Job Discussion Forums

[anabelle0]

When I was doing research on finding teaching jobs in Mexico I came across an organization called Cultural Embrace. You don't need a TESL certification, they place you at a school and help set you up with housing. You in turn pay them around $900 to do all this. Has anyone heard of them or worked with them? It seemed a steep price to pay, though it's less than getting the TESL certification. At least it's less than what I've been able to find...

[Guy Courchesne]

I met the President of Cultural Embrace when she visited our school in Acapulco doing research for developing their programs. She's a very professional individual.

However, $900 is a little steep, if you already have credentials and teaching experience. If you don't have experience or a teaching credential (degree, TEFL, etc), then I might question the type of school you'll be placed into.

There is another, similar program run by InternetWorks, out of Palm Springs serving Mexico. They charge a similar price.

There are several TESL or TEFL programs run in Mexico at slightly higher prices that will do the same as Cultural Embrace, except with a course, job placement, and assistance on finding housing.

[Ben Round de Bloc]

To qualify my response to this, I can only give my impression based on what I know about schools and placement services in the city where I live.

I agree with Guy's thoughts on this. Qualifications are important. Placement services can only do so much for their clients. Clients who bring more with them in the form of qualifications and experience are the ones who are placed in better jobs, while those who lack qualifications and experience are placed in lower-level schools. Placement services have usually weeded out most of the dodgy schools from their lists, an obvious plus for placement services, but that doesn't mean they are able to find great jobs for unqualified clients. There's lots of competition for the good jobs: qualified native English speakers and qualified local teachers.

Just my humble opinion, but I think that if a person can't afford to take a decent TEFL training course, then he probably can't comfortably afford to come to Mexico to teach EFL either.

[PlayadelSoul]

I don't know about the rest of Mexico, but here in Q. Roo, the authorities in Immigration have really started to crack down on foreigners, even those teaching English. A TESOL or CELTA is a must and must have an apostille from the country of origin.

I would be leery of any placement that was to a school or institute that didn't ask certification of its teachers. In my opinion, those schools probably don't do much business.

[Samantha]

I see mixed messages amongst the various comments in this thread.

PlayaSoul makes a valid point and I don't believe that Q. Roo is unique. I think it is a needed move in the right direction to ensure that the properly qualified or educated are getting the jobs. Teachers (or those that qualify to work as teachers) who can work legally need to have their credentials from abroad legalized (Canada) and apostilled (USA).

Tim also makes a great point when he says that dead beat schools aren't likely used by Placement programs. I'm betting they don't either. That would be a speedy death of reputation and business so I doubt that is a concern.

The way I see it (further to another posters comment), is that there are no guarantees say, that a quicky 2 week $1200.00 program in Mexico where the prerequisite is that you "should have finished high school" will benefit anyone, especially if that new teacher hopeful were to desire employment in an area such as Q. Roo or any other places where Immigration may poo-poo the quicky course as being a non-acceptable credential for legal work purposes.

So, the teacher hopeful is already here in Mexico with course freshly completed and eager at the promise of job "assistance". Who covers expenses while the search is on? Hotels, meals, travel around for interviews, all can get quite costly, no? What if the teacher doesn't get a job at all? What if there are no decent jobs at the time? Then what? The merits of a $900.00 pre-placement program don't sound so far out at that point.

Just another way to view the whole scenario....see, it really depends on what's best for each individual, and our opinions are just that! Our opinions.

[Guy Courchesne]

Ouch. That wasn't very subtle

[Samantha]

You said

[Guy Courchesne]

Well, you are quoting the FAQ on our site. I suppose you could spin it to your view.

That is a general FAQ for all of the programs we offer, including Spanish courses, homestays, volunteer, and internships. The general idea is that one should be 18 and at least have finished high school. Not everything there has to do with the TEFL program.

I'll agree it should be more clear, but I'm curious as to why you bring it up? I didn't mention our own program in the post, in fact, I generally try to avoid mentioning our program here on dave's unless specifically asked. You have an axe to grind? or do you work for Cutural Embrace?

Let's be honest here please...

[Samantha]

Axe to grind? Work for Cultural Embrace? I always say, the best defence is an offence and off you go. Smooth. Your comments in this thread about proper school placements, education to teach AND cost, hit a nerve with more than myself I would bet.

We know that you get customers from this board, which is fine, but be straightforward in your comments and the motives behind them for the sake of the new and trusting readers. That's it.

[Guy Courchesne]

Would you care to show me how I'm here harvesting customers? Please try... I post silly pictures of Mexico, word games, advice about Mexico and jobs, and I do it for pleasure. How can I not think that you have an axe to grind when you come up with these kinds of posts?

The best defense is a good offense? I suppose if you're playing hockey, or looking for an axe to grind...what did I say?

[Samantha]

So all this means no, you won't answer the question I put forward? That's fine. It was a legitimate point and question. (Now please, knock off the rude private emails.)

[Guy Courchesne]

this is silly....