Job Discussion Forums

vtchica · Joined: 19 Jul 2006 Posts: 15

hey all,

i was wondering if anyone knew whether or not short term (3-6 month) contracts were prevalent in mexico, particularly in guadalajara, puerto vallarta, or other metropolitan centers. If so, what are the peak hiring seasons for these contracts? Is there a way to secure them before leaving? I ask because most of the contracts I've encountered have been full year contracts.

Thanks a bunch!

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

Generally speaking, no. Most schools want someone who is committed ( Confused

) and dedicated enough to stick it out for a year.

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

You can do 3-6 months pretty much anywhere if you stick to a part time schedule, or tackle business English classes in larger cities. Raises work visa questions though, with few willing to help you get n FM3 for a short period.

Polly0607 · Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Posts: 64

3-6 months doesn�t make sense seeing that it sometimes takes that long to get an FM3 work visa. Especially when prospective teachers come unprepared (ie. no documents or documents without apostille). We have had several situations at my school over the last couple of years, where teachers were hired and then it was discovered they didn�t have the proper documents. They either couldn�t be hird or couldn�t get paid.

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

That's odd. Doesn't the school supply the prospective new teachers with a checklist of required documents? Apostillized/legalized degrees, certificate, birth certificate, etc.?

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

If it takes longer than 30 days for an FM3, you are being had, either by migra, the school lawyer, or the school. When in doubt, blame the lawyer.

jillford64 · Joined: 15 Feb 2006 Posts: 397 Location: Sin City

Some schools might hire you for 3 to 6 month if you want to work illegally or already have an FM3. Most schools will not be willing to help with getting an FM3 for less than a year committment. Schools with a significant training program also likely will not hire for less than a year committment.

Polly0607 · Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Posts: 64

snorklequeen · Posted: Thu Aug 17, 2006 10:00 pm Post subject:

Polly, how did you get a job in Mexico prior to arriving there? a lot of people on the boards do say in Latin America it's best to be there and apply in person

thanks,

Queenie

Polly0607 · Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Posts: 64

I didn't get my job before coming, but others I work with did, and they got a much better deal. I'm making half what they make because I was hired in Mexico. I have actually decided to leave in December because of this.

This "rule", let's say, applies more to teachers with masters degrees. I am married to a Mexican, so they assume I have financial support. Also, they assume I will be staying longer than those who are hired from outside. For these reasons, I earn half, even if I have the same credentials.

I got this staight from the campus director, so this isn't in my head. Salaries are based on what the Tec feels you are worth and your personal situation, not on credentials.

I am not sure what the best advice is for someone with an undergrad or a TEFL certificate, but there are a lot of posters here that can help you with that.

snorklequeen · Posted: Fri Aug 18, 2006 6:34 pm Post subject:

thanks for the info, Polly! all the best 2 u in your new ventures elsewhere. i know it can be annoying to be treated that way

i have a graduate degree, but not in English, and am single. maybe those are plus's.

sometimes where in live, in Houston Texas, employers will get preference to employees with family -- re raises and layoffs. i know people who have experienced this.

cheers,

Queenie

Polly0607 · Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Posts: 64

If you have a masters degree, and you don't have to be in a specific city, I suggest you try to secure a job beforehand. You will get a much better (two or three times better) deal. With an undergrad the pay is pretty standard, so coming here with documents ready is probably the best thing to do.

snorklequeen · Posted: Sat Aug 19, 2006 8:55 am Post subject:

thanks so much, Polly!

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

I think a lot depends on individual schools and location. Most schools in Merida don't ask new teachers to formally commit to more than 6 months, and most first jobs at any schools are only part time. However, if the interviewer believes that an applicant would be willing to stay for at least a year, that would definitely be a plus point.

Regarding work visas, one of the reasons I switched from an FM-3 to an FM-2 was because my employer (state university) only offers semester contracts to non-tenured teachers. The university refuses to commit to requesting a work visa for more than 6 months at a time; thus, when on an FM-3 I had to renew it (and pay for it) twice a year. The university still requests 6-month work visas for me. However, there is no 6-month FM-2. It's automatically issued for a year, so the university requests 6 months and immigration gives me a year.

vtchica · Joined: 19 Jul 2006 Posts: 15

thank you, ben round de block. you've been very helpful!