Teaching English in Mexico

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How to Begin Teaching in Mexico

The largest Spanish-speaking nation in the world

Mexico is situated between the Gulf of Mexico on the east coast and the Pacific Ocean on the west. It is the largest Spanish-speaking nation in the world. The majority of Mexicans live in Mexico City, which has a population of 17 million people. It is also one of the largest oil producers in the world, and heavily exports goods to its neighbor to the north; the US. Many visitors mistakenly believe that Mexico is situated in South America, when in fact it belongs in North America.

Mexico has a strong cultural identity, which has been embodied by leading artistic and cultural figures who have become prominently known in the West. Frida Kahlo (the painter), Diego Rivera (the muralist), and Georgia O’Keefe (the writer) are some well-known examples. In fact, the art hub of Mexico rivals that of London and New York.

Mexico is also home to the ancient Mayan and Aztec cultures. Most travellers visit the splendour of the Mayan City, Chichen Itza, while others prefer the Southern Mayan city, Palenque, on the Yucatan Peninsula. Apart from art, literature, and ancient historical sites, Mexico is also rich in regional dance, as the dance troupe Ballet Folklorico demonstrates in their lively folk-style recitals.

Officially the full name of Mexico is the United Mexican States, with 31 states making up the country and Mexico City also being included in that number. Spain is the national language and the population is over 1232 million people at the time of writing, making Mexico one of the most populated countries in the world. Incredibly, about a quarter of the population lives in and around the capital.

As mentioned above, with Mexico belonging to North America, Mexico is actually home to the oldest university in North America. Founded in 1551, UNAM, The National University of Mexico created by Charles V of Spain is 85 years younger than the famous University Harvard (1636).

Mexico is home to the world’s smallest volcano. Cuexcomate stands at a mere 43 feet tall, comparable to a small hill in a park. The tiny volcano is found on the outskirts of Puebla. Mexico is worryingly in the middle of an area known as the ‘Ring of Fire’. It’s the path along the Pacific Ocean characterized by frequent earthquakes and active volcanoes. 75% of the world’s volcanoes are located along the Ring of Fire.

 

Teaching Opportunities

Due to Mexico’s location on the US border, Mexicans need English to conduct business with the States and English is now a professional requirement for many in the business sector. This means that the demand for EFL is high.

Students are highly motivated and eager to learn. There are opportunities not only to teach Business English but also General English and even Young Learners. Jobs are available in private language institutions, corporations, and state schools.

The majority of opportunities are located in Mexico City, Cuernavaca, Queretaro, and Guadalajara. Teachers will need to have a Level 5 TEFL certificate to secure a job.

Finding work in Mexico is difficult from abroad. Much of the job information that is posted online is generally inaccurate. Instead, you will need to enter the country on a tourist visa and search for possible jobs, visit schools, and ask for interviews.

While private language schools employ all year round, for those considering public schools you will need to begin your application process in May or June for an August start.

Once you have secured a job, you need to convert your tourist visa to an FM3 immigration document that will then allow you to work.  The visa process in Mexico is extremely laborious and difficult, and you will need to take charge of your paperwork. This means making sure that you leave your country with all the required documents that you need, including your certificates and so on.

Teaching Requirements

  • Degree Requirement
    None
  • Typical Contract Length
    Variable
  • Peak Hiring Seasons
    Year round
  • Visa Info
    Business visa
  • Typical Students
    Adults
  • Average Monthly Cost of Living in Local Currency
    300,000 - 450,000 MXN
  • Average Monthly Salary in Local Currency
    650,000 - 1,000,000 MXN

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