Cross-Cultural Awareness

As a bicultural institution, the John F. Kennedy School, presents a very special challenge for all teachers coming from other countries. The school expects American teachers to be models of their culture for our Mexican and international community. A dual function is required of them: behave like Americans while teaching their regular English classes; while being able to interact normally in the Mexican community with parents and while taking part in social situations.

You come to this new school with an advantage in the sense that North American teachers do not have to speak a foreign language to communicate in most school situations. They do not feel like complete outsiders while at work. The disadvantage is that they are not immersed completely in the new culture which reduces possibilities of cultural awareness.

We have discovered that these special circumstances are not at all difficult for the newcomers-if they decide to socialize with the local people. With increasing cross-cultural and self-awareness comes an increased ability to evaluate ones own culture in a new frame of reference, yet maintaining cultural identity.

We do not expect North Americans to think like Mexicans or vise-versa; we expect them to become bicultural. If teachers do not understand the meaning of biculturalism they can not instill it in their students within the classroom.

Biculturalism is more an attitude than a set of prescribed behaviors. We want to welcome you to this exciting life of experiential learning - a two way experience for all of us. Our school could not reflect bicultural learning without people like you who want to share their experience and knowledge with children, colleagues, parents and the community in general.

The aim of this introduction to our school is to help you develop sensitivity to cues in your new environment. We do not expect you to become a specialist in relation to the Mexican culture overnight, but to become a cross- culturally flexible person; who can understand and deal comfortably and effectively with people from different cultures.

This is an invitation to establish a positive mental attitude that will help you become an active learner during your stay in Mexico. An invitation to develop personal relationships with the people you meet; achieving cultural awareness not merely at the intellectual level, but at the affective level as well.

School's General Background

The John F. Kennedy School has had a long bicultural and bilingual tradition and promotes respect and understanding of the two neighboring cultures, American and Mexican.

The school is a non-profit institution which is not attached to any religious or political creed. In Mexico it is incorporated with the Mexican Ministry of Public Education (SEP) http://www.sep.gob.mx/wb2, e United States its academic programs are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) http://www.sacscasi.org/region/schools.html and with the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) http://www.ibo.org/ibo/index.cfm. We operate on a dual curriculum sequenced to meet the requirements of Mexico and the U.S.A. These high standards help us maintain the highest quality of education with international recognition for our high standards.

General Goals

The school is deeply committed to making significant, positive, and lasting contributions to the education of all students who attend. With a 40-year history of tradition and innovation, it seeks to serve motivated students and families who appreciate the special nature of the school and its programs. It has the reputation of being the best school in the area. A rich variety of ideas and teaching techniques have been incorporated, based upon findings of important educational theories and research; building a unique and effective way of teaching and promoting learning.

Staff and Student Body

Since its foundation, over forty-years ago, the school has had a staff and student body made up of Americans, Mexicans and other nationalities. Most students are Mexicans but have a strong interest in learning English. Parents have chosen this school precisely because their children will be exposed to the American culture and to other cultures as well.

The community is a traditional one in which a great deal of emphasis is placed upon personal grooming, dress and demeanor. Teachers are considered a role model for their students and in this community must dress conservatively, with males avoiding wearing pony-tails or extreme hair styles, be well groomed and not display any body piercing or visible tattoos.

Bilingual Curriculum

Throughout the years the school has forged a reputation as an academic leader in bicultural education. Both English and Spanish are used as languages of instruction in all grades from pre-school through high school.

In the Elementary program the school day is divided between instruction in English and Spanish, 3 hours a day in each language. In the English program, oral, reading and writing skills are a priority. Different subjects are taught in English and adequate language expression is required for advancement.

U.S. textbooks are utilized in all subjects taught in English. Spanish texts and materials are used for classes taught within the Mexican curriculum. Special classes are offered to certain international students who have not mastered the Spanish language.

