Job Discussion Forums

[GueroPaz]

Sorry, but that old link has changed. You might find it at http://forum.teflschoolreviews.com/ but then again, you might not. It is hard to find.

[Afrijen]

Hi Guys,

We've had a few offers. Yay!

We asked one of them if we could look over a contract to see if it's all OK before we decide.. they told us that its not common to do that in Mexico..

Is that true?

Thanks again guys

[GueroPaz]

I don't know, but it is not too much for a foreigner to ask in this digital age. It should be on Word or some similar program, or they can scan or fax it.

[Samantha]

I can understand the line of thinking, since schools here get tons of inquiries (many not serious, others flakey who change their minds after "accepting" and don't show up at all) so schools usually don't hire until they can interview in person. That way they know you are here and are who you say you are. There are exceptions of course, but not in my city.

[hlamb]

It depends on what kind of school it is of course, but a lot of language schools offer verbal contracts, rather than written ones.

[MO39]

[Afrijen]

Hi Guys

MO39 - You asked whether its an actual offer.
Yes, they have given us an actual offer, with salary, teaching hours and a basic run down of what's expected of us.

They seem to be flaking out on us now though, saying that they might only be able to hire my boyfriend (as he speaks some Spanish).

We're still in contact with a few other schools in various stages of offering us jobs.

This really isn't easy from the other side of the world. Luckily we're stubborn and willing to do whatever it takes

[MELEE]

We have written contracts, but they are only in Spanish--and Spanish legaleeze to boot. We don't send them out before we hire, they are signed once you are here, and I like to think we are a very reputable institution--but what do I know.

[Afrijen]

Thanks guys, I understand now that the contract/ no contract issue changes from school to school.

It feels like forever since we've been searching for these jobs!
It really is a challenge from far away.

We've been in contact with ICI in Guadalajara recently. I've searched on the forum and seen it mentioned a few times, usually with impartial to good reviews...

Has anyone worked there? Or do you know anyone that has worked there?
Will we be worked to death? (They seem to make want quite long hours). The pay looks decent...

Also, I've seen people mention that GDL is very polluted, is this really the case?

Thanks again everyone!!!!

[Mrs L]

[Jetgirly]

I always found GDL more polluted than Mexico City, but I will admit that I've only spent ten days in Mexico City (three at the end of January and seven in mid-May). When my parents came to visit in May they were also surprised by how much poorer the air quality seemed in GDL. I believe that one reason the air is so bad here in GDL is the lack of trees. There are so many nice parks in Mexico City, but in Guadalajara parks, especially urban parks, are more often than not just big squares of pavement. You can go to this website to see the current air situation in GDL, but be forewarned that it's currently MUCH nicer than usual because it's been pouring rain almost non-stop since Sunday night (today is Wednesday, for future reference). Before the rains began I regularly saw ratings in the bad level, at which point it is advised that you avoid outdoor activities. I don't recall seeing it reach the very bad level (stay in doors with your windows closed), but I don't pay much attention to the zones on the east side of the city.

PS - I am miserable here and will find anything to complain about!

[Afrijen]

I think we're pretty keen on GDL, the pollution can't be as bad as it is here!
A quick question - how easy is it to pick up some private lessons in GDL?

I'm a little worried that we might not get the hours we've been promised and want to know if we'll be able to support ourselves.

Thanks guys!
I can't wait til I"m there so I can start ANSWERING some questions, rather than asking all the time...