TalkBaja.com » Baja Mexico Forums » Working in Baja California / Mexico

Any other English teachers out there?

Can anybody comment on opportunities for English teachers in Baja?

I'm putting feelers out for possible future work in Mexico, and am wondering specifically about the potential to teach at university level or perhaps other adults in some capacity. Is the market inundated? Are there already a lot of language schools? What about private or government prepas?

Thanks ahead of time for any information you can offer.

There is a huge need for English, but I don't know that there are many paying jobs. . . . Most of those who can afford it have ready access to English already and those who truly need it can't afford private lessons or a private school.

My .02 worth

There are a lot of English speaking locals in this area....either students who learn in school, or people who have lived in the states.
There are also a lot of Mexicans here that have no use, or desire, for it.
As far as a need for English speakers in, for instance the tourism industry, there is no shortage of them.
Another idea you may consider is translation, but it requires a degree on the lowest level to be an "Official Translator." Just offering translation services will be nice for your friends, but won't work where it counts in business or legal translation.

Thanks for your replies.

When you say a degree on the lowest level, are you referring to a B.A.?

And which type of translation is in demand: English to Spanish, or Spanish to English? What types of individuals/businesses are looking for translators?

And to clarify, am I correct in assuming you mean translation, and not interpretation?

This is surprising to me, as I would imagine that where there is an abundance of bilinguals, there would likewise be an abundance of translators. Especially since this is work that could be done from a computer from anywhere with an Internet connection.

I love language and could see myself doing this type of work, at least part-time. I do enjoy teaching, though....

I have a degree in English-Modern Language and a multiple subject (elementary) teaching credential, but my strongest (marketable) interest is in teaching adult, or perhaps teen and up, ESL.

Originally Posted by DebMer

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When you say a degree on the lowest level, are you referring to a B.A.?

More like an equivlant to an AA degree called Licenciatura. You can google that.

And which type of translation is in demand: English to Spanish, or Spanish to English? What types of individuals/businesses are looking for translators?

Both directions.
Any business or individual that deals with the government.

And to clarify, am I correct in assuming you mean translation, and not interpretation?

I mean translation.

This is surprising to me, as I would imagine that where there is an abundance of bilinguals, there would likewise be an abundance of translators.

Official, licensed translators. Not just translators.

I love language and could see myself doing this type of work, at least part-time.

Well...these positions are filled, and held, most often through nepotism and other mysterious channels. You kind of have to be introduced. Competition won't be your option.

By the way....do you have any idea what it takes to work down here? I'm thinking you don't and if not, please don't ask me. I don't have time to go through it, but you can google that too.

Originally Posted by DENNIS

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By the way....do you have any idea what it takes to work down here? I'm thinking you don't and if not, please don't ask me. I don't have time to go through it, but you can google that too.

I have some idea, as I've been following an expat forum for a little over a year ago, as well as Dave's ESL Cafe. My thinking has been to get hired first (preferably at university level, for which I'll need a masters first in order to be considered by many universities) and let the employer do the tramites to generate the work visa. My understanding is that now, under the new law, one needs to be outside of the country to process an employment visa.

I keep hoping that the kinks will be worked out and the new law fully understood by officials and potential employees alike by the time my family is ready to move down.

That is correct, you need to have a visa prior to entering the country if you are planning to work. You will need to take a job offer from an employer that is registered to hire foreigners to immigration in order to obtain a Temporary Resident Permit with permission to work. It costs about $300 for a year. At least that has been my experience here in Merida, Yucatan for the last 3 years.

Under the new rules, the easiest way to legally work in Mexico is to get a Residente Permanente card. You can google those requirements.

If you are able to get a local university to hire you that would probably be the best however as others have mentioned here, not an easy road to travel.

Another solution would be to consider offering group conversational English classes. I have been asked many times in the past few years if I would consider leading such a local group down here but I am so busy I simply don't have the time.

Folks at that level of English have a higher probability of being able to pay for their classes as well IMHO...