Job Discussion Forums

[madrid26]

Hi.
I'm attending ITTO in GDL starting Jan 3rd. Just hoping to meet others who will be in the same class.

I'm a newbie and have questions about finding work, visas, etc. If you're in the same boat maybe we can share info.

I'm traveling in Mexico at the end of December. If you want to meet up let me know.

Thx

[Wouter]

Hi,

I�m not taking classes at ITTO but i know a dutch guy who is gonna take classes as well. Maybe I can get you in contact with him. I live and work my self in Guadalajara. What I heard about ITTO that they offer as well work for you after you done your course. I heard the companies do help you with getting your visa. Thats what ITTO told me.

If you still have problems with getting your workvisa or getting a job you can always visit us. Maybe we have some work and I have some contacts that also can help you with getting a working visa.

If you need any more information just write me a PM or post a reply.

Wouter

[romo33]

Hi! I am also coming to the Jan 3rd ITTO in GDL!! And I am also from Portland!! Linds, is that you?? I can't tell.....

I would love to chat with other people who are going to be in the same class!

[schaparro]

Hi,

I am also starting the Jan. 3 class. I am from Orlando FL. I have been in Guadalajara for 2 weeks now. Please feel free to email me.

Suzanna

[bkflyer]

Hey ITTO folks current or past -

How do you like the program? Would you reccomend it? Are you given many options for jobs after graduation? Are you finding positions in the cities that you want to go to?

Is there anybody who has already completed a course that had an experience to share?

I am currently in Mexico and was told that I did not need a certificate because I have a several years teaching experience in other subjects and have worked in Phonics and language arts publishing for a couple years, but I am having a difficult time finding a job in a city that I want to live in and am considering taking a TEFL course in February or March.

Any information or advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Guy Courchesne]

What cities are you looking into for Mexico? Sometimes it comes down to a simple matter of job availability if the towns you pick are too small, or too toruisty.

[bkflyer]

I am currently in Cuernavaca and do not like it at all. It is crowded and the air pollution from the car exhaust makes me feel lightheaded when I walk down the main street (Morelos). I had heard that it was a large city, but was not expecting this. I feel bad because I like the school, but I just don't think that my lungs can stand to be here much longer. I was just offered a position in Orizaba, Veracruz and am trying to find some information on the internet about it. If anybody has been there, please let me know what you think/thought about it.

[madrid26]

guy-thanks for the reply. i am considering zacatecas, guanajuato, cuernavaca, puebla, and guadalajara...in that order.

i'm still at itto in gdl and would be happy working here, but i had in mind a smaller colonial town.

bkflyer-as i mentioned i am finishing the itto program next week. i'm satisfied with my experience, but then i don't have a background in education.

it's an intensive course...i work about 10 hrs a day five days a week. mornings are theory, afternoons are lesson planning...late afternoons are teaching real students at the partner school across the street.

we started teaching on the third day of class. we teach 13 classes total, 10 observed by trainers. for me this is a great practical learning, having never taught before.

i don't have any real complaints, but a couple things to consider are: the course manual was not written by a native speaker and it is hard to read and understand. the good news is that a new trainer who is a native speaker with a phd in education (i think) is beginning to rewrite it.

some have complained that the admin staff is a little lax in their duties, but i haven't had any problems.

job placement-people started getting job offers this (third) week. some are not in the cities or countries they requested. as guy mentioned in his post, small cities will have fewer jobs than larger ones, so this is a factor to consider.

one thing about itto that i didn't know before i registered is that, according to itto, grads receive a certificate recognized by the secretary of education in mexico. supposedly, this cert and a letter from the school will get you your fm3. sounds good, hope it works out that way.

so, it's a real school and it delivers on what it promises. no school is perfect. and if you have been teaching, you may not enjoy the course. hope this helps.

[Guy Courchesne]

Sounds interesting...

Funny, as I write this, I'm on my way to Guadalajara to meet with a few langauge centers regarding jobs. I will let you know what comes of it...the greater part of my job in Mexico City is to place teachers into positions around Latin America.

Looking forward to seeing beautiful Guadalajara again. Well, I will in 6 hours.

[Guy Courchesne]

[twoface]

Is this true? If it is I may seriously consider doing the course in Guad.