There is a demand for English teachers in Mexico at all times during the year (peak hiring season: January or August to September). The autumn months are especially busy hiring seasons for English teachers looking to teach in Mexican schools. Teaching jobs in Mexico can be found in a wide range of places. There are openings in small private English schools, post secondary institutions, businesses, and other places.
Types of ESL Teaching Jobs in Mexico
Public and Private Schools
English schools in Mexico are very diverse and they offer a wide range of teaching jobs to TESOL graduates. There are some schools that require English teachers to have a university degree, teaching experience, and a TESOL certificate, while other schools are happy to have teachers only with their TESOL certificate.
The range of pay varies by a large amount, depending on the size of the school, location, and a teacher's experience. The highest paying jobs are with Mexican post-secondary schools. University jobs not only offer higher pay, but they also offer much more job security than private language schools do.
Private Lessons
Teaching English in a Mexican school may not pay well, so some ESL teachers find that teaching private lessons is a great way to help with the bills. If employed at a school, it is important to be honest about any intention of teaching private English lessons. Many schools will be concerned that teachers interested in offering lessons will try to steal students away from the school. It is highly recommended to respect the wishes of a school, and remember that they have the ability to have the visas of their employees canceled. On average, ESL teachers can make between $100 - $400 MXN an hour for their tutoring.
English teachers with an understanding of the Spanish language will be able to charge more for their services than someone who does not have this competency. Many teachers can generate business by posting advertising in local print and online media, by placing posters, and through word of mouth.
Business English
Another popular way to find work teaching English in Mexico is by teaching business English for Mexican companies trying to improve their employees' knowledge. The most common way to find work teaching business English is by becoming a freelance teacher for one of the companies that offer this service. Many teachers find the rate of pay to be better than many jobs at language schools, but the hours can sometimes be unpredictable and holidays come with no pay.
How to Find Jobs Teaching English in Mexico
ESL teachers should factor in which elements of teaching in Mexico are important to them and determine what type of teaching job is the best fit. By answering the following questions, it may be possible to gain some insight into what kind of teaching job will offer the best experience:
- Do students need to have a good understanding of English already?
- Which appeals more: an urban or rural location?
- What size of classroom would provide the perfect teaching environment?
- What age range would the ideal classroom have?
- Is the use of public transportation a concern?
- Will there be any family members traveling to Mexico?
- How important is time off?
- Does a job with a higher paycheck appeal more than a job that is enjoyable?
Resources that may include ESL teaching jobs are:
- http://www.eslcafe.com/joblist/
- https://geo.craigslist.org/iso/mx
- https://www.visitmexico.com/
Major Mexican Newspapers (written in English):
- http://www.theguadalajarareporter.com/
- https://www.gringogazette.com/
Graduates of Oxford Seminars receive our Job Placement Service with exclusive access to established schools and recruiters around the world.
Largest Chain Schools in Mexico
Since NAFTA was formed, the ability for Mexicans to communicate in English has become an important competency. Many Mexican parents feel that introducing their children to English at an early age will increase their future career options. There are many large chain schools that do their best to educate both children and adults in understanding English.
Harmon Hall
One of the largest chain schools in Mexico is Harmon Hall, with over 100 locations. During its 42-year history, Harmon Hall has gained a reputation for providing their students with English skills that can be transferred to future goals.
http://www.harmonhall.com/
Berlitz
Berlitz is known throughout the TESOL market as one of the largest international schools in the world. With 38 schools located in Mexico, Berlitz is a popular destination for many students and ESL teachers.
http://www.berlitz.com.mx/
Wall Street English
When TESOL graduates start doing their Mexican job search, it's hard for them to ignore the Wall Street English, with schools in just under 20 regions in Mexico.
http://www.wallstreetenglish.com.mx
International House Schools
With locations in Mexico City, Monterrey, Queretaro, Riviera Maya, and Veracruz, the International House Schools have a heavy presence in Mexico. The International House Schools are an excellent place for ESL teachers to look for work teaching English in Mexico.
http://www.ihworld.com/
Additional ESL Resources to Help Teach English in Mexico
Mexico is a country that may not seem far away but, upon arriving, many ESL teachers can often experience varying degrees of culture shock. Before leaving, it is best to take some time and not only research job opportunities, but read about Mexico, its people, and traditions. Plan out trips to places that appear interesting and read what other ESL teachers have experienced while teaching in Mexico.
