Job Discussion Forums

[ESLmontana]

Well, in the past few mintues I have been given an offer to teach at an (the)international school in (of) Queretaro. They need someone immediately and it is a position that lasts until July.

First, if there is anyone here who knows about this school, please send me a pm....good/bad/neutral.

Also, and what is even more interesting is that the school is willing to pay my airfare there, considering the nature of the circumstances. But, it will be deducted from my pay over the course of the working period. I realize this is not a normality in Mexico, so I am skeptical. On the other hand, this would be the prime opportunity to get my feet wet in the ESL industry there, while not having to sign a one year contract.


Any thoughts or information?


Thanks.


eslmontana


P.S. I'm currently communicating with Global ERS. The gal whom I am in contact with seems to be upfront, as far as recruiters go. This person even told me about the potential situation of paying $300 if one needs to leave, before the three week notice. I think that is a good point in their favor.

[Jetgirly]

I would only accept the airfare offer if you are able to book the airfare yourself, so you know you are getting a good price. I am here with another teacher, I paid my airfare up front and she is having hers deducted from her paycheque. Overall, she's going to end up paying about $250 more than me, because a) it's usually cheaper to book a flight from A to B from A, and b) I used Expedia whereas they probably used the travel-agent daughter of one of the admins or something.

[MO39]

Before accepting this job, I would want to know why the person you'll be replacing is leaving suddenly. I would also want to be able to write (or talk) to a couple of foreign teachers currently at this school. I realize that you might not get a straight answer to the first question and that someone currently teaching there may not want to give out less than favorable information, but it's certainly worth a try.

[MELEE]

I think it sounds like a great opportunity, especially since you are talking about from here to July. If it's not a good place to work, you leave in July. If it is a good place to work, you've got your foot in the door for a new contract.
People leave suddenly for a very very wide variety of reasons, and they often lie about them.

Queretaro is a wonderful city.

If I were in you're position, I'd jump on the opportunity.

[ESLmontana]

Yeah, on the surface it seems like a good start. But, my experience in the past is stepping in.

I requested some contact information of a couple of teachers that are currently there. But, they are all still on vacation.

The school needs someone to be there by April 2. That is a little too soon, considering my circumstances. I am working a temporary job here in town, and I have not been here that long. In fact, I've only been back in the states since Feb 7. I'm still going through the "W.T.F.?" stage.........you know, trying figure out what the heck I'm gonna do.....and dealing with a little reverse culture shock. I'm with my family and I love them dearly........but, I'm bored.

However, jump right back into things may seem like a good idea on the surface, it may be the best decision in the long run. I do want to teach abroad again, and Mexico is looking like the place for me. But, past experience has taught me not to jump into anything without being sure.......or at leat being able to talk to a couple of teachers at the school in question.

On a side note, you guys seem pretty level headed. It is quite a change from the Korean forum. That place makes people bitter, I tell ya.

Thanks.


eslmontana

[spiral78]

It's only three-four months. Even if it turned out to be horrible, that's not long to endure. And it may be great.

I agree with MELEE. I wouldn't agonize much over it - I'd just go.

But that's me, obviously.

[Kootvela]

I'd not like the travelling to be deducted since I'd be travelling there for them as an employer, but sometimes nothing can be done. I'd say you should try this opportunity, esp. that summer ELT jobs aren't so easy to come. Is there a probatory period anyway so that you can leave without any fines?

[doublek]

I got my job through Global ERS. They were very upfront with me since I got the job in April and started in August, but the people that started immediately were lied to a lot. They were told they would be teaching the ages that they wanted as opposed to what they would actually be teaching, and the housing situation was completely off, among other things. One girl had to quit and even though she gave a month's notice, she was asked to pay $300 (I don't know if it got resolved or not; I already left at this point). I don't know how much things have changed or who the recruiter you're talking to is, but I would just be skeptical.

[thecrit840]

Hi,

I taught in Queretaro last year, but I never heard of this school, so I checked their website. There address is Jurica, which I know to be a well-to-do suburb of Queretaro. I don't know if this is important information for you or not, but you won't be centrally located in terms of popping into Centro Historico for an afternoon. I'm assuming you'll be there without a car, so this could be a significant factor for you if your prone to getting bored. You can take the bus, but it's not a quick ride.

Also, you may find that you'll be up against some tough classroom managment issues with the kids (I'm basing this on first-hand experience teaching affluent kids down there--the sense of "adventure" can wear off very quickly). I'm all about taking risks, but I'd have to say I'm siding with the "look before you leap" crowd.