Job Discussion Forums

[Oreen Scott]

I'm new to the forum, and I'm going to have many questions.

I'm very busy these days working full-time and attending the University of Manitoba. I live in Winnipeg.

In April I will be have a CTESL. I already have a Bachelor of Arts and a Certificate in Communications with a specialization in Public Relations.

I will be 60 in April and plan to retire from my current job on July 31.

I will have a retirement income of about of $1,800/month (Canadian Funds - for those of you who do not know - Canadian dollars are currently on par with American)

I'm busy studying Spanish, but I know I will not be fluent by the time I leave for Mexico. I plan to cross into Mexico via El Paso to Juarez on September 8 of this year.

I plan to enter Mexico on a 6 month visitor's visa. The Mexican Consulate in Toronto, which services Winnipeg, told me that the 6 month visitor's visa is now standard.

The staff person I spoke to at the Mexican consultate also said that it would not be prudent for me to enter as a retired person since I plan to work.

He said once I decide where I will live and work my employer will apply for the FM3 visa on my behalf.

O-kay, so far so good.

Here is my first question: In Canada it is against our charter of human rights to ask a person's age. Is it common practise in Mexico to ask a persons age? If it is common practise, how much of a liabilty would my age be?

Here's my second question: I feel very strongly that my experience and education lends itself very well to teaching adults. So far, I have over 200 hours volunteering as a tutor and working with ESL teachers in their classrooms, and have very good reference letters. But I have no experience nor training teaching English to children. When applying at private language schools, which is my intention, what are my chances of teaching only adults?

Thanks for any information you may send my way.

[MO39]

To answer your questions:

1. Since it is not illegal to do so in Mexico, you may be asked your age, (or it will be obvious from your c.v.), but this should not adversely affect your chances of finding work. I think that most reputable schools welcome older teachers, especially to work with businessmen and women, who are often no longer "kids" themselves and may respond better to a more mature instructor. Your paper qualifications --CTESL (not exactly sure what this entails, though) and B.A. -- plus your volunteer work will also be seen as real pluses. I am now 62 (and a half) and have had no problems finding work in Mexico City.

2. If you want to teach adults, then apply to language institutes that offer classes to adults, which is what most of them specialize in anyway. You can also advertise for private adult students in newspapers (I recommend El Universal) and through any of several free on-line websites, such as Segundamano.

I hope these comments set your mind at ease.

[thelmadatter]

One of the law students here told me that it IS illegal to ask a person's age or sex, or specify them on the job ad; however, since it is obviously not-enforced it might as well be legal.

We've had this Q several times on this forum and the answer, like MO39's has always been consistant... age is not a problem (neither is gender tho Ive noticed that guys get treated slightly more deferentially than women at my school).

Age discrimination is a problem for older Mexicans, esp. those without advanced or really needed skills. Its not a problem for us because a) we are native speakers and/or we have credentials not often found in Mexico and b) because most employers dont need to see us as long-term employees ... we have the immediate marketing benefit of being foreigners and as authority figures, age is a benefit.(IMHO)

I came here at the "ripe old age" of 38 and Im still here. They never asked my age when I was interviewed but did ask for a photo (standard here and I was being hired from abroad). If I were to look for other uni work in Mexico I wouldnt have too much trouble even at 43.

[GueroPaz]

I started teaching EFL to 12 year olds when I was 60, and at age 65 I'm privately tutoring kids as young as 5 and 6. But I have lots of related child and youth work experience. If you're never too old to rock'n'roll, then you're also never to old to teach English to children, in my humble, elderly opinion.

[MO39]

[Guy Courchesne]

[Samantha]

The language schools in which I have taught have always had classes with a mixture of all ages, depending on level of ability. In my area, the language schools take any age, since business is business. If you are in an area of tourists or expats, you will find more young ones learning English (pushed along by their parents who know that they will make more money in future). The satellite tv and computer technicians who have learned English while in school, are cleaning up! They don't have any more technical skill than their Spanish speaking peers, but they are making much more money.

In my opinion, something more important than age factor for a mature teacher coming to Mexico, is attitude and flexibility. Some of the mature teachers I've worked with seemed very set in their ways and simply could not adapt to the way schools operate here. If you are easy-going and open to doing things rather differently than you perceive as the correct way (the way you are used to), then you should really enjoy the experience.

Oreen Scott wrote:

[Oreen Scott]

I've read all of your replies from my post. Thanks a lot