Take a look at the websites listed below for teaching resources that may be useful.
- Lonely Planet - http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/mexico/
- Expedia - http://expedia.com
- Wikipedia article on Mexico - https:/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexico
Tips for ESL Teachers in Mexico
- Teachers who travel to Mexico and perform a job search often have better luck than those applying from their home country. This is due to the fact that Mexican employers prefer to meet in person.
- Spanish is one of the most widely taught languages in North America. Try to find some time to take some Spanish lessons. This will make life in Mexico much easier and will improve teaching job prospects.
- It is most likely that English teachers wishing to teach in Mexico will be responsible for paying for their own plane ticket.
- Be open-minded: Mexico is world-renowned for their culture, history, and food. Don't be afraid to go out and experience what Mexico has to offer.
- Moving to Mexico to teach English means that teachers must find someone they trust to manage their finances while they are gone. Some choose friends/family that they know and trust, while others opt to speak to a professional financial advisor. Many services can be suspended until a teacher returns from Mexico.
Requirements for ESL Teachers in Mexico
A Mexican working visa allows Americans the ability to work and live in Mexico and have all of the same rights that native Mexicans have (including the right to pay taxes). Be aware that those who are not citizens of Mexico do not have the right to vote. The Mexican visa process has undergone a major overhaul in recent years. There are two types of Mexican visas for which English teachers typically apply, which one you choose depends on your time frame in Mexico. The Visitor Authorized to Conduct Lucrative Activities Visa is meant for teachers interested in teaching for a period of time not to exceed 180 days, and can be extended for up to five years. For those interested in gaining a Mexican citizenship, the Permanent Resident - Formerly F2 visa is a better option. The Permanent Resident Visa allows teachers to have immigrant status after a five-year probation period, following which teachers can apply for Mexican citizenship. Mexican officials are seeing a large portion of the former T2 visa applications coming from older expats hoping to retire south of the border.
Getting a Mexican Visa
The Mexican government wants to ensure that all persons entering the country for a long stay have substantial savings. Applicants will be required to have $2,000 MXN in their bank account and must provide bank transaction records to prove this upon applying for a visa. ESL teachers interested in gaining a visa can apply at a Mexican embassy or consulate office. Mexican visas can no longer be applied for in Mexico. Be sure to call the appropriate office before applying to ensure that all documentation, information, and money for application fees are brought.
The long-recognized FM-3 and FM-2 visa designations are now officially replaced with new work and residence categories.
Temporary Resident Visa: Lucrative Activity (Paid from Mexican company payroll) - Formerly F3
Temporary Resident Visa: Non-Lucrative (Paid from home company payroll) - Formerly F3
- Valid up to four years.
- Tied to the sponsoring Mexican company.
- In general, after four years of Temporary Residence status, if an employee is willing to be paid from Mexican payroll, he or she is eligible to convert status to Permanent Resident.
- Any foreign national receiving direct payment of professional fees or salary from a Mexican host company to perform any activity for any period of time must apply and receive a pre-approved "Lucrativo" visa. The Mexican host company must apply for the pre-approval with the appropriate INM office
The old FM-3 Business/Technical Visitor Visa (Negocios or Tecnico) are abolished. The following catergories now apply to ESL teachers and are divided by type of visitor activity:
Visitante con permiso para realizar actividades remuneradas (Visitor Authorized to Conduct Lucrative Activities)
- For any period of stay (from 1-180 days) if paid from Mexican company payroll.
- For any activity if paid from Mexican company payroll.
