Teaching English in San Luis Potosi, Mexico
Report submitted on 14 Feb, 2016 by Estelle
Teaching English in San Luis Potosi, Mexico:
How can teachers find teaching jobs in San Luis Potosi, Mexico?
I think a lot of it is word of mouth. I found my position through a website listing job opportunities.
The main English teaching jobs available are:
Full time English language school positions, part time English language school positions, teaching at colleges / universities, teaching at companies, teaching at community centers, etc., private teaching (not through a school, agency, etc.)
What are the minimum teaching requirements?
Native English speaker, TESOL (or related certificate is nice but not required by all). Some positions require teaching experience.
What teaching requirements would you recommend?
TESOL/TEFL certification; experience teaching is useful.
What are the levels of payment?
$40 pesos (approx. US$2)/hour.
How many teaching days a week is normal?
5 days per week.
How many face-to-face teaching hours a week is normal?
25 hours per week.
What is the normal arrangement for holidays?
Do not work federal holidays.
What advice would you give to someone considering coming to San Luis Potosi, Mexico to teach English?
It is an adventure and a new experience. Bring an open mind and a desire to experience a new culture. The people are friendly and warm but few speak English.
What are the positive aspects of teaching English in San Luis Potosi, Mexico?
The students want to learn. I have students from beginner to advanced and all are very appreciative of your teaching them English.
What are the negative aspects for teaching English in San Luis Potosi, Mexico?
Limited resources/materials. It is great to have so many online resources to reference, assuming you have Internet access.
What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?
Limited supplies. Internet not always reliable (not fast anyways).
Living in San Luis Potosi, Mexico:
Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in Mexico?
Must have a visa to work in the country (bring your patience as it is not a quick process).
What is the cost of living like in Mexico?
Rent accommodations are available for as little as $100 USD/month but average is probably about $150USD for room in a shared house (common living/cooking areas).
What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?
My school helped find initial accommodations (first 30 days) but it is up to the individual to make arrangements beyond that. It helps to speak at least basic Spanish when inquiring about accommodation options. Very few people speak English here.
Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in San Luis Potosi, Mexico?
Beautiful colonial city. Friendly people. Lots of fresh produce for very inexpensive meals.
Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in San Luis Potosi, Mexico?
The infrastructure is not always the greatest. The streets flood during heavy rains. There is an extensive bus system but it does not run on a schedule. Daily living is different so keep an open mind.
What advice would you give to someone considering coming to San Luis Potosi, Mexico?
Enjoy. It is a new experience with lots of rewards to those who stick to it.
What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?
Not much. I loved Starbucks but there are good local coffee shops. I shopped frequently at local shops — they are plentiful here. Banking is not as convenient here (keep an online account in US).
What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave Mexico?
Not planning to return to US. When move to another country, it will be the friends I have made here.
What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country?
Patience! Any supplies for teaching that you can acquire are helpful but you learn to be resourceful.
Any other comments (about teaching or living in your country)?
I am thoroughly enjoying my experience teaching abroad and hope to continue for several years.
About Me and My Work:
My Name: Estelle
Nationality: American
Students I’ve taught in Mexico: Elementary (6-12 years), high school (15-18 years), adults, business.
Where I teach: Interpersonal TS, San Luis Potosi. Working here for 5 years. I also teach private lessons and volunteer with tourism board to edit publications
My school facilities: Adequate. Limited textbook resources; no library; limited games resources.
Do you teach English in Mexico?
Tell us about your experiences – click here to submit your report about teaching English in Mexico.
Hi, that does sound great. I’m looking for a teaching job in San Luis Potosí too, but it is to be harder than I thought. Is there a way you could help me?