Job Discussion Forums

pckbos · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 4

Hello all,
I am a first time poster here, been reading/researching for awhile, but decided I should start getting involved. The forum members here seem to have a wealth of info. Where do I start?

Anyway, I am looking into TEFL and trying to get started. I have no formal teacher training. I am 25 yrs old and have a degree, with a minor in Spanish. I currently work in a large financial corp, and I've been getting restless and wanting something more fulfilling/things have become fairly stagnant due to the economy...I feel burnt out and need a change.

That is where TEFL may come in. I don't necessarily have a desire to become a teacher for my next career (although maybe that may change), but I do have a strong desire to get back into Spanish and I think TEFL could also be a productive break from the corporate grind. I have studied spanish since highschool and spent a semester abroad but have never been quite been able to become fluent. I have a lot of experience coaching and working with kids, so I think I have the aptitude and patience to teach; although I don't have actual experience.

Long intro, but onto questions/advice. I have read a lot about Certification and the CELTA vs online cert debate. For me, I would think online is enough (with hopes to get some workshop/teacher feedback included) or doing some volunteering first. Itto, ICAL and i-to-i seem the best. Thoughts? Hours?

Location: Mexico
My Uncle lives in Sayulita, so I was thinking a town within a few hours from there. Colima, Tepic, Cuidad Guzman, Guanajuato, or any other suggestions. Is this feasible? I would prefer a smaller city to GDL if possible. Anyone have experiences working there?
I love Spanish and Latin American culture and want to become fluent while living there if possible.

Jobs:
What are the best options for people new teachers? Younger kids? Business language classes? Are the towns listed above hiring?

Life after TEFL. For those who do not continue to teach or pursue their MA in TESOL, is the transition hard? Im not necessarily trying to get back into finance so a career change would be welcomed. Interpreter? Working abroad with my new language skills?

Well, sorry for the length I hope some will take the time to read it all and give some thoughts. I look forward to any feedback and hope to get the ball rolling. Thanks.

AdrianG4 · Joined: 17 Apr 2009 Posts: 160 Location: Harbin, China

I did my TESOL through INTESOL internation in Guanajuato, Mexico. Besides CELTA, ITTO seems to be the most popular TEFL course to take in Mexico though.

With a BA and a TEFL, you should be able to get a job with a Uni. Just on having a TEFL, you have many colegios and language schools available to you, but for the highest pay, a public school or a university will be what you want with your credentials.

ranter · Joined: 30 Mar 2009 Posts: 18 Location: Turkey

You could ask on the Mexico forum, just a thought.

pckbos · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 4

Thanks. I will be posting on the Mexico forum as well, but I thought the general forum was a good place to start.

What did you think of the INTESOL in Guanajuato? That look a little more expensive but a better course than just doing something online. Also takes place in Mexico, so did it help with finding a job?

I think it would help for me because its more intensive and has teacher practice, more than you would get online. Did you like Guanajuato?

Thanks!

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2010 6:18 pm Post subject:

MOD EDIT

Few employers in Mexico even know what the heck a CELTA is. If you just want to teach in Mexico, most any TEFL cert will do the trick.

pckbos · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 4

Thanks for the input. I would say that wraps up the debate about CELTA or not. I will keep that in mind. Looks like an on site program with workshops is the best option, although more expensive. Makes sense.

Anyone have experience working in areas around Colima, Tepic, Nayarit, or Manzanillo?

Thanks again for the input!

toocaty · Posted: Wed Mar 31, 2010 9:10 pm Post subject:

Vallarta is also close to salyulita, we drive up there monday nights to go dancing salsa...about an hour away...

mejms · Joined: 04 Jan 2010 Posts: 390

Practically any language school will hire you, especially the privately owned ones. In general, they have next to no standards, just want a native speaker who can show up on time, listen, talk, and keep students laughing. It`s a freakin circus. Just find the most honest one you can.