- Requires prior work permit approval from the INM.
- For all nationals, a Lucrative Visitor Visa must be issued by a Mexican consular post prior to entry to Mexico.
Foreign nationals requiring an entry visa must obtain an entry visa ("Visa Consular") from their nearest Mexican consular post, with duration of stay denoted on the visa
Permanent Resident - Formerly F2
Articles 124 and 125 of the new law are to institute a new points-based system for conferring Permanent Residence status for holders of FM-2 status and for new applications. The general concepts are understood to be as follows:
- Status will be valid indefinitely.
- Can apply based on family-based status (e.g., marriage to a Mexican national) or, after four consecutive years of maintaining valid Temporary Residence status, a foreign national may apply on a points-based system for unrestricted work authorization. (Please note that any changes to a Permanent Residence holder's place of employment in Mexico must be reported by the residence holder to the INM.)
- For employment-based applicants, example criteria for assessing points are as follows: the applicant's education level, the applicant's prior professional experience in specialized occupation or high-demand skills (e.g., science and technology), persons coming as investors or individuals with international recognition in their field or industry.
At this time, the INM has yet to finalize definitive guidance on how the new points-based system will be implemented in addition to assigning point values to the above-referenced criteria.
Documentation Needed From the English Teacher
- A valid six-month passport and a clear photocopy of the document
- Two passport-size photographs (from a photographer, not from a booth)
- Letter from the bank on their company letterhead with proof that there is $2,000 MXN (per dependant) in the bank account
- Copies of bank statements that show the account's transaction history for the last six months
- Completed visa application form, or fill one out at the office
- Cash for application fees; no other form of payment is acceptable, be sure to call ahead for the proper amount
Requirements for EU Citizens to Teach English in Mexico
Mexico has opened its doors to people from all around the world. Compared to other nations around the world, acquiring a Mexican working visa is a fairly easy process. The rules are the same for citizens of America as they are for people coming from a European Union (EU) nation. Please review the visa application process outlined above for detailed information on how to get a visa.
Embassy and Consular Information for Mexico
American Embassy and Consulate Offices in Mexico
American Embassy in Mexico City
Paseo de la Reforma 305
Colonia Cuauhtemoc
06500 Mexico, D.F.
City: Mexico City
Phone: 52 55 5080 2000
Fax: 52 55 5080 2834
Web Site: http://mexico.usembassy.gov/
Email: acsmexicocity@state.gov
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Consulate General of the United States in Ciudad Juarez
