Job Discussion Forums

[liznyc]

I am thinking of taking the CELTA training at International House in Mexico City in November 2011. Anyone taken CELTA training there? What was your impression of the program? The instructors? How much help did they give you on finding housing? Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks

[donato]

All I can say is that I work there. The office is in a nice area in Condesa. Oh how I wish they paid teachers 30,000 pesos a month so I could live near there...hahaha (I love Condesa despite the touristic aspect). I think after some research you will find a CELTA doesn't mean much more than any other entry-level course...in Mexico. In Asia and other places it may or may not carry more weight. Although as a relative newb, I would've done the CELTA to start. Just my $0.02. Others here will give as good or better advice.

[liznyc]

Hi! So, you're an EFL teacher? It sounds like you didn't do the CELTA at IH; if you have formal training, where did you get it? How long have you been teaching EFL? Do you enjoy the professional environment at IH? Is it easy to make friends with other teachers? Are most of the EFL teachers from the US or elsewhere? Thanks

[donato]

I did my TEFL course in Guadalajara. Been in Mexico since last June. It is easy to make friends at IH because of the sheer quantity of teachers. The majority are European, mostly British. There are however quite a few Americans. I do enjoy the envirnonment at IH. If you�re planning on doing a homestay while you take the CELTA, be sure and make sure you don�t pay too much. So ask around (if you need help I can help a bit) after they quote you a price. I know a guy who did his CELTA here and he paid what I consider an exhorbitant amount. Feel free to PM me if you need something I can help with.

[liznyc]

Hi Donato. Thank you very much! I haven't yet posted the minimum required number of posts (5) before I am allowed to send a PM, but I'm on Facebook under Elizabeth Walser Gassimi, if you are on FB, too.
How did you come to teach EFL? I am doing a second-career-transition; i've already worked for many years in software project management.

[doublethinker]

I took my CELTA at IH in Mexico City and I loved it. It was a really good course, and I met some great people who are still my friends here. I taught adult ESL in businesses for about 7 months in the city (not with IH) until I switched to working in a private colegio where I make double and next year I'll make triple an ESL salary (but it's more than three times as draining, let me tell you.) The CELTA course is good because even if you don't end up teaching ESL to adults what you learn is quite applicable to a range of education-related jobs. Of the people I did my course with, one teaches at IH Mexico, three (including me) at private high schools, one in curriculum work at an educational company, one at a university in michoacan, one in ESL in chile and the others I've lost track of.

I will echo was a previous poster said, bargain for IH housing if that's what you want to do. First they quoted me 8000 pesos. Then I said "that's too much" so they lowered it to 4000.

Condesa is really nice and it's actually not so so expensive to live nearby. Rents are cheaper in neighboring Escandon and Roma and you can walk into the heard of Condesa in 5-10 mins.

[liznyc]

Hi Doublethinker: Thanks so much for your reply. Very helpful. I'm wondering about medical insurance; been reading other posts but would like to hear about a recent, personal exprience. As I understand it, IH does not include health insurance, so I guess people must buy their own, privately? I also hear it's not that expensive. True? Also, have you had any experience with the Mexican medical system and how would you rate that experience? Thanks much.

[liznyc]

Doublethinker: Sorry, I realize I wasn't that clear. I do realize that IH wouldn't pay for health insurance for a student during the training class; I was more interested in your experience with health insurance as an employee. Thanks!

[doublethinker]

I'm not a good authority on health insurance because I now have both private and public insurance with my job and they chose / paid for it. Also, I haven't gotten sick since getting that insurance.

Before I had insurance, I went to a Dr. Simi (cheap doctor attached to the farmacy chain 30 pesos for the consulation) when I had some intestinal issues and he was fantastic.
When I wanted to get my yearly check-up I went to a specialist in lady-stuff, the consultation plus routine tests were 800 pesos.

Just wanted to give you an idea of out-of-pocket expenses. Overall medical care seems fine.

I don't think decent insurance is too expensive, but you'd be best asking IH to put you in contact with some teachers. (I'd give you my friend's contact but he's far too reckless to have health insurance.)

[liznyc]

Doublethinker: thanks so much! Every bit of info is helpful.