Job Discussion Forums

GuruSK · Posted: Mon Jan 04, 2010 5:56 pm Post subject: Job Hunting on Foot in Queretaro

So, hello again friends!

I am here. I am a green teacher just arrived from Los Angeles, currently staying at my aunt's house in San Miguel de Allende, and beginning my job search in the city of Queretaro. (Me: B.A. in U.S.-Latin American relations, Spanish minor (fluent), TESOL certified, certificates in TOEFL, Business English, Grammar. Experience: tutoring/teaching Language Arts one-to-one as a supplemental educational provider for LAUSD, and additional tutoring/mentoring experience)

So, I have my car and am planning on doing some organized roaming through the city streets to bombard language schools with my resume and charm. Smile

A couple questions:

1. I am going to locate a thorough map of the city, however, I suppose that ahead of time I should call schools to find their exact locations and hours? So that I don't spend hours locating them in vain?

2. Do I ask to speak to the Director? Or...? Or do I just leave my resume with whomever with take it?

3. Universities: I'm going to try to get some work at the universities as well. I presumably go to the English department and speak to...? Pay: what is normal pay for university work?

4. Private tutoring: where is the best place to advertise tutoring services and private services? Newspaper? College bulletin boards? Internet? And, what is the going rate for private sessions?

Thanks a million,

Melanie

wildchild · Joined: 14 Nov 2005 Posts: 519 Location: Puebla 2009 - 2010

1. you might try using google maps, and use the 'directions' feature... if not, just leave the car at home and take the bus... it's harder to get lost that way... Wink

2. yes, always ask to speak to the director. you might try calling before to set up an appointment: it will save you a trip if the director is in a meeting (they are always in meetings, doing what is anyones guess haha) or out to lunch...

3. Yeah, you can get on their websites, locate the language department and the email, telephones of the people in charge... Minimum around 100 pesos an hour...

4. all of your ideas sound good. you might also consider simply talking to people outside of schools, giving them your card... As for the going rate, that is something that you have to establish per your target market... for example, you don't want to charge school kids as much as you would charge business managers...

GuruSK · Posted: Tue Jan 05, 2010 12:30 am Post subject:

Thanks!

I'm sure I'll have more questions after this week of wandering...

TheLongWayHome · Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Posts: 1016 Location: San Luis Piojosi

TheLongWayHome · Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Posts: 1016 Location: San Luis Piojosi

leslie · Joined: 08 Feb 2003 Posts: 235

GuruSK · Posted: Wed Jan 06, 2010 6:38 pm Post subject:

Thanks for all of the great advice,

There are a lot of universities in Queretaro, so I am trying to decide which ones to go to first. Should I just go to ones that specialize en English? Or will any university in general need English teachers?

Thanks, Mel

wildchild · Joined: 14 Nov 2005 Posts: 519 Location: Puebla 2009 - 2010

At many universities in Puebla, all students are REQUIRED to study English (or pass the TOEFL with a minimum score) as part of their degree requirements...

and what do you mean, "which one to go to first.."

get in touch with all of them, call, set up appointments.

TheLongWayHome · Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Posts: 1016 Location: San Luis Piojosi

cummings93 · Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2010 12:58 am Post subject: why not stay in SMA?

I lived there (SMA) for 2 years. Why not try out some schools there? I worked at a couple, PM if your interested and I'll tell you my thoughts.
Besides, the enchiladas in SMA are better.

GuruSK · Posted: Sat Jan 09, 2010 2:27 am Post subject:

SMA is very nice, but for my future business plans, Queretaro is a much better fit! I kind of want to live in a larger city...I will definitely message you if the need arises, thank you!

robertokun · Joined: 27 May 2008 Posts: 199

Tec de Monterrey. It's behind the big Soriana complex off Bernardo Quintana. QRO's a great city. You're gonna love it.

GuruSK · Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2010 8:18 pm Post subject:

Thanks for all the help everyone!

I am happy to say that I am now working at the International School of Queretaro teaching first grade. It is very challenging but it is improving everyday. Have been too busy moving and getting caught up with the new job to have fun in QRO yet. Can't wait to explore the city!

-Melanie

wildchild · Joined: 14 Nov 2005 Posts: 519 Location: Puebla 2009 - 2010

congrats!!!

maybe as a conclusion... you can detail how you got the gig... did you call, email, or just go down there, etc.

again, congrats!!!

TheLongWayHome · Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Posts: 1016 Location: San Luis Piojosi