The contents of the curriculum contribute to an increased awareness and appreciation of the two cultures, which continue to be among our main objectives.

American teachers are a very important part of the bicultural aspect our school presents to the community. Teachers have both the opportunity and responsibility to guide the education of children of many nationalities representing many cultures. They have an important role fostering mutual respect and understanding among children of many different backgrounds. They teach mainly by example - attitudes are more powerful than words.

American teachers represent customs, beliefs, values, attitudes of their home country. They are the most important reference our children and parents have of what American culture is. Teachers are ambassadors of their country while working in our school.

Parent-School Relationships

Parents are an important part of our community since our educational task is shared with them. The attitude of the community is developed largely through pupil-teacher relationship. Children, who are well taught and derive satisfaction from their work, will be ambassadors of goodwill between teachers and the community.

Parents like to be informed about their child's progress and are generally very supportive when help is requested from the teacher. Children are more family oriented in Mexico and parents control most of their activities while they are living at home. A friendly attitude when interacting with parents will greatly benefit the teacher.

Aspects to Keep in Mind

All teachers at the school will influence and guide the learning of children from many cultures. In order to be successful at this job he or she will need to have certain special characteristics: flexibility, adaptability, tolerance, interest in the host culture, sensitivity to children's needs, willingness to communicate with others in an open manner, a good sense of humor, understanding of student diversity and awareness of language differences.

Teachers Role Concerning Cultural Awareness

Teachers need to be aware of what is acceptable in the local culture that may be different than found within the foreign culture that they are representing. For example, they need to be aware of different ways they may find of expressing feelings. People of other cultures see, feel, and think alike but their reactions are sometimes different.

By being foreigners they teach by example by being tolerant and open-minded in their personal interactions. Successful cross-cultural experiences often arise from an ability to concentrate on similarities rather than differences that may seem a barrier in a given situation. The cross-culturally aware teacher will accentuate the best to be found in each culture. They reach an active level of understanding by interacting directly with students, parents and other citizens of the host country. For example, it frequently takes longer to get things done here; it seems slower than in the USA. There is a more relaxed pace of life. Be patient and tolerant of people's customs and see how you might ajust to that new pace in such a way that you receive personal satisfaction from it.

The John F. Kennedy School, though an American school, is immersed in the Mexican culture and is directly affected by ways in which people organize themselves, the ideas, customs, beliefs and values which people hold.

It is important to realize that there is a flow of understanding occurring in both directions. At the same time that the new arrival is observing, evaluating, and reacting to the host culture, members of the host culture are observing, evaluating, and reacting to the newcomer.

Part of the teacher’s role is to promote student acceptance of cultural differences in the classroom and promote positive social interaction.

They need to establish a close working relationship with Mexican co-workers and contribute to teamwork for the mutual benefit of all. The reason people have for spending time studying other cultures is to learn something useful and enlightening about themselves too; by comparing other cultures and taking the best from what is presented to them. If we follow our customary ways in another culture in every situation, we will soon find out that misunderstanding and miscommunication result. As a teacher you can not afford to have a negative attitude toward other cultures. If you are an international educator, ask yourself these questions:

Do I understand one or more cultures different from my own?

What attitudes do I reflect about my own cultural beliefs?

What attitudes do I reflect about beliefs of other cultures?

Am I educating for global responsibility and understanding?

Culture Shock!!

Culture shock is an essential ingredient of culture learning; it can be effective in shaking the individual out of his/her fixed cultural frame of mind. Do not be intimidated by this expression, finding out that there are many ways of doing things is a wonderful and enlightening experience. Think of it as different learning styles or using different techniques to achieve the same general goals in life. You may learn new and more effective ways to connect with other human beings.

Some persons react better than others. Some are quick to adjust to the new culture: their attitude, the awareness of culture and adaptability of the new arrival is important in determining culture shock's consequences. All experience change in their lives.

