Job Discussion Forums

browniea · Joined: 22 Jun 2006 Posts: 18 Location: Guadalajara, Mexico

Hello! I am currently teaching English in Mexico, but I am looking at returning to the states, to Chicago, when my contract is up in July.

I have a Bachelors degree in Spanish, and a TEFL certificate, and I'm only a year out of college. Besides tutoring ESL for 3 years at my university, this year in Mexico is all of the experience I have.

So, what I'm wondering is, is it possible for me to get a full time job teaching ESL in Chicago? I've heard its hard to find full time with benefits..is that true? Any advice you can give me would be great.

THANKS!

stirge2210 · Joined: 30 Aug 2004 Posts: 22

hi browniea,

well, I would say that what you've heard is for the most part true. I'm an ESL teacher here in Chi-town and I work 36 hours/week with no benefits. I just recently returned from Southeast Asia where I've been teaching for a little over 3 years. I am an education major and soon to have an MA in TESOL. ESL in the states is a totally different atmosphere and the job conditions are not as good as they are in Asia, not sure how they match up to Mexico. With the cost of living as high as it is in Chicago, I would say the salary is below average for a professional. But, it's still a great lifestyle and job and so don't feel discouraged because there are plenty of jobs in the area if you put forth an effort to find them.