Paseo de la Victoria #3650
Fracc. Partido Senecu
Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahu 32453, Mexico
City: Ciudad Juarez
Phone: 52 65 6227 3000
Web Site: http://ciudadjuarez.usconsulate.gov/
Consulate General of the United States in Hermosillo
Consulado Americano
Monterrey #141 entre las calles
Rosales y Galeana
Col. Esqueda, C.P. 83000
Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
City: Hermosillo
Phone: 52 662 289 3500
Web Site: http://hermosillo.usconsulate.gov
Email: hermosillovisas@state.gov
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm
Consulate General of the United States in Matamoros
Calle Primera #2002, Col. Jardin
Matamoros, Tamaulipas, 87330, Mexico
City: Matamoros
Phone: 52 868 208 2000
Fax: 52 868 812 2171
Web Site: http://matamoros.usconsulate.gov/
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm
Consulate General of the United States in Merida
Calle 60 No. 338-K x 29 y 31
Col. Alcala Martin
Merida, Yucatan, Mexico 97050
City: Merida
Phone: 52 999 942 5700
Fax: 52 99 9942 5777
Web Site: http://merida.usconsulate.gov/
Email: meridacons@state.gov
Consulate General of the United States in Monterrey
Prolongacion Ave. Alfonso Reyes No.150
Col. valle Poniente
Nuevo Leon, Mexico 66196
City: Santa Catarina
Phone: 52 81 8047 3100
Web Site: http://monterrey.usconsulate.gov
Email: webamcgmtr@state.gov
Consulate General of the United States in Nogales
Calle San Jose s/n
Fraccionamiento los Alamos
C. P. 84065 Nogales, Sonora.
City: Nogales
Phone: 52 63 1311 8150
Fax: 52 63 1313 4652
Web Site: http://nogales.usconsulate.gov
Email: nogalesACS@state.gov
Consulate General of the United States in Tijuana
Paseo de las Culturas s/n
Mesa de Otay
Delegacion Centenario C.P. 22425
Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
City: Tijuana
Phone: 52 66 4977 2000
Web Site: http://tijuana.usconsulate.gov/
Email: ACSTijuana@state.gov
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 16:15 pm
Consulate General of the United States in Guadalajara
U.S. Consulate Guadalajara
Progreso 175
Col. Americana
Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
City: Guadalajara
Phone: 52 33 3268 2100
Fax: 52 33 3826 6549
Web Site: http://guadalajara.usconsulate.gov
Email: acsgdl@state.gov
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Canadian Embassy and Consulates Offices in Mexico
Canadian Embassy in Mexico City
Embassy of Canada
Schiller 529, Col. Bosque de Chapultepec (Polanco)
Del. Miguel Hidalgo
11580 Mexico City, D.F.
City: Mexico City
Phone: 52 55 5724 7900
Fax: 52 55 5724 7980
Web Site: www.canadainternational.gc.ca/mexico-mexique/contact-contactez.aspx?lang=eng
Email: mexico@international.gc.ca
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:45 am to 5:15 pm
Consulate General of Canada in Monterrey
Consulate General of Canada
Torre Gomez Morin 955
Ave. Gomez Morin No. 955, Suite 404
Col. Montebello
66279 San Pedro Garza Garcia, N.L. - Mexico
City: Monterrey
Phone:52 81 2088 3200
Fax: 52 81 2088 3230
Email: monterrey@international.gc.ca
Web Site: www.canadainternational.gc.ca/mexico-mexique/contact-contactez.aspx?lang=eng
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Consulate of Canada in Acapulco
Consular Agency of Canada
Pasaje Diana
Avenida Costera Miguel Aleman 121, L-16
Fracc. Magallanes
39670 Acapulco, Guerrero - Mexico
City: Acapulco
Phone: 52 74 4484 1305
Fax: 52 74 4484 1306
Email: aplco@international.gc.ca
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Consulate of Canada in Cabo San Lucas
Consular Agency of Canada
Plaza San Lucas
Carretera Transpeninsular Km. 0.5, Local 82
Col. El Tezal
23454 Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur - Mexico
Phone: 52 62 4142 4333
Fax: 52 62 4142 4262
Email: loscabos@canada.org.mx
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Consulate of Canada in Oaxaca
Consular Agency of Canada
Pino Suarez 700, Local 11B
Multiplaza Brena
Col. Centro
68000 Oaxaca, Oaxaca
City: Oaxaca
Phone: 52 95 1513 3777
Fax: 52 95 1515 2147
Email: oxaca@international.gc.ca
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Consulate of Canada in Puerto Vallarta
Consular Agency of Canada
