Job Discussion Forums

cscx · Joined: 21 Sep 2006 Posts: 41

I've been reading on this board that it is highly recommended to become TEFL-certified in the country where you would like to teach. My teaching program next year could give me ESOL certification, but the research I've done online makes me think that doing a summer TEFL program might be a better option in addition to getting my teaching degree. Is there some kind of master list of Mexico-based TEFL programs? Does anybody have any thoughts with regard to ESOL/ESL vs TEFL?

Guy, I've looked at your program in Mexico City and I'm intrigued. I just wonder why the cost is so high when there are only 9 classes?

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

cscx · Joined: 21 Sep 2006 Posts: 41

I'm finishing up my senior year in the university this year, and next year I will enter a Masters of Arts in Teaching program that will give me a masters and also certify me to teach elementary students and middle level math. I have the option of getting an additional ESOL certification, but my ultimate goal is to teach in Mexico after I finish my degree summer 2008.

My ESOL classes would start this summer and the rest of my program would start in the fall--I'm trying to figure out if I should go for TEFL instead and enroll in a program during summer 2007, come back here for my 10-month masters program and move permanently (?) to Mexico when I'm done with that...or if I should just stay here in the states and get the ESOL and still move when I'm done. Either option will be giving me a masters in teaching, which would provide me with some sort of "escape plan" if Mexico didn't work out as I hoped...

Do you think that having an ESOL over a TEFL would make a difference in being hired? I guess I would rather come to Mexico this summer, and I think that your program is actually cheaper (and much shorter) than the ESOL one at my school.

Thanks Smile

M@tt · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 473 Location: here and there

guy, stop promoting your business on the forum or i'm telling mom!

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

the day I get paid by commissions is the day I'll start promoting.

Polly0607 · Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Posts: 64

If you can swing it, do your Masters before coming to Mexico. You will get much better job offers including better pay, benefits and working environment. Many universities now are only hiring those with Masters degrees.

This is especially true if you are planning on coming for a while. If you are coming short term, an undergrad and a TEFL, CELTA etc. certificate would be fine.

cscx · Joined: 21 Sep 2006 Posts: 41

I would be getting my masters before coming to work in Mexico. The thing is, I could either get the TEFL this summer before returning to the US to do my masters, or I could get the TEFL the summer after I finish my masters.

Since it seems like prepas and language schools (from what I've seen online) tend to begin their recruitment in the spring, I kind of thing it would be to my benefit to already have the TEFL when I come down during the spring and tell them that my masters will be finished by May 2008, rather than coming down and telling them that my masters will be finished and then that summer I would get TEFL-certified. Does that make sense?

Does anybody think already having the TEFL would even matter when starting the job-search, or would it be ok that I would just *intend* to get it?

Polly0607 · Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Posts: 64

If you get a Masters in anything related to education or the subject you will be teaching, you don't need a TEFL certificate. You are already more than qualified.

lisa1968 · Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Posts: 52

Sorry, but a master's does not make you automatically more than qualified to teach a TEFL class in Mexico. I have had co-workers with degrees in education, Master's in education even, and are clueless in a TEFL class. A Master's in ESL will qualify you , but you will still not be as prepared for the classroom as someone who has taken a TEFL course in Mexico, with real Mexican students. You should do your Master's it will help you at home, and you will get more money in Mexico, but if you are worried about how qualified you will be, take a 120 hour TEFL course, it's an eye opener.

vooderyonder · Joined: 07 Sep 2006 Posts: 5 Location: Mexico

I am in Mexico now too looking at itto and teachers latin america. Can anyone tell me about what kind of jobs I can expect to be shown? Is late November a good time to be be job seeking? I know there will be a Christmas break.

I have a B.S. in nursing but I've done a lot of ESL tutoring. Is that going to help or be a problem?

Polly0607 · Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Posts: 64

I guess I should have been more specific, but I meant that with a Masters degree in a related area, schools will not require the poster to have a TEFL certificate. That is what I meant by qualified.

The poster was asking about getting a job, no how good he would be at it.

lisa1968 · Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Posts: 52

I can't tell you what kinds of jobs those schools will show you, but I can imagine they are ones in the area of Guadalajara and Mexico City, unless you specify otherwise. A BS in nursing and ESL tutoring experience shouldn't hinder you in anyway to get accepted to any TEFL program, but I would say it is not enough to start teaching. Do a 120 hour course, it is really a huge help. Look into schools in Oaxaca, Playa del Carmen, and I did mine in Chiapas. I did mine there because I wanted to be in a smaller, less urban area. If you are interested in only teaching adults, maybe a CELTA is for you. If you want some experience with kids, look for a course that will give you teaching experience with real students.

November is a good time to take your course, as you will have finished it by December and have some time to look around before hiring starts again in January or February. My course was helpful in finding work, but did not guarantee job placement. They may have changed their policy, contact Joanna Robinson at Dunham Institute.

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

vooderyonder · Joined: 07 Sep 2006 Posts: 5 Location: Mexico

Thanks guy and lisa. Lisa I looked at dunham but didn't get satisfactory responses to my questions about job help and safety. I don't feel comfortable being in such a remote place far from help if I need it, and after Mexico I plan to go to Costa Rica so I need to have a recognized program.

I guess I can't get a job until January then. Cool

Thats fine since I need to take Spanish lessons. Does anyone recommend anywhere for Spanish classes in Guadalajara or Mexico City?

geaaronson · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 948 Location: Mexico City

Whats with the pumpkins? Where`s the other pix?