Job Discussion Forums

[london_chico]

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum - I've decided recently that I fancy a career change - I work in the civil service in Britain but have reached the end of my tether with sitting behind spreadsheets all day and gthe endless bureaucracy, and want to try something where I can do something worthwhile more directly, and I've always had a desire to work abroad.

I'm therefore looking into TEFL, and specifically Latin America as I want to go somewhere Spanish speaking to improve my Spanish. I'm looking at Mexico and Ecuador since I do want to go somewhere with a nice climate, I've never coped well with winter in England! I'd be looking to go next spring in April/may, so would be really grateful if some of you could help with some basic questions, I'm struggling with Mexico to know where to begin because it's so big and there's so many options! So:

� How much does it matter when I arrive - I get the impression May time may be pretty useless for finding work?
� In terms of TEFL/TESOL courses, Mexico seems to have millions all over the place - any with particular recommendations? I don't want to go to Mexico city since I've had enough of big cities after a few years in London.
� Are there courses that are particularly good at helping to find work, or am I better off looking on my own? How much might I expect to earn? I don�t expect a fortune, that�s not the reason I�m going, but enough to be comfortable.
� I would prefer to work with children/teenagers than with adults (I�ve had enough working with adults!), is this realistic and where are the best places for this kind of work?
� Can you recommend cities that might suit me - not too big/noisy/congested/dirty, but big enough to have things going on, a bit of culture and a nice climate and decent work? I understand pay may not be as good.


Many thanks for all your help, the amount of information out there is pretty bewildering!

Cheers,

neil

[rrrjjjmmm]

� How much does it matter when I arrive - I get the impression May time may be pretty useless for finding work?
- There's no real bad time for finding work in Mexico in my experience, perhaps Oct to Dec is slower, but from Jan to Jul, things move pretty quickly.

� In terms of TEFL/TESOL courses, Mexico seems to have millions all over the place - any with particular recommendations? I don't want to go to Mexico city since I've had enough of big cities after a few years in London.
- I know what you mean, London was doing my head in! That's why I left! Mexico City is jam packed. I live in Queretaro, which is a beautiful city about 2 and a half hours from D.F. It's got everything --- except a beach!

� Are there courses that are particularly good at helping to find work, or am I better off looking on my own? How much might I expect to earn? I don�t expect a fortune, that�s not the reason I�m going, but enough to be comfortable.
- I did the ITTO course in Guadalajara, it was ooookkkkaaay. There were a lot of disatisfied customers - particularly with the 'job guarantee'and placement service. Maybe take a look at www.teachertrainingcenter.org here in Queretaro (I will be honest, I work for their sister school, United English!)

� I would prefer to work with children/teenagers than with adults (I�ve had enough working with adults!), is this realistic and where are the best places for this kind of work?
- I don't know much about this type of thing, I know we have a kids program, but not all language schools do.

� Can you recommend cities that might suit me - not too big/noisy/congested/dirty, but big enough to have things going on, a bit of culture and a nice climate and decent work? I understand pay may not be as good.
Queretaro!!! It's fantastic here! It's a UNESCO listed site, with a diverse and interesting history, but is also has all the modern features that people are after (Zara, Sears, Wal-Mart, etc!). I find it the perfect balance of old and new. When I was reading up on it in the Lonely Planet, it sounded like it was going to be a little disappointing, but it's actually a fantastic place to live. I love it here.
Rhiannon

[Emeris]

In terms of TEFL courses a couple in Guadalajara are ITTO, as already mentioned, and Vancouver Language Centre. I've also heard mixed reviews of ITTO's program. VLC used to be cheaper than most other TEFL programs. I don't know know who their TEFL trainer is now, so I couldn't say what the current quality is; I think a few years back it was a decent course.

International House have a CELTA program in Playa del Carmen.

[Prof.Gringo]

Take a look at Dunham Institute in Chiapas. It's a small town. Includes housing with the tuition.
Job placement assistance is a joke. Once here and on the ground you will see more jobs and schools than you can imagine.

Also note that some Mexican schools ask for 180-200 hour certs. Those are not TEFL type certs. But what are called "Teacher's Diplomas" or just "Teacher's" for short. Those certs are often six month part-time courses. They both cover about the same things but a 120 hour cert can look light to Mexican employers.