Adjustment includes an initial period of elation; a time in which all is seen as new, exciting, “exotic” and interesting. Cultural difference is seen as “other” and appreciated for its difference. After a period of time this excitement wears off and the newcomer begins to realize that they are actively participating in the culture. Personal expectations may be challenged by how things are done in the new culture. Material goods that one is used to may not be available, or the version at hand is not like the one found at home. At this point people frequently begin to make comparisons with their home culture and become critical of the differences. Feelings of frustration may now arise. This is natural and to be expected. At this point a newcomer can choose to accept or reject the culture of which they are now a part. They can decide to judge or not to judge. They can begin to “settle-in”; creating a rich life in their new surroundings. They begin to “blend-in” while maintaining their own unique cultural identity within the context of the new culture. Some people tend to resist mixing with the host country society and culture and turn to home oriented groups for coping and escaping from the task they have in front of them. We believe that our goals will be achieved only within an atmosphere of social cooperation and mutual understanding of the different cultures.

The choice of experience of culture's consequences is the responsibility of the individual. Each culture will present unique challenges and opportunities; the attitude of the newcomer is determinant.

Make way for a unique experience of personal growth! You will discover abilities in yourself which will possibly make you more confident, flexible, tolerant, and creative in your personal life, with a different perception of self and others in relation to the world.

 

Entering Mexico

Visa Procedures

A Non-Mexican national who is employed by the John F. Kennedy School must obtain legal authorization to work in Mexico. This authorization is commonly referred to as "working papers" or an FM-3 visa. Please note that you must come into Mexico on a tourist visa. You will obtain your tourist visa at the airport or at the border if you enter Mexico by land. The tourist visa can be valid for six months, so try to get six months if you can. The school will obtain the FM-3 for you after your arrival.

The personnel office of the school will do the work necessary to obtain the authorization (FM-3), but it will be necessary for you to furnish the items listed below. As this process will take some time, we recommend that you begin immediately. You must bring all documents with you in August.

The school will reimburse expenses for notary, legalization (Canada) and apostille services to a limit of $100.00 U.S. The school will reimburse you for these expenses when you present the appropriate receipts (upon your arrival in Queretaro).

Be sure and take care of these document needs before you leave home as we cannot process your working documents without them.

The school will not reimburse the costs incurred for these documents if you do not bring them with you.

It is a very expensive and time consuming process to work with documents here as all documents must be processed in your home country.

Further, the school will not provide assistance or financial support with this process and you will find it very difficult to do from here.

Documents That You Will Need to Bring to Mexico

U.S. Citizens

  1. Birth Certificate
  2. Current Passport: (The school will not reimburse for the cost of your passport.)
  3. Your tourist visa for Mexico (You must have this document)
  4. Current Teaching Certificate with an apostille
  5. Diploma: BA and/or MA with an apostille

Items #4 and #5 will have to be notarized and an apostille applied.

Canadian Citizens

  1. Birth Certificate
  2. Current Passport: (the school will not reimburse for cost of passport.)
  3. Tourist visa for Mexico (You must have this document)
  4. Current Provincial Teaching Certificate
  5. Diploma: BA & B. Ed and/or MA

Items #4 and #5 will have to be notarized and then legalized by a Mexican Consulate.

Ask for and save all receipts for all expenses involved in the notarization-legalization process.

Once you receive your FM-3, be sure to keep it safe. If lost, it will cost you $500 U.S. to replace.

Begin this process as soon as posible to avoid unexpected problems.

Getting to Querétaro...

Policy of Transportation

The John F. Kennedy School policy is to pay for an annual transportation allowance of $800.00 US. From this allowance, $400.00 US will be reimbursed in the peso equivalent to you soon after arrival. The other $400.00 US  will be given to you in June in the peso equivalent once the first part  of your contract is fulfilled. The same reimbursement procedures, as mentioned  above, will be followed in subsequent years of your employment.