Plaza Peninsula, Local Sub F
Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio 2485
Zona Hotelera Norte
48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
City: Puerto Vallarta
Phone: 52 32 2293 0098
Fax: 52 32 2293 2894
Email: pvrta@international.gc.ca
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Consulate of Canada in Puerto Tijuana
Consulate of Canada
German Gedovius 10411-101
Condominio del Parque, Zona Rio
22320 Tijuana, Baja California Norte
City: Tijuana
Phone: 52 66 4684 0461
Fax: 52 66 4684 0301
Email: tjuna@international.gc.ca
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Australian Embassy and Consular Offices in Mexico
Australian Embassy Mexico City
Ruben Dario 55
Col. Bosque de Chapultepec, CP
Mexico City 11580
City: Mexico City
Phone: 52 55 1101 2200
Fax: 52 55 1101 2201
Web Site: http://www.mexico.embassy.gov.au/
Australian Consulate in Monterrey
Parque Corporativo
Equus Torre Sur
Mexanine Avenida
Richard Margain 444
San Pedro, Garza Garcia 66265
City: San Pedro
Phone: 52 81 8158 0791
Fax: 52 81 8158 0799
Website: https://dfat.gov.au/about-us/our-locatiosn/missions/Pages/australian-consulate-in-monterrey-nuevo-leon-mexico.aspx
British Embassy and Consular Offices in Mexico
British Embassy in Mexico City
British Embassy
Rio Lerma 71
Col Cuauhtemoc
06500 Mexico DF
City: Mexico City
Phone: 52 55 1670 3200
Fax: 52 55 5242 8517
Web Site: www.gov.uk/government/world/mexico
Email: ukin.mexico@fco.gov.uk
Normal Hours: Monday to Thursday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm (closes at 2:00 pm on Fridays)
British Consulate in Cancun
The Royal Sands
Blvd Kukulkan, Km 13.5,
Zona Hotelera,
77500, Cancun,
Quintana Roo
City: Cancun
Phone: 52 998 881 0100
Fax: 52 998 848 8244
Email: consular.mexico@fco.gov.uk
British Consulate in Tijuana
Blvd Salinas, No. 1500
Fracc Aviacion Tijuana,
22420, Tijuana,
Baja California
City: Tijuana
Phone: 52 664 686 5320
Fax: 52 664 681 8402
Email: consular.mexico@fco.gov.uk
British Consulate in Acapulco
Casa Consular
Centro Internacional Acapulco
Costera Miguel Aleman
39851 Acapulco, Guerrero
City: Acapulco
Phone: 52 744 484 1735
Fax: 52 744 481 2533
Email: gbconsul_aca@hotmail.com
Irish Embassy and Consular Offices in Mexico
Irish Embassy in Mexico City
Cda. Blvd. Avila Camacho, 76-3
Col. Lomas de Chapultepec
11000 Mexico D.F.
City: Mexico City
Phone: 52 55 5520 5803
Web Site: https://www.dfa.ie/irish-embassy/mexico/
Irish Consulate in Cancun
Honorary Consulate of Ireland
Av. Coba 15
Mza.8
SM22
Cancun 77500 Quintana Roo
City: Cancun
Phone: 52 998 112 5436
Fax: 52 998 884 9940
Web Site: https://www.dfa.ie/embassies/irish-embassies-abroad/north-and-central-america/mexico
Email: consul@gruporoyale.com
New Zealand's Embassy and Consular Offices in Mexico
New Zealand Embassy in Mexico City
Jaime Balmes 8 - Piso 4-404A
Col. Los Morales Polanco
C.P. 11510 Mexico, D.F.
City: Mexico City
Phone: 52 55 5283 9460
Fax: 52 55 5283 9480
Email: nzmexico@mfat.gov.nz
Web Site: http://www.nzembassy.com/mexico
Normal Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm and to 5:00 pm
Embassy and Consular Information Outside Mexico
Embassy of Mexico in the United States of America
1911 Pennsylvania AV NW
Washington DC, 20006
City: Washington, D.C.
Phone: 1 202 728 1600
Web Site: http://www.embassyofmexico.org
Consular general offices are located in major cities and offer full services including consular services. Honourary consulates offer a limited range of services including consular services. A full list of Mexican consulates in the US can be found at: http://www.vec.ca/english/10/consulates-usa.cfm
Embassy of Mexico in Ottawa
45 O'Connor
Suite 1000
Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 1A4
City: Ottawa
Phone: 1 613 233 8988
Fax: 1 613 235 9123
Email: info@embamexcan.com
Website: http://embamex.sre.gob.mx/canada_eng/
Consular general offices are located in major cities and offer full services including consular services. Honourary consulates offer a limited range of services including consular services. A full list of Mexican consulates in Canada can be found at:
http://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/toronto/.
