Job Discussion Forums

[soyjulia]

Hi!

I've been browsing through old posts but I couldn't exactly find the answer to what I want.. I'm hoping someone can help! I've recently moved to Mexico City, spent the last six months studying spanish and am now in desperate need of finding work. I have a bachelor's degree but no teaching experience nor teaching diploma. A lot of people have told me that it doesn't matter, schools will hire based on a BA alone - but from checking out the job availabilities online, most places require some type of diploma. From what I gather though, the exact type of diploma isn't so important. I don't have the cash to fork out a few thousand US for a CELTA course, however, I was pointed in the direction by one teacher to the seriousTEFL diploma, its an online diploma that costs around $180US.

I was just wondering if any of you have completed a course such as this? If so, was it worthwhile? Will it boost my chances or do I really need to complete a more 'intensive', face to face course? Does anyone have any recommendations? I was already offered a position working at Interlingua where training is provided, but, as has already been discussed in these forums, that place is truly awful. The killer salary of 40pesos an hour and being required to work 6 days a week, on call from 6am-10pm wasn't sooo inticing. Will this be my only type of teaching opportunity without a qualification?

My other concern is that here in Mexico, I realise a lot of the time finding a job is not so much about your qualifications, but who you know... am I better off trying to get jobs through Mexican friends' connections with their old high schools or doing it the more 'honest' way? if anyone can share their experiences or help with the TEFL thing, I'd greatly appreciate it!

Mil gracias and viva Mexico!
Julia

[Prof.Gringo]

To answer your first question: An online TEFL is of limited use, but it does give you a piece of paper to impress employers here in Mexico. If you plan on getting a "real" TEFL take a look at a few schools like ITTO in Guad, Dunham Inst. in Chiapas or for a course that's good worldwide, get a CELTA from International House in DF or Playa del Carmen.

Second question: If you have anybody that can put a word in for you with a Mexican school, use it. That's the way things are here. Truly not what you know, but who you know is the Mexican way.