Job Discussion Forums

[dave-in-deep]

My wife and I are trying to decide on an appropiate study option with a view to qualifying for TESOL in Mexico starting in the fall 2003.

We are currently looking at the International TESOL (Ottawa based) and Global TESOL (Edmonton based) certification programs, and we would appreciate any opinions (pro or con) on either of these organizations, as well as advice on which specialization options might be most beneficial in a job search.

We are both retired, I from a career in accounting and my wife after experience in retail, hospitality, and many years of aerobics and aquafitness instruction.

We would like to spend about six months in Mexico on the initial work term, and plan to return on a more permanent basis next year. We plan to drive to Mexico, and our (tentative) preferences for location are Oaxaca, Chiapas , or Michoacan.

Any advice on suitable sources of employment in these states, and on the optimum times to start looking for employment would also be welcome.

Dave

[/b]

[Ben Round de Bloc]

Chiapas would be one hell of a long drive for you. Personally, I wouldn't want to drive in the state of Chiapas with foreign plates on my car, especially at night.

As for International TESOL, if you want to be prepared to teach English as a foreign language, I suggest you do your homework regarding what this course offers for the money.

Just my humble opinion.

[dan allan]

I think Global is ok, and I have not heard any signifcantly bad things about them. It is a short course, and I took it to supplement other teaching courses. I too would not drive in Chiapas at night. I am in Mexico City and can only say this this the place to make the most money, with the most opportunities. There are always lots of jobs here. I have 4 years here and have only travelled to the places your planning to go. By the way, I'm from Kelowna and Victoria.

DAN.

[Brenda]

Hi!

I worked for a year in Leon, Guanajuato in Mexico and I hear that Michoacan is beautiful. I don't know about the working situation but I'd give it a try. Oaxaca the same. Personally, I haven't heard much good about Chiapas and wouldn't place it on my list of main destinations.

I'm not sure I've heard about Global but if you're talking about the same Intenational TESOL that I studied at here in Montreal, I'd stay away. They are good in terms of preparing foreigners to live abroad and have many good points to them, but I didn't fell quite prepared for actual TEACHING. I'm referring to www.teachandtravel.com

Personally, if you have the money and are willing to go straight down to Mexico, I'd recommend that you look into schools who offer TEFL certification in Mexico itself. I've recently been in touch with a school located in Mexico City that is owned and run by a Canadian (Guy Courchesne) and although I have yet to meet this individual and see his school, it seems reputable and trustworthy. Check it out at www.innovative-english.com In fact, once I get my butt back down in Mexico where my heart is already, I plan on visiting the school myself.

I've read about another school here on Dave's by the name of ITTO located in Guadalajara. I visited Guadalajara twice while living in Leon and love the city. I'd recommend checking out their website too: www.teflcertificatecourses.com I'd like to meet the Director and see that school with my own eyes too.

If you don't mind my asking, what intrigues you about the 3 cities you mentioned? What have you heard about them that appeals to you? I'm always interested in knowing more about different regions of Mexico myself...

I hope some of my info helps you and your wife! Good luck!

Brenda

[Paul G]

Heed Brenda's warning about International TESOL aka Teach and Travel. Their reputation is horrible and they charge almost the same as a legitimate training course.

A good place to garner information about training courses is at:

http://www.eslcafe.com/discussion/dz1/

The directors of the two course that Brenda mentioned are regular posters on that forum and answer a lot of questions about not only their schools but Mexico in general.

Good luck!

[leslie]

Bye

[Guy Courchesne]

Driving down to Mexico can befraught with troubles, even if you are only crossing the Us border...I would strongly recommend against it.

With the costs invloved in registering your vehicle, higher gas prices, and risk from corrupt police, you would do better flying in and using interstate busses to move around. They are very affordable and make both Voyageur and Greyhound look like cattle wagons.

Have you two secured jobs yet, or looked into what kind of training is typically required? I would also recommend contacting some schools before deciding o a course.

Guy Courchesne
Acapulco, Mexico

[inmexico]

I am currently in Uruapan, Michoacan. This is a very nice city in all respects. I do highly recommend it. I have been throughout Oaxaca and Chiapas. I agree about the driving at night thing - don�t. If you stay to the more populated areas however the dangers (risks) are minimal. A few years ago there was a lot of turmoil in the south but it has subsided dramatically over the past 4 years. As far as driving to Mexico, go for it. As long as your insurance is up to date you don�t have to worry about registering as a mexican vehicle.

[Belmont]

[Samantha]

You resurrected a 3 and 1/2 year old thread. I am betting email addresses (amongst other things) have changed in that time.

[Belmont]

[Vanica]

I want to know what happened, too

[Belmont]

[Ben Round de Bloc]

[ls650]

Of our six recent hires, three were over 40.

It sounds like this particular recruiter is looking for pretty young people to place in McSchools. If you have real teaching ability you will not have difficulty finding decent work in Mexico.