From Hola To Hello: Teaching English In Mexico

 Speaking English is an absolute requirement for Mexican citizens who wish to advance in a professional field. Because of close ties with the United States, many Mexican companies conduct a certain amount of their business in English. So, if the teacher has decided to teach English in Mexico for a living, they can be rest assured that the teacher has chosen a profession that's high in demand.

 

If the teacher chooses to teach English in Mexico the they'll have the chance to experience first-hand the rich Mexican culture. Teachers are generally expected to live in the country for at least a year, and many choose to stay beyond that because Mexico is a truly beautiful place to live in. Whether the they're teaching in a major metropolitan area or a small rural city, the teacher will find the Mexican experience uniquely enlightening and enriching.

 

Qualifications

 

In order to teach English in Mexico, the teacher must be certified in TEFL or CELTA. These certifications qualify native English speakers to teach in a classroom setting. Getting certified is fairly easy- most colleges and learning centres offer short-term programs that can earn the educator the teacher certificate in a matter of months.

 

Most importantly, the teacher will be required to get a work permit in order to work in Mexico. It's vital to make sure their immigration papers are in order, because working illegally in Mexico leaves them open to deportation. Keeping in mind that most Mexican work passes are good for only up to six months; at that point, the educator will most likely have to cross back into the US. Even entering the US for a matter of hours will reset the teacher pass, and the they'll be able to re-enter for another six months.

 

Application requirements in Mexico are sometimes inconsistent, and it's best to be over-prepared. Arrive with all possible paperwork in hand- bring the educator’s birth certificate, college transcripts, reference letters, and anything else the teacher might possibly need. It's difficult to predict what the they'll be asked for, and the teacher will want to spare themselves the expense and trouble of having to return home for something the teacher didn't bring.

 

Finding a job

 

Those who plan to teach in Mexico should not plan on being hired before they arrive. Although in other countries the teacher can often find a job before they head over, this is not common in Mexico. The educator’s best bet is to research possible employment before they’ll leave, and then get ready for an interview once they arrive in Mexico.

 

Most English teachers in Mexico are employed by schools. English is taught from elementary school on up through college, and native English speakers are always in high demand as teachers. However, the teacher does have other options. Some companies will hire English teachers to train their employees in English communication. There are also numerous private language institutions that hold English classes, which any citizen can attend.

 

Depending on what type of teaching the tutor wishes to do, they may want to centralize the job search around a particular area. Mexico City and other large metro areas are the easiest places to find English teaching jobs. This is also where they're most likely to find good pay, decent hours, and acceptable housing.

 

There is honestly no real shortcut when it comes to finding a teaching job in Mexico. There are plenty of jobs available, but information is sometimes unreliable and the teacher won't really know what the they're getting into until they actually arrive at the location and apply for the job. This is another reason why finding a job before the educator arrives to Mexico isn't feasible.

 

Teaching English in Mexico is a real challenge, and the educator should be prepared for some obstacles. If the they can secure the themselves a good job, if they have a sense of adventure and aren't afraid of some new experiences, it can be an amazing time. Best advice is to arrive prepared... 

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