Job Discussion Forums

[SpaceTone]

Hi everyone
I'm a first time poster and will start by saying thanks to the regular posters here, its been really helpful to read about your thoughts and experiences....so thanks!
I'm planning on taking the CELTA at IH Mexico City and then start looking for work, and have a few questions which I don't think have been covered in previous posts, but apologies if i've missed anything....
- any advice on how to prepare for the CELTA course? i've bought an english grammar book (and what an exciting read it is) but can anyone offer any other advice? And from people's experiences, just how intense is the course? I'm not afraid of a challenge but from what i've heard i should brace myself for extreme stress and exhaustion...truth or exaggeration?
- what kind of salary can i expect (approximately) to earn in d.f? I have a BA, and will have the CELTA, but no teaching experience other than some casual volunteering. I only want to teach adults at this point, so from other posts i guess i'd be looking at language institutes, at least to begin with while i gain some experience. What is a reasonable monthly amount to expect (without working all the hours under the sun- i want to be able to enjoy some of the sun myself!)
- do many/any of these positions offer any kind of insurance? May be a bit of a random question, but i'm trying to work out if i should take travel insurance for an extended period before i leave.
- this may apply only to british posters, but possibly to others too - what are people's experiences with student loan repayments? I went travelling recently and the SLC were constantly on my back about how i was supporting myself etc, and tried to charge me an extortionate amount, so now i'm a little wary - do you send details of your earnings back to them for them to assess?
Thanks again, and look forward to reading your thoughts and advice!

[TeresaLopez]

I haven't done a CELTA myself, so I don't have any advice there. Reviewing Grammar certainly won't hurt, regardless of where you end up. As far as jobs go, the large chains like Interlengua, Harmon Hall, etc., pay around 80 pesos an hours, plus benefits, which include some vacation pay, insurance, help with visa costs, etc. That would be the government health care, which isn't bad, but really requires you to speak at least some Spanish, or have a Spanish speaking friend go with you. Quality varies from clinic to clinic and doctor to doctor. Having used the system in the past MY impression is that you have better doctors in a nicer area. Medical care, tests and medications are not expensive anyway, so you might choose to by-pass the system, or use it for preventive care only. If you work for a school you might also want to pick up a couple of private classes to supplement your income, they pay a bit more, but aren't always reliable if you plan to depend on only that income - students cancel at the last minute, take vacations, etc., but do pay more - from $150 pesos up.