Job Discussion Forums

[srs3829]

Hi all,

I've written before and greatly appreciate the advice thus far.

To recap, I'm planning to move to Mexico City to teach. I have a BA and MA, both in music. I have a few months' experience volunteer teaching ESL.

I know I'll need to get TESOL/TEFL certification no matter what. Would someone in my situation benefit greatly- in terms of job opportunities if I also had an MA TESOL? There is a local program I'm thinking about doing but wasn't sure if it would be a good investment: http://unomaha.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2013-2014/Graduate-Catalog/Graduate-Degree-Programs-Certificates-Minors/Language-Teaching/Language-Teaching-MA-Concentrations. I would be getting an MA in Language Teaching with a concentration in TESOL. The program does not include K-12 certification.

Or, to put it another way, since I have very little teaching experience, I would I be better off opportunity-wise in Mexico City if move there sooner and get a couple years of teaching under my belt (assuming all goes well...), or staying here a couple years longer to get the MA and then going? I'm anxious to get there, but want to make good decisions for the long-term.

(The MA in theory needs to happen now because I qualify for in-state tuition, which makes the program quite affordable.)

Thank you again!

[BadBeagleBad]

Maybe. Depends on how long you plan on teaching English, or how long you plan on staying in Mexico. And what your plans are in the future in terms of what countries you want to work in in the future. To get your foot in the door in Mexico City, a cert will be all you will need. But for the better jobs you will eventually want/need more. Have you thought about teaching in an ? international school? Even without a teachers cert you might be able to get a job in a 2nd tier school, or a neighborhood private school (teaching English). When I was living in Mexico City I was offered a few jobs of that kind - and in terms of atmosphere they are a lot better than working with rich kids. OK pay (around 15,000 pesos, but this was 4 or 5 years ago, so maybe more) and full benefits.

[esl_prof]

I'd lean towards getting a couple years of experience before making a significant investment of time and money in a second MA degree. See if you like the profession first and can envision yourself doing it for the long-haul. Based on BBB's post, it sounds like you've got a number of options to get started. Assuming you keep your paperwork in Nebraska up-to-date while you're in Mexico (e.g., driver's license, voter registration, current bank accounts and, most importantly, filing state and federal income tax while you're away, etc.), you shouldn't have any trouble getting in-state tuition when you return home--assuming that's the program you ultimately decide to go with. There are other programs out there that may well serve you just as well or better depending on what direction your career eventually takes.