Job Discussion Forums

scott wilhelm · Joined: 09 Feb 2004 Posts: 63 Location: st louis, mo

If one wants to work for a chain school such as Berlitz, Harmon Hall, etc., does it matter very much what time of year you arrive in Mexico to start job hunting ? I'm sure it matters a lot for public schools and universities. But does it for the chain schools ? Here in St. Louis, MO, Berlitz slows down over the winter and picks up during the early Spring. I am guessing that this is mostly weather related, as people tend to want to start major projects like learning a new language after the dreariness of a midwestern winter is over. Since most of Mexico has pretty nice weather year round, I'm hoping that time of year doesn't much effect job prospects in the chain schools. Can any of you shed some light on this. I am thinking about starting my job search in Jalapa, Veracruz in November. If that doesn't produce anything after about 3 weeks, I will probably try in Puebla and if I strike out there, then go on to Guadalajara.
Any info you regualars can give me is much appreciated.

inmexico · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 110 Location: The twilight zone

There seems to be a surge of enrolment in the language schools in the spring and early fall (Sept.). Many private language schools still operate under a semester system so Sept. and January are usually pretty busy. Others (like Wall Street, United English) tend to attract more students in the spring and again in the fall.
A lot of university students (if not all) have to pass an English component in order to graduate. many of these students start looking for extra help to ensure that they pass the exam at the university.

Ben Round de Bloc · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1946

moonraven · Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Posts: 3094

Harmon Hall runs a summer school program because summer is their slow time. Things pick up in September. No one hires in November--they are easing into the holiday break season and want teachers ready to go full bore the second week in January; since at HH that means at least 30 days of preservice training, I suggest that you arrive in August or at the latest, September You will certainly have more options.

scott wilhelm · Joined: 09 Feb 2004 Posts: 63 Location: st louis, mo

Thanks for the replies. I wish I could go as early as August, but it just isn't possible. I will probably aim for January.

MELEE · Posted: Thu Jun 24, 2004 2:08 pm Post subject:

I'm not sure how this effects the big chains, having never worked for one. But in January in Mexico there is a phenomena called "la cuesta de enero" in which nobody in Mexico has any money to spend because they spent like mad between December 12th and January 6th. They tighten up their belts and cut out all the extra expenses at this time--like English classes. So maybe January isn't the best time either? Confused

On the other hand, a lot of English teachers choose Christmas as a time to go home and not come back, so maybe January is a good time Confused

NoSoyJaime · Posted: Sat Jun 26, 2004 7:17 pm Post subject: time of year

I am also looking to go to Mexico within the next few months to look for work as an English teacher. I've been debating whether to take a TEFL course here (in Boston, MA) over the summer then head to Mexico and start job-hunting in September, or whether to go to Mexico in September, take a TEFL course there (perhaps ITTO in Guadalajara) and try to get a job starting in October.

So is the consensus that September is definitely the best time to get an English-teaching job in Mexico? Would it hurt my job chances to wait until October to start?

Thanks,
James

p.s. - Another facet of my decision depends on whether taking a TEFL course in Mexico (e.g. ITTO) actually connects you to more job openings, or whether you're basically on your own. If I took a course here in Boston it'd be through Northeastern University which says it has connections in Mexico but I don't know for sure. I know this topic has been discussed but I'd appreciate any further thoughts on the matter.

inmexico · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 110 Location: The twilight zone

A lot of schools' programs start in September. Ideally, the respective administrations would have their staff in place before September rolls around. Therefore, I think June - August is actually a "hotter" hiring time for September. I started correspondence with my employer in April. The job has a mid-August start date.
However, with the multitudes of private language schools that are in existence, you really shouldn't have too much trouble landing a job regardless of the time of year. Some times of the year are busier, but employment can be found year-round.