| Speaking English is an absolute requirement for | | | | anything else you might possibly need. It's difficult to |
| Mexican citizens who wish to advance in a | | | | predict what you'll be asked for, and you'll want to |
| professional field. Because of close ties with the United | | | | spare yourself the expense and trouble of having to |
| States, many Mexican companies conduct a certain | | | | return home for something you didn't bring. |
| amount of their business in English. So, if you've | | | | Finding a job |
| decided to teach English in Mexico for a living, you can | | | | Those who plan to teach in Mexico should not plan on |
| be rest assured that you've chosen a profession that's | | | | being hired before they arrive. Although in other |
| high in demand. | | | | countries you can often find a job before you head |
| If you choose to teach English in Mexico you'll have the | | | | over, this is not common in Mexico. Your best bet is to |
| chance to experience firsthand the rich Mexican | | | | research possible employment before you leave, and |
| culture. Teachers are generally expected to live in the | | | | then get ready for an interview once you arrive in |
| country for at least a year, and many choose to stay | | | | Mexico. |
| beyond that because Mexico is a truly beautiful place | | | | Most English teachers in Mexico are employed by |
| to live in. Whether you're teaching in a major | | | | schools. English is taught from elementary school on up |
| metropolitan area or a small rural city, you'll find the | | | | through college, and native English speakers are |
| Mexican experience uniquely enlightening and enriching. | | | | always in high demand as teachers. However, you do |
| Qualifications | | | | have other options. Some companies will hire English |
| In order to teach English in Mexico, you must be | | | | teachers to train their employees in English |
| certified in TEFL or CELTA. These certifications qualify | | | | communication. There are also numerous private |
| native English speakers to teach in a classroom setting. | | | | language institutions that hold English classes, which |
| Getting certified is fairly easy- most colleges and | | | | any citizen can attend. |
| learning centers offer short-term programs that can | | | | Depending on what type of teaching you wish to do, |
| earn you your certificate in a matter of months. | | | | you may want to centralize your job search around a |
| Most importantly, you will be required to get a work | | | | particular area. Mexico City and other large metro |
| permit in order to work in Mexico. It's vital to make sure | | | | areas are the easiest places to find English teaching |
| your immigration papers are in order, because working | | | | jobs. This is also where you're most likely to find good |
| illegally in Mexico leaves you open to deportation. Keep | | | | pay, decent hours, and acceptable housing. |
| in mind that most Mexican work passes are good for | | | | There is honestly no real shortcut when it comes to |
| only up to six months; at that point, you will most likely | | | | finding a teaching job in Mexico. There are plenty of |
| have to cross back into the US. Even entering the US | | | | jobs available, but information is sometimes unreliable |
| for a matter of hours will reset your pass, and you'll be | | | | and you won't really know what you're getting into until |
| able to re-enter for another six months. | | | | you actually arrive at the location and apply for the job. |
| Application requirements in Mexico are sometimes | | | | This is another reason why finding a job before you |
| inconsistent, and it's best to be over-prepared. Arrive | | | | get to Mexico just isn't feasible. So prepare yourself to |
| with all possible paperwork in hand- bring your birth | | | | do some legwork once you arrive. |
| certificate, college transcripts, reference letters, and | | | | |