are clean and safe. These can probably be found in most areas other than perhaps the big cities.

[Guy Courchesne]

DF abounds with such hostels, and GDL has at least three that are decent.

If staying a month, many will give you a better rate. Just ask about it.

[dsherter]

First - thanks to all replies - to original post or otherwise. A few more concrete questions

1)Re: working legally - am I right in understanding that this is strictly a question of obtaining a work permit? What seems to be the usual process, and how likely/unlikely to happen?

2)What is the best legal source for additional information on getting
legal work-status in Mxco - ? Mexican consulate?

3) I understand from other streams that working illegally keeps instructors more vulnerable to being cheated - thoughts?

OK...so what's a weasel? Could check altavista but this is so much more magic 8 ball.

Thanks in advance

[notamiss]

[Samantha]

Thank you, notamiss, for that informative response.

[dsherter]

Yes, notamiss - concise and informative - very helpful - Thanks.

[thecrit840]

Sometimes a cheap hotels is called a "posada;" I've stayed in a few of those that have been an excellent value.

[Samantha]

In my area, a posada is a party!

[notamiss]

Posada is both a party and an inn. The connection is that it's a Christmas party, to celebrate the period (Dec. 16�24, according to tradition) when Joseph and Mary were wandering around Bethelehem looking for room in an inn.