Job Discussion Forums

[kelt]

Hi!
This is my very first time posting and I certainly appreciate reading all your comments and questions. I will be starting my certification course in a couple of weeks. My absolute first choice for teaching is Mexico. I am Canadian and currently live in Ottawa. I have been a social worker for 18 years and wonder if that might be somewhat helpful in my new chosen line of work. Anyway, any tips people have would be really welcome.
Thanks,
kelt

[Guy Courchesne]

Good day to you fellow Ottawan!

Help us out with any specific info you're looking for...what kind of social work were you doing? I would think that line helps you relate to your students...tell us more about you.

[kelt]

I'm not at all sure of I'm using the computer correctly but I guess I'll find out soon enough...
Thanks for responding Guy! I was doing individual, couples and family counselling at my last place of employment. As I said, I'm ready for a change :-) I've been researching the TESL idea for the last 2 months or so and I'm starting my certification on Oct. 14 with Oxford Seminars (for good or bad). By that I mean I gather there are pro's and con's with every TESL school. I'm wondering if it might be a good idea to start volunteering at a TESL school as an observer while I'm waiting to start the course. By the way, I saw the video (I think it was you who prepared it). It was actually helpful as it gave a flavour for what goes on in a classroom. Anyway, I studied english(of course my mother tongue), french, italian, and spanish while in high school-which is by now some time ago but I have an ear for languages and I think I could pick it up. By the way, is ther ageism in Mexico regarding th hiring of TESL teachers because I noticed in some of the Asian countries, younger people are preferred. I'm in my early 40's . Can you please comment? Also, with respect to employers, can you advise on who to gravitate towards?
While I understand, to a degree, I will have to make some choices by living and learning I thought it might be helpful to ask this question. I'm interested in teaching adults if possible.Hope I haven't been to wordy.
Thanks again!
kelt

[Guy Courchesne]

Good to hear from you...

Definitely a good idea to volunteer some...I don't believe Oxford covers this very much as far as practice classes go. For some very specific volunteering, go down to the market and find a little lunch place called La Ahora, on George St I think. The people running this Mexican place might be able to hook you up in the community more directly, and as a side benefit, you'll get to try the most authentic Mexican food on offer in Ottawa. Avoid The Aztec also in the market.

If you prefer to teach adults, you may be restricted to work at a language school, for either fairly low-paid (but livable) onsite work or for offsite work in companies. The latter option pays better, but you have to travel around a city quite a bit, and you're restricted to only the largest cities in Mexico. I do some of this work here in Mexico City.

Ageism is not going to be an issue. Energy levels are more important. IF you are outgoing, personable, and can be engaging in class, you're fine. If you are sedentary, and act much older than you are, then you might have trouble.

Keep posting here too as you go through the course and prep to come to Mexico. Some posters might be able to connect you to jobs, particularly in Oaxaca state if you aren't averse to working with teenagers.

[thelmadatter]

Nice to see another 40-something on this board. Way to many young whipper-snappers here! j/k

Ditto Guy (despite his being a young whipper-snapper). Ageism wont be a factor but I think it is mostly because of your native speaker status.

He's right that you might need to start on the low end of the scale, but if youre good, you can earn decent money. Best best is Mexico City or perhaps one of the other central cities.

If youre not adverse to doing any counseling, you might even be able to pick up the occasional client who needs an English speaker. I happen to know someone who might be interested in the Mexico City area.

Anyway, if you hook up with the crazy Mexico crowd we got down here, you should do just fine.

[kelt]

Thanks Guy for your feedback. I will check out La Ahora in the Market and attempt to chat up "those in the know" about Tesl and see what I can find. Regarding my question about ageism,it's good to know that it shouldn't be an issue. I'm young looking, enthusiastic and have a good sense of humour-this should be helpful.

muchas gracias,

kelt

[kelt]

Hi thelmadatter!

Thank you for your words of encouragement. Also if anyone out there has any information on Oxford Seminars, can you please let me know. The course starts Oct. 14.

Thanks,

kelt