Teach as an Intern

If you are looking for a unique, rich, and fulfilling international experience, consider becoming an intern at the NOE Centers in Morelia, Mexico. For several years NOE International has been enlisting volunteer interns from the United States. These interns form an integral part of the NOE Center teaching team, enabling NOE to provide a quality English program at prices the people in the surrounding neighborhood can afford. At the same time, each intern has the opportunity to participate in rewarding cross-cultural ministry, become fluent in Spanish, and experience an unforgettable time in Mexico.

Teaching English in a foreign country is an exciting decision. Here are some details and FAQ’s about our program to help you discern if God is calling you to serve at NOE.

Role

An intern’s role is to support the staff, programs, and on-going ministry of the NOE Centers in a full-time, volunteer capacity. This involves a commitment to help where needed, and the initiative to serve in a variety of ways.

Expectations

• Respect and adhere to NOE’s Statement of Faith, philosophy of service, and established testimony in the community.
• Live with a Mexican family, learn the culture, and integrate into the family structure.
• Take advantage of opportunities to improve language and ministry skills.
• Take initiative with enthusiasm and creativity.
• Self-fund all travel, living expenses, and personal expenses.
• Attend a local church.

Responsibilities

• Teach 3-4 English classes per trimester (no certification required).
• Participate in at least one other NOE program, according to your skills and interest.
• Meet regularly with one of the full-time staff members.
• Help with maintenance projects during breaks in the trimester schedule.
• Exhibit a strong Christian testimony in all activities while in Mexico.

Who Should Apply

Anyone from the age of 20 to 70 with a desire to teach English as a Second Language and experience a foreign country. The minimum age requirement is 20 years old, however, “second-career” interns in their 50’s, 60’s, and older have also had successful, fulfilling internships. Applicants who apply should be energetic, enthusiastic, have a gift of teaching, and love of service. Although Spanish language skills are helpful, they are not necessary as we have a need for English teachers in our advanced classes where we prefer that only English is spoken. The program may, however, accept any exceptional applicant it believes can meet the required rigorous demands.

Service Opportunities

The NOE Centers offer a variety of service outlets. Interns with limited Spanish skills teach upper-level English classes and help meet office and maintenance needs. Interns fluent in Spanish will also participate in other programs according to their specific skills and interests. English classes are every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in the morning and afternoon. Computers, Art, and Homework Help classes have varied schedules. The recreation room, complete with a small basketball court, ping-pong, foosball, and a snack bar, is open Monday through Friday. Eight basketball teams practice one time during the week and on Saturdays. The primary Bible club program, structured similar to Awana, is held Wednesday evenings at the same time as the adult Bible study. Friday evening is youth group for junior high and high school students.

Relationships

Interns will be assigned a supervisor as their primary mentor. This relationship is essential for the intern to have a quality experience. Together they will establish a specific job description, and meet regularly, both formally and informally, to clarify expectations and discuss issues that may come up in the host family, teaching responsibilities, and ministry involvement.

The host home is a significant opportunity for relationships. Interns who purpose to become part of a “second family” have greater potential for meaningful relationships. The “home away from home” becomes much more than just a place to stay. NOE requires interns and host families to commit to a full trimester, with the possibility for change following evaluation.

Each intern is also encouraged to develop friendships with other NOE staff, as well as Mexican nationals in the NOE family and extended community. For many, these relationships are often critical in defining their overall experience as positive or negative. The importance of friends and relational support cannot be overstated for an internship of this length.

Culture

Morelia is a beautiful city, rich in colonial history and architecture. Because of its altitude (6,000 feet above sea level), the climate is temperate. While the city has all the modern conveniences, (even McDonalds and Burger King), the surrounding villages are a refreshing step back in time. Within 4 hours in any direction one can visit ancient ruins, pyramids, gold or silver mining towns, volcanoes, fresh mountain lakes, hot springs, and the two largest cities in Mexico; Guadalajara and Mexico City, which is also the largest city in the world. CLICK HERE to learn more

Language

All interns have the opportunity to further Spanish proficiency through daily interaction with students, housing arrangements, life in the community and travel. Though not required, classroom instruction is seen as a valid part of an intern’s goals and objectives. NOE has a curriculum to aid interns in their Spanish learning regardless of their current level of fluency. There are also several language schools in the area that cost $8-10 per hour of instruction. This commitment would not be expected to exceed 4-5 hours per week.

