Job Discussion Forums

[Elok]

I'd like to try TEFL in Latin America somewhere, haven't decided where. Mexico, Chile, and Peru are sort of the short list for now. I've found a lot of useful info, on this site and elsewhere, about visas and certifications and such (by the by, I'm thinking of trying the ITTO course in Guadalajara, Mexico--anyone have experience with them? I've only been able to find positive reviews online, which should be a good sign but could just as well be a bunch of their employees spamming).

What I want to know more about is the actual teaching experience. For example, I read a lot in the Mexico forums about students (both kids and adults) who have basically no desire to learn. Horror stories, really, even from my perspective--and I'm a substitute teacher now, I'm used to disrespect.

Can anybody tell me where I should look for a decent learning environment? I don't mean perfect pupils or anything, I just mean responsive enough that they don't scream over my voice and then throw things at me/attack me when I ask for silence.

Or is that just foolishly optimistic?

[naturegirl321]

Teaching experience will vary by age, school, location, social status, etc. It's REALLY hard to generalise. There are horror stories just about everywhere you go. There are good schools as well.

For a good environment, first, ask to email current teachers. Then ask about class size, grading, textbooks, other responsibilities, such as tests, meetings, etc.

YOu can ask all you want, but unfortunately, nothing will really prepare you until you teach. And then you could get a horrid class one year and at the same school have absolute angels.

FYI: I've found that the rich schools often have the worst pupils, but sadly the rich schools pay decent wages.

[TeresaLopez]