Make sure that you consider this travel allowance in your planning as the school considers this amount adequate for reasonable expenses of travel and will not accept requests for increases to this published amount.

Computers and/or Printers:

If you plan to bring a personal computer and/or printer, please pay attention to the following : Laptops are exempt from custom duties so you can bring your laptop without any worries.

Arrival by Plane

Before departing, the ticketing agent will check your passport and give you  a form to fill out for your entry into Mexico (tourist visa). Remember  that you will enter Mexico as a tourist. This is an important form and  should be kept with your passport at all times. Also, on your flight, you  will be given a card to fill out with items to declare, the flight number  you are arriving on, your address in Queretaro (use the school's, Av. Sabinos  272, Jurica, Queretaro, Qro. México), and other general information.

Upon arrival at the Mexico City airport, you will deplane and go through  the process of Customs clearance. Have your passport and both forms you filled out, ready to hand to the officials. Your passport may or may not be stamped - don't worry about it. At this point, your tourist visa will be completed.  The tourist visa will be valid from one to six months. If asked how long  you plan to remain in Mexico, say six months. This will give us more than  enough time to process your FM-3.

After this is done, you will proceed to the baggage claim area to collect  your luggage.

From this point, for your last "clearance" you will be instructed  to push a button on a "traffic light". If you get the green light,  you may proceed with your luggage to the arrival hall. If you get the red  light, your luggage may be inspected.

Now you are ready to head to Queretaro by bus.

Remember that you will enter Mexico as a tourist and all forms given to you must be protected and should be kept with your passport at all times.

Getting to Queretaro by bus.

  • There is very good bus service that takes you directly from the Mexico  City airport to Querétaro.
  • Upon clearing customs you exit the area through double glass doors.
  • Straight ahead are metal posts. We suggest that you hire a porter to carry your bags. You have a ways to go to get to the bus and they can show you where it is. They are paid  by the load, not particularly for their time. So, if it takes a bit of time  to get through the terminal, not to worry. They expect to be with you until  you are finished with a need for their service.
  • You can ask the porter to take you to the bus stop by saying: “Llévame a Primera Plus para Queretaro”.
  • Money exchange houses are in this area. On the way to the bus stop you might exchange some money there to use for the rest of your journey-as dollars are not readily  accepted for  services.
  • Your porter will take you to the place where you buy your ticket and will then take you to where you will catch your bus. The bus is “Primera Aero Plus”, a first class express bus that will take you directly to the  first class  bus station in Querétaro. (About a three-and-a-half hour ride)
  • Buses leave about every hour from 7AM until the last bus at 10PM.  It sometimes happens that a bus is fully booked and you may have to buy a ticket for the next one.
  • After arranging for your ticket, the porter can leave your bags with  you to wait for your bus. (A typical tip might be 10 pesos (about $1.00 per bag)
  • When the golden colored bus arrives it will say “Primera Aero Plus” on the sides. In front on the window will be written “Querétaro”.
  • Take your bags to the baggage handler who will load them in the storage  area below the bus and give you claim tickets for your luggage.(tip-5 pesos per bag- (about $.50 cents per bag)
  • You will typically receive a small lunch upon boarding the bus. Your  ticket is for an assigned seat.
  • You will find a bathroom located in the rear of the bus.

Arriving in Queretaro

  • You will get off the bus at the first class terminal in Querétaro.
  • If you have lots of bags, ask for a porter to help with them. They are paid  by the load, not particularly for their time. So, if it takes a bit of time  to get through the terminal, not to worry. They expect to be with you until  you are finished with a need for their service. “Llévame a taxi”.
  • Follow the people leaving the bus to enter the terminal. There you will pass through  a room with a turnstile at the end. Past the turnstile is a ticket booth where  you will purchase your ticket for a taxi to take you to where you are going.  Show them the address and they will sell you a ticket at the proper rate.
  • The porter will take you to  a line of people waiting for a taxi to town (tip- 10 pesos per bag).

