Job Discussion Forums

Ka · Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2005 3:05 am Post subject: Thoughts on Universidad ICEL

Does anyone have any warnings about Universidad ICEL? They have expressed interest in meeting with me and I just want to know what I'm getting into before I do something drastic like fly down, filled with optimism but without a job.

I don't need them to be the best university in Mexico (although UAM also wrote me!), but I want to make sure they're reputable.

Thanks! You lot are easily the best resource there is.

E.

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

Another teacher's experience in a given school can be quite different than yours will be, which is why I always like to assess things for myself. There is very slim chance of getting hired by any of these large organizations prior to a meeting in person whether they express an interest ahead of time or not. This is a face-to-face culture here in Mexico. You pretty much have to be prepared to come down and do interviews and ask lots of questions. If the situation doesn't fit you, move on to the next. Eventually you will find a job this way, depending on your qualifications.
Good luck!

Ka · Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2005 3:12 pm Post subject:

Oh, I'm quite aware that they'll need to meet me - that's not a problem at all for me and, in fact, I'd be a little suspicious of a university that would hire without a face to face interview!

It's more I want to know people's thoughts, experiences, etc., if any, with ICEL so I can make an informed decision about this opportunity, if we meet and they end up offering me a position.

But, Samantha, your reply has been very helpful as it's really brought the idea home that I'm going to have to just do this without a safety net and hope for the best. I always knew this but I think I was hoping for something a bit more concrete. Worst case scenario: I come home, right?

Erika

MELEE · Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2005 5:37 pm Post subject:

I don't know anything about what they are like as employers, but I do have some "thoughts" about Universidad ICEL.

I think their name is a misnomer. They aren't a university, like you and I know a university to be. Are you American? Are you familiar with DeVry? (Which is now calling itself a university as well) but used to be Technical Institute. Campuses in many cities, two year technitian type courses with non of that silly libral arts stuff? That's what ICEL is like.

That does not mean that it wouldn't be a good job. It doesn't mean that their students don't need to learn English. But I imagine that the professional environment is more like at a language school (for profit) than at a university (academic).

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Where is ICEL? Never heard of them before.

Cdaniels · Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2005 7:05 pm Post subject: Locations

Six campuses: Villa, Hermitage, Zona rosa, Cuautitl�n Izacalli, Zaragoza and Tlalpan

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

3 or 4 of those sound to be in DF, and two perhaps just outside. I will go and look at the Zona Rosa branch today while I'm there, if I can find it.

MELEE · Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2005 10:00 pm Post subject:

They advertise on TV and if you can't afford to pay your tuition, Banco Azteca will give you credit. (So you can imagine who probably owns it.)