Job Discussion Forums

[stephanie_teaches]

Hi everyone!

My name is Stephanie and I'm considering accepting a teaching position at a school in Baja Del Sur called Colegio Picacho McGregor a PK-12 private school. This will be my first time living/working abroad and I'd like to get some input before I accept the position.

1) They are offering a salary of 14,000 pesos which is roughly $850 USD a month. Do you think that someone who lives a meager lifestyle can support themselves, or better, save money?

2) Has anyone heard of Colegio Picacho McGregor or worked there and have any input on this school?

3) I am a single woman, would you describe the Baja Del Sur area as safe?

At the end of the day my goal is to be able to support myself on the salary and hopefully be able to save money.

My biggest concerns are safety (as a woman), drinking water (I hear it is not safe and bottled water can be expensive), transportation (what is the safest, most reliable way to get around), and salary (is this salary comparable to the work that's being required by the position? It is long hours and a full-school year long).

Thank you! Any input would be extremely helpful in my decision!

Cheers!

[spanglish]

As a gap year type of activity, this sounds mildly acceptable. My main concern would be the amount of hours they'll be looking for you to work and if the school's approach would be to simply burn you out and make as much as they can off of the low salary on offer. So, I'd suggest getting on the phone with a school rep and trying to get a feel for that kind of thing by asking some penetrating questions.

Saving money - I would be surprised if you managed to break even on that salary.

[stephanie_teaches]

Thank you this is very helpful. Yes, after my Skype interview I got a sense of the demands of the position relative to the pay. They ask for almost a typical 40 hour work week in addition to mandatory extracurricular duties and events after the school day.

The more I think about it, the more I am convinced this is a low-ball salary that would make this year very uncomfortable for me as well as leave me high and dry once my contract is over.

Thanks for the input! It all helps!