Teaching English in San Luis Potosi, Mexico - Alumni Q&A with Shane Morey

What is your citizenship?

United States

What city and state are you from?

Chico, CA

How old are you?

37

What is your education level and background?

Master's degree or Higher

Have you traveled abroad in the past?

Some international travel with friends, family, business, etc. 

If you have traveled abroad in the past, where have you been?

Chile, Mexico, Japan, Eastern Europe.

What sparked your interest in going to teach English abroad?

A desire to travel, explore, meet new cultures, learn a new language.

What were some of your concerns before teaching abroad?

Pay and benefits. 

What did your friends and family think about you moving and teaching abroad?
    
Mixed. Some people were excited for me; others did not want me to go abroad again.

TEFL CLASS INFORMATION

Why did you decide to get TEFL certified and choose International TEFL Academy?

I was working full time and wanted a school that would work around my schedule. ITA came recommended from a friend.

Which TEFL certification course did you take?

Online TEFL Course

How did you like the course?

I enjoyed the course. The instructor was very responsive; the tasks were realistic and provided a week of lesson plans by the end. My practicum in Oregon was a great experience, and I still communicate with the supervising teacher.

How has your TEFL training helped you in your current teaching position?

It has assisted in my lesson planning and provided numerous activities for my classes.
 
Which city and country did you decide to teach English in and why?

I decided to teach English in Mexico in the city of San Luis Potosi and later in Aguascalientes. I wanted to learn Spanish and found a good job with a reliable private school.

 How long have you been in this country and how long do you plan to stay?

 I have been in Mexico for about nine months now and have no plans of leaving.

What school, company, or program are you working for?

Berlitz

During which months does your school typically hire?

Year round

Did you secure this position in advance of arriving?

Yes

How did you interview for this position?

Skype/phone interview

What kind of Visa did you enter on?

Work visa

Please explain the visa process that you went through.

Berlitz obtained the Visa for me, it took about six months.

What are the qualifications that your school requires for teachers? Please check all that apply

Native English Speaker

What is the best way to apply?

Apply online. Post resume on daveseslcafe.com

Tell us about your English teaching job!

Hours per week: 15-20 hours of teaching a week. I would also plan a few hours of lesson planning and preparation.

Pay: The pay is pretty good for Mexico.

Ability to save: I have been able to save some pesos, but I live very frugally.

Type of school: It is a private school that has locations all over the world, however, this franchise owner has four locations in Mexico.

Type of students: Most of the students are workers at different companies that have workers that need to learn English, Spanish, or German. They do also have kids classes after school, Saturday, and a summer camp.

Vacation time: The vacation time leaves a lot to be desired, but there is down time at the school during certain times of the year when one can travel.

How did you find somewhere to live and what is it like? Do you have roommates?

Berlitz will find you a place and pay for the first two months of rent. In San Luis Potosi, I had my own apartment; in Aguascalientes I have a roommate.

COUNTRY INFORMATION - 

Please explain the cultural aspects, public transportation, nightlife, social activities, food, expat community, dating scene, travel opportunities, etc...    

Cultural aspects: The culture is very accepting.

Public transportation in most cities is really good. I have discovered a bus to get almost anywhere. They also have Uber or a huge taxi system.

Nightlife: The Nightlife is good. Lots of bars and nightclubs in cities.

Food: The food is amazing. There are restaurants or food stands everywhere. For some people first coming, the food carts might be a little hard on digestion, but you get used to it.

Expat community: I have heard there is a huge expat community; however I have not met many of them.

Dating scene: The dating scene is good. I have gone on a few dates and will continue dating while I am here.

Travel opportunities are great when you can get time off and afford it. Especially in San Luis Potosi and Aguascalientes. They are close to many places, and there are lots of buses running regularly.

COUNTRY INFORMATION - MONEY

What are your monthly expenses?

Rent is around 2500 pesos and covers all the utilities. If you learn how to eat and don't mind eating economically (rice, beans, etc..) and eat at a taco stand every now and then you can get down to 500-700 peso a week.

Social activities: the bars can get a little expensive on the pay. I enjoy going to futbol matches and they are very affordable 100-200 peso. Once you get inside though, the beer can be expensive. Also, going to the movies is very affordable and a big pastime in Mexico.

Transportation is 7.50 pesso one way on the bus. Uber is available, but can get expensive. I pay around 300 pesos for my smartphone a month and that seems to me the norm.

Travel is easy and cheap. There are buses to anywhere you would want to go. It is sometimes dangerous traveling at night.

How would you describe your standard of living?

My standard of living is good. I have a nice house that I live in. It is in a newer gated community. My roommate is at work and the place is very quiet.

In your opinion, how much does someone need to earn in order to live comfortably?

In order to be comfortable, at least 10,000 peso a month.

ADVICE FOR PROSPECTIVE ENGLISH TEACHERS

What advice would you give someone planning or considering teaching abroad? Would you recommend teaching in your country?

Just be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster. Mexico is probably good for a lot of people as they have many of the comforts of home but also the experience of living abroad.