Job Discussion Forums

rgraham1014 · Joined: 10 Aug 2009 Posts: 14

I am a recent college grad looking to move to Mexico to teach ESL. I have my BA and I plan on attending a CELTA class when I get there. I also have about six months experience teaching English to immigrants here in the states. I also speak Spanish, although I've heard that doesn't help too much in finding work. My questions are:

1. How much could I expect to make starting off in Mexico given my qualifications? I am open to all parts of Mexico, although I'd love to work in Oaxaca or Chiapas.

2. I would (like everyone else) prefer to work in a uni - Is that at all reasonable? What type of job should I be looking for?

Is Mexico the place with the most jobs in Latin America? How is it comprable to Colombia or Costa Rica?

I'd really apprecaite any help or suggestions! Thanks a lot!

Writer · Joined: 31 Mar 2008 Posts: 31

I live in Oaxaca. Most of the private language schools here pay between 60 - 80 pesos/hour. Number of hours vary, depending on their needs at the time.

Competition for the uni jobs is stiff and the teachers who have those jobs tend to keep them. The uni's I've approached wanted someone with all the necessary apostilled documents. It helps if your degree is in Education and you have a teaching certificate. Hiring for the school year happens late June - July.

rgraham1014 · Joined: 10 Aug 2009 Posts: 14

60-80 pesos per hour? Thats under $5 US an hour...

is that right?

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

It's best not to think in dollars (or any other currency)! Prices in Mexico are in pesos so you need to adjust really quickly to thinking in pesos or you may have a hard time sticking to the budget.

Phil_K · Joined: 25 Jan 2007 Posts: 2041 Location: A World of my Own

I'm going to be converting to pesos when I go to my homeland (England) next month - it's been a long time!

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

Exactly!

Professor · Joined: 22 May 2009 Posts: 449 Location: Mexico City

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

Your experience is based on Mexico City. Wages and opportunities vary throughout Mexico.

rgraham1014 · Joined: 10 Aug 2009 Posts: 14

Will I be able to get by on what I make in most places in Mexico?
I'm fully aware that Latin America is not the place to go for money, but I'm hoping to be as self-sustaining as possible

Professor · Joined: 22 May 2009 Posts: 449 Location: Mexico City

Phil_K · Joined: 25 Jan 2007 Posts: 2041 Location: A World of my Own

I don't want to engage in personal attacks, but with 8 years experience in Mexico, I feel I have to qualify Professor's maverick views somewhat!

Yes, it is possible to make more money per class doing private classes, but unless you are a whizzkid entrepreneur and salesman, it will take a lot of work to build up a clientele to give you a stable and regular income. And having done that you still need to find time to continue selling as clients - and classes- have a nasty habit of disappearing. I'm not saying it's not possible...but ain't easy either!

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Thu Aug 20, 2009 3:57 pm Post subject:

Tretyakovskii · Joined: 14 Aug 2009 Posts: 462 Location: Cancun, Mexico

Prof Gringo, or anyone else familiar with the subject, you may have said something about this on another thread, but I wondered if you would be willing to tell us what range of pay people with proper qualifications and experience could expect teaching at colegios, and what the age range is of the students, typically?

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

Regards the pay, for which part of Mexico? It really does vary.

Tretyakovskii · Joined: 14 Aug 2009 Posts: 462 Location: Cancun, Mexico

Samantha, why don't we start with the ones you know best.