The porter or the driver will load your bags into the cab (tip- 10 pesos per bag), the cabbie will collect your ticket and take you where you are going.  You may choose to tip the cabbie if he is helpful with handling your bags  upon arrival at your destination. (tip- 10 pesos per bag)

Arriving by Car

This is probably the most practical way to travel, because you can pack more into your car. Also, you will appreciate having your car while you are  here. However, the school does not assume responsibility for your vehicle.  Make sure you leave yourself enough time for a relaxing journey. Also,  it is a good idea to plan to cross the Mexican border before 9 AM. This  will give you ample time to account for border delays (count on several  hours). Your first driving experience in Mexico should definitely be in  the daylight.

Crossing the Border

There are two major border crossings most commonly used on the way to Queretaro:  Laredo, and MacAllen. Choose the one that seems most convenient to you based  on your driving route through Texas.

Once you have paid your toll to leave the U.S. side and crossed the border onto the Mexican side, you will drive through Mexican immigration. They have a random system for checking vehicles. As you drive through the gate, you will either trigger a "green" light or a "red" light.  If you get "green", you do not have to stop. If you get "red",  you will be directed to pull over and your car is subject to inspection.  (Common "red" items are: stereos, CD s, computers, - pack on the  bottom, not visible). If they ask, you may tell them that you are a teacher  and are moving to Queretaro to work at the American School.

Once you proceed, you should look for the small blue signs that direct you  (in English and Spanish) to the vehicle registration office where you will  obtain your personal tourist visa and a permit for your car. You can not  drive to Queretaro without obtaining:

  • A personal tourist visa
  • A permit for your car

To obtain your tourist visa and car permit, you must have your driver's license,  your title of car ownership, your passport and a credit card. All of these  documents must be in your name. The only person who can drive the car across  the border is you. No exceptions!

This procedure is done by lots of people every day so it is not a very difficult process. If you are lucky and arrive when there are no lines, you can be  out in 20 minutes. If there are a lot of people, it may take as long as one  to two hours.

Get your personal tourist visa first, this has nothing to do with the car.  When you are obtaining your tourist visa, try to get six months. This will  enable school officials plenty of time to process your work papers/FM3.

The Laredo/Nuevo Laredo office is the largest. It tends to be a little busier, but probably demands the least amount of sign language by non-Spanish speakers.  They are geared up for tourists and are the most efficient and well-organized.

MacAllen is smaller and there are no signs directing you to the counters.  The people here are friendly, but do not speak much English. A big smile  and a lot of patience will go a long way. You will probably bump into an  English speaking person who has done this before and will help translate.

After obtaining your tourist visa and car permit, you will continue on your  way first towards Monterrey. You will come to another immigration stop about  26 kilometers later. You will once again go through the gate and either hit "green" or "red".  After completing that process, you head on towards Monterrey and later on  to Queretaro.

Note: There is an excellent toll highway for most of the route to Monterrey from both the Laredo and MacAllen border crossing. Look for the signs that say, "Monterrey “or” Mexico”. We strongly recommend  that you take the toll roads.

Once you arrive in Queretaro be sure and contact the Human Resources person  at the contact number that you have been given.

Having A Car

Having a car while in Querétaro, although definitely not a necessity,  is certainly a luxury that many teachers enjoy. Car repairs are inexpensive relative to U.S. and Canadian standards since labor costs are quite a bit cheaper, though getting import parts can be tricky. Gasoline costs are twice the U.S. prices.

Insurance

If you decide to bring your car into México, be aware that your American  or Canadian car insurance will not be valid here. You must purchase Mexican  car insurance before you cross the border. This insurance is only valid in  Mexico. This insurance is available through insurance agencies based in the  border towns. Many of the import teachers with cars deal with Sanborn's of  Texas, located in either Laredo or McAllen, but you may get cheaper insurance elsewhere. We suggest you compare rates. You may purchase a policy for a two week time period to cover your immediate needs and that you check with Human Resources upon arrival for the names of local reputable insurance carriers  who might offer less expensive rates than those found at the border.

