Job Discussion Forums

lovea · Joined: 15 Jan 2006 Posts: 31 Location: Ontario

Hi!
My boyfriend and I are planning on trying to get a job to teach English in Mexico in January. We are not able to take the TEFL course until late October or early November. Is it ok to take it this close to trying to get a job? What is the best way to try to get a job? How difficult would it be for my boyfriend and I to get a job in the same school or area?
Also, I have heard from many people that you do not need to speak Spanish to teach in Mexico but have heard from others that you do. I can understand quite a bit but can not speak it that well. What have you found?
Finally....what documents are required to teach in Mexico. I have heard something about a FM3 but I am not sure what all is involved with getting one.
Any help or guidance would be GREATLY appreciated!!!!
Thanks!
Angie

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

January is a decent time to start. If this is your first time teaching, then it's probably best to start job seeking as soon as possible after completing a curse, so it's all still fresh.

There are several ways to get jobs. If you're taking a TEFL course, check first to see if they offer assistance in mking job contacts on your behalf. Many do. Another way is to simply show up in Mexico with some documents ready and knock on doors. Doing that in early January would be good.

Emailing before Christmas, but not during Christmas, is also good, but many employers in Mexico will be non-commital until you are actually in the country.

You don't need Spanish to teach English. You might run across the odd school that will require it, and at that, probably to teach beginner levels, but it isn't all that common. You'll have plenty of time to learn Spanish while in Mexico. Taco stand Spanish. Laughing

Go through this Mexico forum...there are other threads on what documents you'll need. It varies from state to state, city to city, but at the very least, you'll need a passport and an apostilled degree and/or TEFL certificate. More often than not, getting the working visa (FM3) is done through your employer.

lovea · Joined: 15 Jan 2006 Posts: 31 Location: Ontario

Thanks for the great info and quick reply!

Ben Round de Bloc · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1946

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

A course, of curse. Freudian slip. Not that Freud ever wore a slip under his smock.

For more on curses, check out http://forum.darkness.com/lofiversion/index.php/t43979.html