Colegio Americano School
Ocotlan, Jalisco, Mexico
Ocotlan - 003

Internship Description

About the Organization:
Private, bilingual school grades pre-school through ninth grade. The school has less than 100 students and some special needs students who are mainstreamed into the regular classrooms. The class sizeis 15-17 students.  Special activities include soccer, basketball, swimming.  Audio/visual equipment includes satellite system, RV/VCR, slide projector, overhead projector, and cassette players. School has a special summer half-day program with swimming, dancing, sports, for children ages 3 to ll years old with English taught through activities.

Local Activities:

The school is in Ocotlan, Jalisco. Ocotlan , a typical Mexican industrial town with a population of about 120,000, is  located 2-3 miles from Lake Chapala and the quaint towns of Chapala and Ajijic and about 40 miles from Guadalajara.Guadalajara the third largest city in Mexico, is a modern city with a lovely old colonial center and many cultural activities.

Job Description:

Interns are regarded as teaching professionals and are expected to maintain full work schedules, do necessary classroom preparation, and participate in school tasks and activities.  Interns teach English ( grammar, reading, composition) and may assist teachers with special projects in art, music, tutor one-on-one  and substitute teach in various grades.  Interns with Special Education interests may work with special needs children. School director will determine specific duties and assignments appropriate to intern's training, interest, and school needs. Dress code is casual:   Men:  slacks, jeans (no holes) tennis shoes ( no sandals) button shirts or polo shirts, no tattoos or body piercings. Women: slacks, skirts, blouses, polo shirts, jeans, no sandals, no tattoos or body piercings..

Additional Information:

This is a cultural immersion program with opportunities to participate in everyday Mexican life and culture.
Read an intern's report.
You can connect to their website for more information at http://www.colegioamericanoocotlan.edu.mx/



Start Date:

August through December (fall semester), January through March (winter term), April through end June (spring term). They also have a summer program running from mid-July to the end of August that could be added onto a spring or fall internship.

Duration:

1-3 terms (fall, winter, spring) with five week program in the summer

Number of Positions:

2 per term

Intern Qualifications

Academic Background:
Most undergraduate/graduate majors with preference given to Special Education and Education and ESL majors.

Skills/Experience:

Speak English as a native speaker. Experience in working with children and classroom management skills or ability. Interest and experience working with special needs children helpful. Some knowledge and/or experience in teaching ESL is recommended. Study of English grammar prior to internship is recommended.

Language Requirement:

Proficiency in Spanish equal to two years of college level.

Other Requirements:

Interns must be enthusiastic, and a team player. Students should be independent and have a strong interest in teaching. Along with your application, please submit an electronic photo of yourself to the Mexico Regional Director, Monya Lemery. 

Internship Costs

Program Fees:
The program fee includes tuition, internship site development and placement, pre-departure orientation, international health insurance, internship monitoring and follow-up.
Click here for application information, including the program fee, for your school.
Note: The program fee does not include airfare, housing, living expenses or any other estimated costs noted below.

The total cost for this internship (including airfare and living expenses) is less than the estimated costs for studying and living at your home university. Estimated total budget for 3-4 month program is between $4400-$5000.

Note:

Any financial or in-kind support provided by the host organization is explicitly indicated.

Compensation:

None

Accommodation:

Free room and board provided with families of the students or teachers, arranged by school.

International Travel:

Approx. $600-$700. Intern will be picked up at the Guadalajara airport.

Cost of Living:

$600-$800 suggested for 12  weeks for incidentals, personal expenses.

Budget Note:

Applicants should use these estimates for preliminary budgeting purposes.
IE3 will issue an official budget after acceptance by the host organization.

Application Information

Academic Credit:
Up to 12 credits available as per arrangement with supervising department.

Application Materials:
IE3 is a program of the Oregon University System.
Students from participating partner universities are also eligible to apply.
Click here for application information and select your school from the list.

Created/Revised:09/28/07