Living in Querétaro

Querétaro is an old colonial city founded about 1531. It is one of the faster growing cities in the country as more light and medium industry relocate here. The population of the urban area is now more than 600,000 people. The downtown area in general has been zoned to maintain its colonial character while the outskirts are expanding and growing rapidly.

As a result of this growth many modern shopping centers and facilities have been built to meet modern needs including Sam’s, Wal-Mart, and Price-Club. The elevation and geography of the region permit the air to remain relatively clear and earthquake free.

There is a very large colonial center that is basically part of the “hidden Mexico” which has yet to reach the tourist books. The colonial center can be measured in miles rather than blocks. The citizenry are rightly proud of this gem of colonial architecture.

Querétaro is a national transportation hub. There are excellent bus lines to choose from for the three hour ride to Mexico City, 45 minutes to San Miguel de Allende, and about a six hour ride to coastal towns.

Querétaro is also a university city, with colleges and schools of the arts located within its confines. This student population creates a lively cultural atmosphere including numerous museums, art galleries, coffee houses, theaters and other evening diversions. The streets are safe with numerous and varied activities offered on a daily basis. Cultural and social activities last well into the night.

Many events of great historical import have occurred in Querétaro. The city is a travel destination for Mexican families who have learned of its importance to the history of Mexico. Numerous statues, museums, exhibits and lovely parks attract the history buff.

Many Mexican tourists visit the city. They like to experience the distinct charms of walking through its lovely walkways, and being a part of the free public shows held in local parks on Saturday and Sunday nights. These shows often include dance troupes and other artistic groups from all parts of the nation. They perform free for the people. The city band plays in a gazebo in the historic center on a weekly basis, with people often leaving their chairs to dance to a popular tango.

Teacher Comments

“As a first year teacher, I feel very fortunate to have chosen a school that is genuinely concerned about the well being of his/her teachers.”

“I never feel like I am alone or unsupported.”

“The school itself is very good. The atmosphere amongst the teachers is very good, and everyone is very friendly, always willing to help.”

“The students are respectful and hardworking.”

“As for the city, Querétaro is a beautiful colonial city, rich in history and culture. The climate is excellent, because it hardly ever rains, and is almost always hot and dry (of course, December and January are colder in the mornings and evenings).”

“There are little Mexican towns nearby, as charming as anything you’ve imagined.”

“We pride ourselves on teamwork and sharing.”

“Teachers have shared planning time once a week, and we encourage professional dialogue”.

“Querétaro is a large city with a small town feel which reveals a dichotomy within itself. On one side there is the quaint, historical centrally located Spanish colonial “centro”. On the other side is the encompassing “colonies” which provide a more modern feel with all the amenities of a Canadian or American city.”

“ The people at the school are very warm, friendly and helpful as almost all Mexicans are.”

“Even if things may not be as streamlined as a school in the U.S. or Canada and some things may take a little longer than expected to come to fruition everyone at the school will be eager to assist and be very accommodating to your needs.”

“I love it here because I can mountain bike and see the hills.” “JFK is a great place to work. They gave me a complete orientation to my job and to the city when I arrived. They paired me up with a host family and they have tried to help solve problems as they arise. The school is well equipped with internet. This was comforting after the long drive down.”

“The city of Querétaro is a hidden treasure and for me, the most beautiful city in all of Mexico. Its perfect climate is only outdone by its colonial beauty. Querétaro is clean, safe, and culturally rich. It offers the best of both worlds, colonial charm and the modern conveniences of home.”

“It's centrally located position in Mexico puts it close to numerous places of interest such as Mexico City, Guadalajara, San Miguel, and Guanajuato just to name a few. An excellent system of buses allows you to get to where you need to go quite cheaply, and comfortably.”