Job Discussion Forums

[Preparing4Mx]

Hello, I am new here. Forgive me if any of these questions have already been answered; I've been reviewing the site for a couple of weeks and still have some questions. First, I'll tell you my situation and then I'll list my questions.

My husband is from Mexico City and I am from the U.S. We have a 3 year old daughter that was also born here in the U.S. For many reasons, we've decided to move to Mexico City within the next year and give it a try for at least one year. His family is there and we would be staying with them until we find a place to rent. We visit every year for a few weeks so I am somewhat familiar with what it is like. I have a bachelor degree (not in education) and am currently working on a master degree in psychology. I will be finished before we go. I have taught and tutored English to adults, but never to children and they were always private classes. That is the only experience in the area that I have. I do not hold any teacher certifications. I do speak fluent Spanish. I would like to take care of everything before we move, if possible. I plan to put my daughter in a bilingual school.

My questions:

1. Is it worth paying the money to get my TESOL certification? How much is too much? Is it worth paying extra to get guaranteed job placement?
2. Has anyone heard of Global TESOL College? What experiences have you had, if any? Do they view it differently there if you do it online? I wouldn't be able to go to a location.
3. Will I have trouble finding a job with my experience and education?
4. I've heard it's best to find a job BEFORE moving, is this true?
5. Is is difficult to get a FM3 work visa? Should I get one before leaving?
6. What is the pay range for teachers in this area? What is too low to accept?
7. Does anyone know of any good bilingual schools in the area for my daughter? Price ranges? Would I be able to negotiate free school for her in my contract?
8. Are there any pros and cons anyone thinks I should know?
9. I work at a university where they do not offer certification, but I can take ESL classes for free; do you think this would help?
10. Am I forgetting anything?
.
I would appreciate any feedback that you can give. Thanks in advance

[MO39]

For starters, I suggest posting your questions on the Mexico forum.

[Glenski]

1. If you plan to teach for a long time, yes.

2. Yes, have heard of them. Beware of their so-called "guaranteed" placement services (or at least their money-back guarantee part).

For other questions, I agree with MO39.

[MO39]

More comments from me:

If you've never taught in a formal classroom setting, then an on-line certificate (which means it doesn't include practice teaching) may not be very well-regarded when you start to look for a job. Since you'll be living in Mexico City, once you're there you could look into taking a TESOL course there. Once again, I suggest posting your questions on the Mexico forum.

[ITTP]

Hi MO39!

An online certificate will be fine but make sure that it involves some form of teaching practice experience or it won't be internationally recognized.

All the best!

[spiral78]

Beware of teaching practice with peer trainees rather than actual students. It's a short-cut some of the online/weekend courses try using to get around the lack of teaching practice - but employers are often unimpressed.

[ITTP]

Yes, completely agree - make sure that you will be teaching real students.

Have a lovely weekend and all the best!

[MELEE]

I'm completely ignorant when it comes to on-line TEFL certs (I got mine before on-line was a common word!) help me learn something. How can an on-line certificate offer practice teaching?

[Guy Courchesne]

It can when it's bridged to a practicum after the course, or an internship as we do in, ahem, Mexico City.

Small plug, sorry.

[MELEE]

Who observes and gives you feed back on your teaching?

[Preparing4Mx]