Job Discussion Forums

fabfablew · Joined: 21 Dec 2010 Posts: 12 Location: Mexico

Hi everyone ... I just completed a CELTA course in Mexico City and am now looking for English teaching work in Mexico. I'd like to visit with some people who are or have been English teachers in Mexico (especially in Mexico City but also elsewhere). I want to get a better feel for the TEFL scene here. If you've taught in Mexico and wouldn't mind visiting with me for 15-20 minutes (via phone, Skype, Yahoo IM, whatever), let me know. Thanks!

TeresaLopez · Joined: 18 Apr 2010 Posts: 601 Location: Mexico City

Why not post your questions here and get a variety of responses all at once.

fabfablew · Joined: 21 Dec 2010 Posts: 12 Location: Mexico

Sure, here are a couple of general questions for the group. (But if anyone is willing to visit individually via IM or phone for 15-20 minutes, let me know.)

A little more about me: I finished the CELTA course a couple of weeks ago, and now I'm looking for my first teaching gig(s). I'm 38, from the USA, with a background in editing and writing for a variety of publications there. I have been in Mexico City since November, and probably I'll stay here for the time being, but I may decide to move elsewhere in Mexico in 6 months or a year.

First question: I'm interested in the pros and cons of teaching at a language school vs. teaching at a university (schedule, resources/training, salary, benefits, eagerness of students to learn, etc.).

Second question: I'm interested in getting information and opinions about these specific schools in Mexico City, especially if you have worked at any of them.
International House
ITESM (Tecnol�gico de Monterrey)
Universidad La Salle
Universidad An�huac
Ibero (Universidad Iberoamericana)
UP (Universidad Panamericana)
ITAM
The Anglo
Angloamericano
Idiomas CUC
Be lingual2
EF (Education First)
AHPLA Institute
Ingl�s Individual

geaaronson · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 948 Location: Mexico City

AHPLA seems to have a very good reputation with others in the business. In interviewing for several positions around town with recruiters that had no openings, AHPLA was the only school that consistently came up as a further possibility for work.

However, having said that, I did interview with them almost two years ago when I was trying to fill a few blank spots in my schedule. I was a little put off by the interview as they only had one class available, a Tuesday and Thursday early a.m. in Santa Fe and I already had that time slot covered. They were getting a little desperate to fill that class and were pretending otherwise. The honcho could not understand why I wouldn`t be willing to drop my existing class for hers, nor was she willing to pay me more than I was getting. I just scratched my head and went on my merry way.

However as one of the other recruiters I was working for at the time had worked for them before she set up her own shop, she was using their material in our lesson plans. Those notes were excellent so I can see that AHPLA has a good program.

As for the ANGLO, I believe I also interviewed with them. If they are the outfit that have as their principal language institute offices out in Santa FE across from Televisa/Movistar, I likewise interviewed with them and was even more put off by the interview than by AHPLA. Essentially they offered me 4 hours a morning, 4 days a week at 70 pesos per hour teaching students preparing for TOEFL. Again, I refused.

fabfablew · Joined: 21 Dec 2010 Posts: 12 Location: Mexico

Thanks, geaaronson, for the info!

geaaronson · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 948 Location: Mexico City

And oh yes, I did apply to Universidad Anahuc in Cancun back in June. They were intrigued by my resume but couldn`t fit me into anything. Finally I got an email from the head of the department who wanted me for the Communications Department teaching photography and journalism, my real backgrounds. She gave me the head`s name, said she was going to talk to him about me, and suggested I send him my cv and call, both of which I did and was never able to reach him or get my queries returned.

I was told they are a Catholic school and prefer VERY strongly to hire only Catholics. Whether that rumor was true or not I never got the opportunity to find out.

TeresaLopez · Joined: 18 Apr 2010 Posts: 601 Location: Mexico City

Enchilada Potosina · Joined: 03 Aug 2010 Posts: 344 Location: Mexico

TeresaLopez · Joined: 18 Apr 2010 Posts: 601 Location: Mexico City

Isla Guapa · Posted: Wed Jan 05, 2011 5:13 am Post subject:

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

I'll second any good feelings about AHPLA...they pay well, are well organized, and have a good reputation.

I didn't think Ingles Individual was still around as the franchises I've visited elsewhere in the country had switched to Birmingham. If they are the same, I wouldn't recommend them for the lowish pay and lack of support in programming.

The Angloamericano has been around quite a while and also has a fairly good reputation. They pay fairly well, have good support on programming and training, but they may try to send you to distant locations in the city for classes.

Tec de Monterrey can be very good for teachers on a career path, but you can also get stuck in their system. Lacking a teaching background, I don't think the OP will be able to work there.

IH (I assume you took your CELTA course there?) will pay a decent salary but may work you like a dog for it, sending you all over the city for classes on long hours. Good support there though.

fabfablew · Joined: 21 Dec 2010 Posts: 12 Location: Mexico

Guy: Thanks for the information! Yes, I did my CELTA training at IH. What does "OP" stand for?

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Enchilada Potosina · Joined: 03 Aug 2010 Posts: 344 Location: Mexico

Enchilada Potosina · Joined: 03 Aug 2010 Posts: 344 Location: Mexico