Job Discussion Forums

[lori lori]

I am almost decided on enrolling in the Dunham Institute TEFL course in Chiapas, Mexico, but have a few questions for the more experienced. I am wondering how common it is for the TEFL courses to assist in job placement, rather than guarantee it. Dunham does not guarantee, but will assist. I have been in touch with former students, and all of them had no problems getting hired in Mexico with the certificate. I have seen job ads on the internet, but not that many, so am wondering if it will be ok to just show up somewhere with my certificate and native speaking self, and get offered a job.

I really have my heart set on going to Chiapas, so I think I will go there regardless, but still wonder what guaranteed job placement really means. Does it just mean job placement assistance?

[Guy Courchesne]

"Guarantee' is a tricky word...I know of some TEFL outfits that use it with a lot of fine print. Job placement assistance is (and should be) the standard that I've seen out there, which to me means providing job offers through a network of contacts, continued guidance after initial contacts, and being there to offer any assistance as you start your job.

I suppose the question you should ask is what level of assistance you can expect from a course provider. You could ask for job contacts prior to a course as well.

[corporatehuman]

I don't have direct experience finding a job through a guaranteed system, however after living in Mexico for a little while, I don't really think anything here is guaranteed. In terms of finding a job as a native English speaker, it is -very- easy. What can be difficult sometimes, is finding a good school.

I also think it is great you are going to Chiapas. It's a great place and the people are unique. I've lived here for a year, and I also took my TEFL course at Dunham, and taught there in their language exchange program for six months. I recommend the school and their program, and the city itself, Chiapa de Corzo is nice. I like it so much I am STILL living here, however I work in Tuxtla.

There are plenty of english teaching jobs in Tuxtla too, and Joanna (the owner of Dunham) worked in Tuxtla before so she knows a lot of the owners and which places are good to go to, and she will give you good advice on finding a job. Oh, and I hear the Canadian Center is hiring too.

Best of luck,

Chris

[Sgt Killjoy]

Just because a course guarantees you a job, it doesn't mean it will be a great job or even a good job. Inquire as to their level of assistance. I would question a course that guarantees you a job more than a course that just provides assistance.