Job Discussion Forums

[Sabine11]

I did a lengthy (!) search about the university system in Oaxaca..

I'm interested in applying in one of those campuses in the future, as I know I would probabaly qualify (I have 2 bachelor's degrees, TEFL and some experience teaching ESL abroad).. I speak Spanish and French fluently as well as some German..

Some universities ask for 2, even 3 years teaching experience.. By the time I finish this year in B.A. I'll have one school year under my belt.. Is that a big deal to the universities asking for more years experience? Or does it mean they won't touch me at all just because I have one, not two years experience??

Also, are local newspapers a good place to search to find cheap appartment rentals/shares in Oaxaca?

Thanks, Sabine.

[MELEE]

These jobs can be competitive. I work at one of the SUNEO universities and I work on the hiring committee. We sometimes get hundreds of applicants for one position. Other times we need to fill a position fast and at an odd time of the year and only have a handful of applicants to choose from. We can be flexible on the experience side of the requirements, other factors that would make you more or less competitive are what areas your Bachelor's degrees are in and where you did your TEFL (and how many hours it was) as well as what kind of experience you have. For example if you have taught large groups of beginners for six months, that is more relavant than some one who has only ever taught small groups of high level buisnessmen for five years. We also look at our current staff and try to fill any holes in the department (TOEFL prep is a common hole!)

As for you second question, the universities in Oaxaca are all outside of Oaxaca City, in small towns around the state. (One of the goals behind the system is the decentralization of higher education) There are no local newspapers in these places (there is very small weekly paper here in Huajuapan, but it doesn't have much in the way of classifieds). You find apartments by walking around town looking for "Se Renta" signs posted in the windows.

[ls650]

Timing is everything. For example, on our campus we will have a whopping seven (out of 15) teachers leave this July, but their vacancies have already been filled for October. Unless someone bails out at the last moment we don't expect to need anyone else.
The smart thing would be to apply anyhow and be ready "on standby".

[Sabine11]

Thanks for the info..

I have a 100-hour TEFL from Oxford Seminars.. My degrees are in French Litt. and Philosophy.. I currently teach complete beginners, and have lots of experience teaching in other fields (I'm a yoga teacher, for one thing)..

I don't know if this would be of any help, but I guess I'll just trust he powers that be and wish for good timing.. And check out postings!!

Other question: does anyone know anything about Harmon Hall?

Buena onda,
Sabine.