Job Discussion Forums

Eager2teach

Hi out there,

I'm planning to come to Mexico in January and see where I'd like to teach. Old colonial Mexico, as I've seen it called in guidebooks, looks the most appealing to me.

Are there opportunities for me in that region? I have a B.A. and a CELTA. I'm in my mid-forties and I prefer teaching young adults or adults.

thanks,
John
[email protected]

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

Old colonial Mexico is a big place, and opportunities vary from place to place, month to month.

Think of these states...

Queretaro, Jalisco, Guanajuato, Aguascalientes, Mexico State, Morelos, Puebla, Hidalgo, San Luis Potosi, Michoacan...did I miss any?

MELEE · Posted: Fri Dec 16, 2005 5:03 pm Post subject:

I'm coming up on the 8th aniversary of my arrival in Mexico, and I'm not sure where "Old colonial Mexico" is.

But there would be lots of opportunities in most medium to large cities for Native Speaker with a BA and a CELTA. I think your discovery trip is the way to go, as you will no doubt fall in love with a certain area of the country. If your flexible and willing to put a little bit of time into the search, you will be able to find the right job for you. Especially if you don't have any finacial obligations requireing you to take the first job you're offered.

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

aisha · Posted: Sat Dec 17, 2005 5:51 am Post subject:

How about Valladolid? From what I remember it looked like a colonial city to me. But what do I know, I haven't been there in 6 years. I wish I had pictures to show.

Eager2teach

Thanks for the info. folks. I thought EVERYONE knew where old colonial Mexico was? LOL. My nice guidebook defined it as the heartland away from the coasts and away from Texas. Included Oaxaca, Cuernavaca, Morelia, Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende, San Luis Potosi, Aguascalientes... ok you get the idea.

One more important question. My Spanish is very limited. Will that be a problem?

thanks all,
John (freezing in Wisconsin)

hlamb · Joined: 09 Dec 2003 Posts: 431 Location: Canada

I arrived in Mexico with no Spanish at all. I managed all right, but it's not something I'd recommend doing. The first couple of months were hard. I finally took a month-long intensive course which helped a lot. Now that I'm working I have to make a real effort to go out and practice but I'm also studying with a secretary at the school. If nothing else, my ability to read, write and understand Spanish is improving. I live in a very small town and living here would be really hard if I didn't speak any Spanish at all.

Try to at least learn some survival vocabulary and the basic verb tenses. It will make your first few weeks here easier and will give you a foundation to improve upon.