Teaching
English in Mexico is both an exciting and rewarding experience. There's
no better way to learn about another culture than to live in it. - -
It's one thing to vacation in Mexico, and quite another to work there.
When you wake
up in the morning and you get ready to teach your first class, you realize
that you have blended into another society. This is an amazing accomplishment
- one that will be with you for the rest of your life.
Presently,
there's a great demand for English teachers in Mexico. Jobs are plentiful.
Many Mexicans receive higher salaries if they speak English. For example,
a secretary at Aetna Seguros Monterey (an insurance company) will
receive an additional 1,000 or more pesos a month if he/she can speak English.
There are
many American companies with branch offices throughout Mexico. The employees
are Mexican and need to speak with their American counterparts. Overall,
the general consensus in Mexico is that if you can communicate in English,
your economic status and position will increase at a faster rate.
Most Mexicans learn English grammar and vocabulary throughout their formal
education. Unfortunately, they lack the opportunity to practice conversation.
This is true of most schools where classroom attendance is high. Students
may be competing with 30 or more students for their chance to speak. When
Mexican students finish their education, they find that they cannot speak
Englishwell.
As a teacher
or private tutor, you'll be hired to help the student learn to speak correctly.
You will also help build the student's vocabulary. Mexicans prefer hiring
a native English speaker because of the need to pronounce words correctly.
You should be skilled at the art of conversation.
Mexicans
are looking for American teachers who are friendly and animated. They are
looking for teachers who are engaging.
It's a bonus
when your student can practice conversation and learn something interesting
at the same time. Mexicans are not concerned with credentials, but you
should have a good command of the English language. You do not have to
know Spanish in order to teach English. In many cases, it may be more beneficial
that you don't speak Spanish. It forces the student to speak only English.
If you know Spanish, refrain from using it as a crutch. Some of the most
successful language schools in the world insist that only the language
being taught is spoken.
Teaching English
is fun. Yes, that's right - fun! It all depends on your approach. You
can use teaching games to make the class something your student will look
forward to attending. Learning another language can be intimidating
and frustrating. But, if you make the experience a positive one, not only
will your student enjoy it, but will learn more quickly. Text books are
necessary, but can become monotonous.
Therefore,
it's important to be creative and look at alternative ways of teaching.
You will
find Mexicans extremely warm and friendly. It's not uncommon for your
students to become your friends. They will enjoy showing you their country
and their customs. You'll be invited to birthday parties, festivals, weddings,
and the like. Don't hesitate to go.
It's a good
opportunity for you to learn Spanish and your students to practice English.
You'll enjoy learning from your students while teaching them. Many teachers
return to Mexico again and again to see their former students.
The best part
about teaching is that you can be your own boss. You set your own schedule
and decide on how much you want to work. Most teachers schedule classes
Monday through Thursday so that they can have Friday off. This allows for
a three-day weekend - enough time to travel to other interesting sites
or see special events. For the adventuresome, there are jungle retreats...for
the culturally inclined, there are pyramids, museums, and theater...and
there's..year-round beach weather.
Mexico's
bus system is one of the best modes of transportation anywhere. It's
inexpensive and comfortable. A trip from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta
costs only US$15 and you'll be traveling first-class. The reclining
seats are very comfortable. They have leg rests that fold down from the
back of each chair. You'll get to watch a movie on one of the many TV's
located throughout the bus. The movie is usually in English with Spanish
subtitles. ETN, Primera Plus, and Futura are just a few of the excellent
bus lines you can use.
You can forget
about doing any housework when you're in Mexico. For a few dollars a week,
you can have a maid do the cleaning and your laundry. If you're extremely
busy, you can have your maid cook too. It will cost a little extra, but
could be worth those delicious home-cooked meals. If you're renting a house,
you may want a gardener.
It's a real
treat to come home to find fresh cut flowers on the table. In conclusion,
if you're looking to spend some time in an amazing country and want to
get paid while taking a break from your usual routine, this is an opportunity
worth exploring. It's truly an experience that will change your life forever.
