English Teaching and Spanish Immersion Language Program

  Mexico

• Puebla: 
Puebla

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks and 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks

Description: Instituto Heslington offers three unique programs that cater to the different circumstances of participants. There are fees applicable to participants who are interested in studying Spanish during their time here.   Here is a brief summary of the different facets of participation:

1. Paid Volunteers: Available to participants who are CELTA/ELT certified or who are in the process of receiving their Master's or Doctorate Degree. This position provides volunteers with a 4,000 MXN pesos stipend per month to help cover personal costs - housing is provided by Instituto Heslington. Volunteers purchase their round-trip airline ticket and pay travel expenses.

2. International Volunteer / Internship: Available to participants who have no experience in the teaching field but are interested in dedicating a semester to teaching English and immersing themselves in the Mexican culture. Volunteers are responsible for purchasing their round-trip airline ticket and personal expenses. Housing is provided by Instituto Heslington. No stipend is provided.

3. Volunteer-Study: Participants teach English three hours a day and study Spanish three hours a day (Monday - Friday). Language classes cost roughly 5 USD/hour - they are private or semi-private (5 students/class maximum). Volunteers purchase their round-trip airline ticket and pay travel expenses. No stipend is provided.      

For those interested in participating as Paid Volunteers or International Interns, a brief description follows:

Teaching Expectations: Teachers are in front of a group for a total of 25 hours a week - extra time may be needed to prepare classes, etc. Class is held Monday- Friday - typically one hour in the morning and 4 in the afternoon. Teachers are expected to be punctual, prepared, and dynamic. All classes are 100% English, so no Spanish is required. You will be given 2 days of intense training and classes start on the following Monday. There is a one week vacation during Holy Week and a few other Mexican holidays. New programs start every other month so there are numerous opportunities each year to participate.

Highlights: If you are studying your Master's Degree (any field) or have ESL-specific training (TEFL, TESL or CELTA) or experience you will receive a $4,000.00 MXN pesos stipend per month to help pay for personal expenses. Housing is provided by Instituto Heslington - if you travel on the weekends (which most teachers do, you will be responsible for your food and hotel/hostel during those excursions).

Unique cultural experience!

Host family to share lunch with - learn Spanish, learn about the culture, fall in love with Mexico.

Qualifications: Volunteers are invited to participate in Instituto Heslington's Teach Mexico program based on the following criteria:

- A desire to serve and teach

- High Moral standards

- Volunteers must be at least 21 years old.

- Volunteers can be college students or graduated working professionals. They should be pursuing a career in the educational field or have some related teaching experience.

- GPA and personal recommendations - Instituto Heslington is looking for the best and brightest volunteers to help make a difference in the language learning of students. Personal recommendations allow us to place teachers appropriately and get to know the moral character of the applicants.

Minimum Education: Diploma/Certification

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Mexico Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Instituto Heslington's Mission Statement: The volunteer-study program aims to provide the perfect opportunity for those who want to experience teaching ESL in Mexico and learn Spanish at the same time. The International Volunteer and Internships program is a unique opportunity that allows participants to teach English to children and adults in Mexico. Those who are certified teachers are eligible for a living stipend.

Year Founded: 2001