Job Discussion Forums

[melisssssa]

Has anyone heard about Centro Educativo Monarca in Zamora, Michoacan? It is a good language school with a 22 year history, they provide teachers with housing, water, Spanish lessons, cooking lessons, a monthly stipend of 5000 MXP, etc. But they don't technically hire teachers as much as invite them to come for a 5 month cultural exchange (thus, within the term of the 6 month tourist visa). Thus, no contract, no FM3, and essentially, illegal work. They also ask that teachers buy a plane ticket before giving them this letter of invitation stating the terms of this cultural exchange, and which we are to present to immigration upon arrival in Mexico.

What do you, more experienced than I, make of this? Is this a big gamble? Is this common? I have been told it is difficult to get the working visa and that's why they do this. I do have a sense of them caring about good language instruction and have come across blogs from former teachers saying how much they enjoyed Zamora, the school and its directors. But I'd appreciate your help.
Thanks.
Happy New Year!

[Samantha]

If your reason for coming to Mexico is to experience the cultural then this is the type of situation for you. If you are coming for more than 6 months without a visit out of the country, then I suppose you should look elsewhere. But bear in mind that many schools will not help you get a work permit and many situations involve illegal work especially for those not certified and without formal experience. You haven't mentioned your credentials so it is hard to say if this situation is beneath you or not. If you have no previous experience, then I'd say you'd be lucky to be accepted by them, and you could learn to speak Spanish and learn to cook me�udo while you are at it. How can you miss?