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mstack

Apr 28, 2003, 8:57 PM

Post #1 of 6 (952 views)

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Teaching English in Mexico

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OK, here's my conundrum. I am 28 years old, about to finish my degree bachelors degree in history. My wife and I want to go spend several months in Mexico, preferably teaching English for several months to supplement our cash and gain some great life experience. I've been led to believe that, having a degree, I could probably find a job teaching English (although it seems like its not a gimme). My wife, 24, has a few years of college but no degree...her job prospects probably aren't so good. We have a few grand put away...enough to get there and stay for a few months, but not enough to have a whole lot of options. My question: Would it be a good use of our money for both of us to take a TEFL certification course in Mexico, risking the fact that by the time we finish the course we might be too broke to stay and find a job. Or should one or both of us forego the TEFL course and just look for work, risking the fact that one or both of us may not find any for awhile? I know this is a difficult question, but any opinions would be appreciated.

gpk

Apr 29, 2003, 10:09 AM

Post #2 of 6 (923 views)

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Re: [mstack] Teaching English in Mexico

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If you want to live at the beach--you have a LOT of competition. If you want to live inland, neither of you will have trouble finding jobs--just don't expect great pay. I'm a retired lawyer and I make about US$12.00 per hour teaching English at a major university. Language schools require only native speaking ability (you don't need to speak Spanish)--but pay may be as low as US$4-5.00per hour.

Rolly

Apr 29, 2003, 10:17 AM

Post #3 of 6 (920 views)

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Re: [mstack] Teaching English in Mexico

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Hi Mstack,

Your question, and others like it, have been discussed many time on MexConnect. I suggest you use both of the search functions. There is one in the brown band near the top of the page that will search the message threads. The search button in the blue band at the very top will search the many articles archived on this site.

Rolly Pirate

E-visit me http://Rollybrook.com
On Facebook as Rolly Brook

(This post was edited by Rolly on Apr 29, 2003, 10:19 AM)

mstack

Apr 29, 2003, 2:15 PM

Post #4 of 6 (906 views)

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Re: [gpk] Teaching English in Mexico

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We were thinking specifically of Guadalajara. I've already been there a few times and will not be overwhelmed by "culture shock." I know there's lots of schools there, but also quite a few gringos (although I never saw any of them when I was there.) Is this what you mean by "inland", or were you thinking more along the lines of a smaller town? Thanks for the reply.

Uncle Jack

Apr 29, 2003, 3:47 PM

Post #5 of 6 (901 views)

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Sounds like a job for Uncle Donnie

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Don Adams aka Uncle Donnie recently put together a definitive four part dissertation on teaching English in Mexico.

http://www.mexconnected.com/...nglishinmexico1.html

UJ

gpk

Apr 29, 2003, 5:12 PM

Post #6 of 6 (892 views)

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Re: [mstack] Teaching English in Mexico

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Guadalajara is inland. I don't think you will have a problem getting work there. Language schools are on every corner--pay is LOW. Universities pay better, but may require higher education levels.