Job Discussion Forums

[fimac]

Hello Everyone!

I am a 23 year old Australian girl and I have just completed my Bachelor of Arts with majors in both Spanish and Anthropology as well as a Dip. ML in Italian. As part of my BA, I completed a semester in Guadalajara, Mexico and I am itching to going back on a more permanent basis.

When I go back to Mexico, I would like to teach English (I am not fussed about which city at this stage). I am looking into taking night classes for the CELTA certificate so I am able to obtain a job.

From what I have read in other posts, I think that my educational background along with the CELTA should be enough for me to teach English in Mexico. Being a newbie to the field, I am not sure about are the different levels and types of jobs in Mexico (eg. language schools, elementary schools etc.)

Could someone clarify the different levels/ teaching jobs available in Mexico (eg. language schools, elementary schools etc.) and what kind of qualifiction one needs to teach in each type (I understand this will vary a lot)?

Also, is it difficult getting a job with no previous experience in teaching?

Thanks for your time. I have done a few searches and read a lot of posts but haven't quite found out what I am looking for.

Regards,

Fi

[veroax]

Work possibilities run the gamut really. Someone else can probably go into more detail than I can, but it sounds to me like you might be starting at a language school since you don't have much experience. That's often the lower end of the scale in terms of benefits, pay, etc. You definitely could get lucky though and land something better.

One consideration... You might think of doing a stink in a more lucrative country first in order to get some experience, get a higher credential, and bank a little money. That could make your transition to Mexico much easier. I say that particularly because it sounds like you're interested in Mexico as a longer-term possibility. I've been here nearly three years now and I don't see leaving anytime soon. And I occasionally wish that I had gone to Korea for a few years first to get a masters and save some money. Doing those sorts of things from here is challenge. On the other hand, if you're just looking for a yearlong Mexico experience, it would be a different story...

[MELEE]

I agree with veroax,

You sound a lot like me (except for the Italian!)

I did my BA with majors Spanish/Political Science and a Certificate in Latin American Studies. I studied abroad (in Chile). After gradutation I went to work in Ecuador. I had a faboulous time, outside of my job. Then I got a TEFL certifcate and went to Japan. The school I worked for in Japan gave me a lot of support--almost too much as it ment very little freedom in the classroom, but I think as a new teacher the more support the better. I learned a lot and learned to really enjoy teaching. I was in Japan for 18 months and saved up a good chunk of money. Then I came to Mexico. Because I had experience, I landed a pretty good job--so good I've stayed at it for 10 years! I never thought I'd stay so long, but life caught up with me here and this is where my life is now.

I was and still am a huge Latinophile, I went to Japan for economic reasons and expecting nothing. Turns out Japan is an vibrant and interesting place, filled with ancient culture and modern bizarness. I'm not a Japanophile now and still perfer latin culture (I feel at home here) but I absolutely enjoyed every single day of life in Japan--which really surprised me. So just because you are itching to get back to Latin America, doesn't mean you wouldn't really enjoy someplace else. As an Australian, you should be able to get a working holiday visa for Japan. You can get some experience under your belt. See if you enjoy teaching. Learn everything you can from a well established school (including learning how NOT to do things ) Then AFTER working a year in Japan, get a CELTA and come to Mexico and land yourself a very good job.

[fimac]

Thanks so much for your helpful responses. I guess for my first trip back I would like to travel around to re-aquaint myself with the country and perhaps stay for a year or so teaching, then travel a bit more around Central and South America. My main objective would be to have the qualification to work for experience (even volunteer work) and suss out the situation for longer term future employment opportunities.

Which countries (apart from Japan) have a the highest demand for ESL teachers and which are quite well paid? I am open to other destinations but I love my beloved Mexico and can't wait to get back! Although I am saving here before I leave, it may be a good idea to do a short stint in a more lucrative country. I know that I may well get there and never want to leave!

Again thanks so much for the helpful advice. Any more would be much appreciated.

On another note, what qualifications and amount of experience would one need to teach in an elementary school? MELEE and veroax- what types of schools are you teaching in? Are working visas hard to come by in Mexico? My student FM-3 was no problem, but I imagine a working vis may be a completely different story.

[dixie]

[veroax]

I think the general consensus is that Korea is the best bet for new teachers who want to bank some money, but experiences there are very mixed. Taiwan sounds comparable financially. The Middle East can be more lucrative also, but generally requires more in terms of education and experience. I�ve never worked in those places though, so you�ll probably want to check their forums if that route appeals to you.

MELEE and I are both with the State University System of Oaxaca. You can find threads about SUNEO on here if you do a search. In our system things are done by the book, so our visas are sponsored (but not paid for) by the university, so it�s just a matter of getting the documents together and going to Immi. I guess some people encounter more difficulties in getting the FM3. And I�d say that that�s another reason why�if you really want to be here for a while�you should consider getting a bit of experience and a certificate of sorts beforehand. Landing a good job from the beginning can make all the difference.

But� as I said before, you might still find a good job with less experience. It sounds like there are some language schools in Mexico with decent reputations that gladly hire new teachers, and they might be a good way to gain some experience and learn about the array of opportunities here. And with some luck you might find something still better. (I did.) You certainly could come here straight away, as long as your expectations are realistic.

[dixie]

[MELEE]

Here the philosophy is we are treated exactly like any other employee (they are Mexican) no more nor less benefits. So staying legal is our responsiblity. Of course they provide all the necessary documents, but we provide the cash.

[dixie]

[MELEE]

The institution does not have to pay for anything for them to be legal to work.

[veroax]

Also bear in mind that we're a public system, run by the state government. So just in terms of finances it's a different situation compared to say a private prepa. Based on recent reports of life in private prepas, I'll gladly pay for the visa in exchange for working here.

My feeling was that the burden was on me anyways since I was making the decision to move here. Nobody dragged me to Mexico. Maybe I would have felt differently if I were going to a country more for financial motives.

[dixie]

[veroax]

The majority of my students are on scholarships of some sort. The bulk of them come from households of limited resources. Some people have recently commented on the spoiled nature of students at wealthier private schools. On the contrary, most of my students are a pleasure to work with. They may not pay enough tuition to have my FM3 paid for, but that's fine by me.

[MELEE]

I'm also very very happy to be working for a public institution. It just fits with who I am and what my life goals are.
I don't agree with every thing that goes on here, but on a whole I'm very proud to be a part of this project. The students are a joy to work with. Most of them are the first in their families to ever attend university. I have no major disapline problems, only chatting with a friend in class, or the occasional student falling asleep--they keep exhausting schedules. On several occasions they and their parents have invited me into their homes all over the state of Oaxaca. I've been here long enough that I've seem many many through to graduation and on to careers. I'm confident that my teaching is a stepping stone in they way to a better life and hopefully they will lead the nation in the right direction. That may sound pretty lofty, but for me at least it's true. I know not all of my colleagues will agree with me. I can pay my own FM3 and work 40 hours a week in exchange for this kind of job satisfaction.

[Samantha]

In my area of Mexico, it is quite rare for a private school or uni to cover the cost of a foreign teacher's FM3.