Hi All, I have been reading the forums and I am just wondering if anyone has any information on where there is employment for English Native Speakers in Cancun. I do not know that much Spanish and plan on learning it while I am here. I am staying with a friend that I met in Canada (which is where I am from). My friend was an exchange student and I have come to Cancun a couple of times. I love the language and the culture of Mexico, and I am trying to learn the language. Does anyone have any suggestions on where I can find work? I have looked into teaching English, at such places as Harmon Hall, and Berlitz. Does anyone have any other options? Or know of a good place I could sell time shares? I do not want to work on commission alone and hopeful there is somewhere I can work on a wage plus commission. Also, what about elementary or preschools that are american? Does anyone know any that would consider an application this late in August? I do have my Bachelors of Arts from a Canadian University, and a diploma from a community college (associates degree). Any information would be appreciated. Thanks, Sarah O'N
Sarah: Try every and any Charter company that operates in Cancun. I have friends who speak only English living here, and they work with Thomson and other charters. Regarding the teaching jobs: It would be wise to get the TOEFL(is that what its called??) certificate, as the company that hires you, have to "prove" to Immigration why they should hire YOU and not a Mexican citizen. Being a native English speaker, you have a HUGE advantage. Just make sure to get the certificate - it will help you HEAPS! Time Share is rough, but I do have friends who manage to do quite well, but they are all "on edge" even during their days off... Kind of scary sometimes, haha. Most Time Share companies have commission only... My best tip is: Apply for everything and anything that you´d want to try. Also, its a million times better to show up in person, rather than relying on emails. Many companies here simply dont bother emailing back at all. Best of luck!
Thanks Rawkus! I really appreciate it. I am in the midst of doing my TEFL (Teaching English Foreign Language) online right now. I don't have it a the moment. But in a few weeks I should. I was thinking the exact same thing about the time shares. I found a job that will pay only commission, and one that will pay commission and a wage (but it doesn't start until another month or month and a half). I'll check out some charter companies today. Thanks, Sarah O'N
to Sassa 05 Where did you find out about this english course certificate? would you happen to have th elink? How much is it? what are the requirements in order to obtain one? thank you !
Hi Lovethetropics, I am doing it online at TEFL online - Get Certified Online to Teach English as a Foreign Language Worldwide , it is great for someone like me who was working full time and was not able to do it in the classroom. Also, oxford is a good place. they offer a lot of classes to get the TEFL Certificate. They might even have some courses here in Cancun. I am not too sure what the difference is in the TOEFL and the TEFL. I have seen postings asking for either or. Also, I have friends in Korea, Taiwan, China, Japan...etc... that are native enlgish speakers and have their university degree, but not a teaching english certificate that are making good money. But, I think Mexico might be different. Also, from what I have found and heard from mexican friends, Merida is the place to teach English. But I cant be away from the water haha. Take care, Sarah
Lovethetropics, I forgot to mention, there is no requirement to take it, and my course is 140 hrs and cost me about $500 CAD. .. but there are cheaper ones with less hours on the website and the link to oxford is http://www.oxfordseminars.ca/gat.ph...ation=Canada&gclid=CLTPwq2dxaoCFUEDQAod_BXH4Q but that is canada. i am sure you could navigate and find other countries. I know i did in the past.
Yikes! That's expensive! Still haven't quite figured out why people do the TEFL or TOEFL...most English schools provide their own training in their method, which is absolutely required.
haha yeah. $500 CAD is better then what some of my friends have paid, some have paid $1,000 CAD. Some schools ask for it, but next year i will be in korea, and if i have it i might get paid a bit more..
Just to let you know that alot of the schools here want the teachers knowledge test (TKT) and not TEFL. Its alot cheaper too, you can buy the book from the bookshop in Plaza Nichupte (opposite Gymboree and SuperSalads) and work through it yourself then the exams take place in the building down on Bonampak.....there are four modules and its a multiple choice exam, you can sit all four together or spread them out and each one costs 750 pesos each (the book is about 250 pesos). Might be worth you checking out? Hope this helps