Religious Perspective

The work at the NOE Center is a team effort. The staff is involved on a daily basis with students and their families. They are on “the front lines” communicating the gospel with actions and words to all that access the services available at the NOE Centers. Interns are a part of that vision, living out the love of Christ among people who do not yet know the love or fellowship of Christ.

Most of the families we serve are Catholic, with deep-set convictions and faith. At the NOE Centers, we do not dwell on the rights or wrongs of individual religions. Our message can be summed up in; “The living God wants to have an intimate relationship with you and me.” When asked about particular issues, we simply expose our students and families to what God has to say in His Word.

Financial Responsibilities

Interns are expected to cover travel expenses to and from Morelia, personal medical coverage, orientation ($125) and all living expenses. The half day orientation is designed to prepare you for several aspects of your time at NOE and is required before travelling to Mexico.

Interns are allowed to raise support through family, friends and their church. If that is the case, we will give you some guidelines and a sample letter to help you. An administrative fee is charged for this service.

All single interns are encouraged to live with a Mexican family, learn the culture, and integrate into the family system. Mexico is still an inexpensive place to live compared to the US. Monthly living expenses range from $250-400. Married couples and families will receive assistance in finding appropriate rental housing as near the NOE Center as possible. Unfurnished two or three bedroom houses range from $150-250/month.

Airline tickets vary, but there are direct flights to Morelia from several U.S. locations. Car travel to Morelia is about 13 hours from Laredo, Texas or about 22 hours from El Paso, Texas. Anyone traveling to Morelia is required to get a tourist visa which can only be obtained when you cross the border or enter Mexico for the first time. These are ONLY valid up to six months and have to be renewed by leaving the country. Most interns solve this problem by traveling home for Christmas or planning a trip to the Texas border during one of the vacation breaks.

Internship Dates

The NOE Centers’ greatest need for interns is during the school year. The scholastic calendar consists of three ten-week sessions (beginning in early September and ending in late June) and a summer session in July. Interns are expected to commit to the full school year. Exceptions are made with prior approval only.

Before making travel plans, it is important to communicate with the NOE Executive Director to make sure you arrive with enough time for orientation in Mexico and do not leave before a trimester ends.

• Fall Trimester – September through December
• Winter Trimester – January through March
• Spring Trimester – April through June
• Summer Term – July 10 through August 10th (requires fluent Spanish)

* Dates may vary from year to year, depending on the Mexican school calendar, especially regarding Easter Break.

Work Schedule/Vacation

An intern’s weekly schedule consists of 20-25 structured hours and 15-20 non-structured hours Monday through Friday. If involved in the sports program, some weekday hours will be substituted for game and practice commitments on Saturdays. Sundays are days off with the exception of one staff prayer and praise gathering each trimester.

There is a four-week break for Christmas and a two-week break for Easter. All NOE staff, teachers, and interns are expected to contribute to a week of maintenance and work projects during these breaks. The rest of the time is available for travel and personal vacation. Public transportation is readily available and very inexpensive.

How to Apply

To be considered as an intern candidate you must submit the following application materials by May 1st for the following school year.

• A completed application form
• 3 personal references
• A signed Code of Conduct
• A signed Statement of Faith

To request application materials, or for further information regarding our program, please contact our office by calling 971-255-9140 or emailing [email protected].

Your application will not be considered until the Intern Coordinator has received all application materials. Applicants should expect to receive a response letter or email within 2 weeks, and a final decision within 4 weeks. Please submit applications to:

NOE International
P.O. Box 33152
Portland, OR 97292

or email: [email protected]