Job Discussion Forums

McMurphy_RP · Joined: 02 May 2010 Posts: 21

Hi everybody -

I'm an experienced teacher who is planning to move to Oaxaca soon. I hold a couple of master's degrees and several New York State teaching certifications, but do not have a TEFL background. I'm debating whether to take a TEFL certification course before I leave the US or once I get to Mexico.

Originally I had planned to do it in Mexico because I thought it would be a good way of getting to know some locals, but now I'm planning to start with some intensive Spanish language study and a homestay. If I do the TEFL certification in Mexico, it would be after the Spanish language study. My alternative would be to do it here in NY before leaving.

Would Mexican foreign language schools and/or universities be likely to have a preference one way or the other? Would I be likely to find useful assistance with placement if I did the TEFL certification in Oaxaca rather than in NY?

Thanks!
Neil

Isla Guapa · Posted: Sat May 15, 2010 7:04 pm Post subject:

I don't have any figures to quote, but I'm sure that it would be much cheaper to take a decent TEFL course in Oaxaca than in New York, city or state.

sarliz · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Posts: 198 Location: Jalisco

I'd vote for doing it in Mexico. Probably much cheaper, and no pesky apostilling of the certificate after you get it. I have a friend who got her certification in Oaxaca, and enjoyed the course a lot.

McMurphy_RP · Joined: 02 May 2010 Posts: 21

Thanks, Isla and Sarliz. Sarliz, do you happen to know which school your friend went to?

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

McMurphy_RP · Joined: 02 May 2010 Posts: 21

I know that some schools claim that they'll be able to assist with placement, but I don't know whether or not to take those claims with a hefty grain of salt.

Cute kid, by the way, Guy.

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Thank you!

Isla Guapa · Posted: Sat May 15, 2010 8:32 pm Post subject:

Guy's daughter is cute even when she isn't chewing on Daddy's nose!

sarliz · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Posts: 198 Location: Jalisco

I think was the School For International Training. If not, I almost hired a teacher who went there and had good things to say about it (just checked her resume for the name). I don't think there are too many schools in Oaxaca proper, so I'd think odds are good they are one and the same.