Job Discussion Forums

kimberleygd · Joined: 11 May 2015 Posts: 21

Hi everyone. Just looking for a bit of advice (very new to teaching abroad).

I received a job office for teaching at a private school in Ensenada. The salary is 14,000 pesos, shared housing provided, 7 weeks paid vacation total, and healthcare coverage. I think this is okay, but I am interested in getting my own housing as I am bringing my dog and will have family come to visit (I'm assuming). Would that salary allow me to do so? Is rent in Ensenada quite affordable (thinking about 4000-5000 pesos per month). I have been checking online and found very little info. Is this an acceptable salary for a grade 1 teacher?

Thanks for any and all advice for such a newbie Smile

esl_prof · Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2015 3:15 pm Post subject:

I agree. This sounds like a reasonable entry-level offer. Given that Ensenada is a bit touristy, I suspect the cost of living might be a bit higher than elsewhere in Mexico, which may be an issue if you try to arrange your own housing. Can you opt for a housing allowance in lieu of accepting the offer of shared housing?

I don't believe any of our regular Mexico forum posters are based on the Baja peninsula. Most are much further south. Though, hopefully, someone will be knowledgeable about this area and weigh in.

You might try doing a search on Linkedin, Facebook, Google, etc. for expat message boards/groups in Ensenada, in particular, and Baja California, in general, where you could meet up with folks who'd have more specific answers to your questions.

Good luck, and please keep us posted on how things go!

bdbarnett1 · Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2015 4:07 pm Post subject:

I'll be teaching at a bilingual school in Los Cabos, BCS, starting in August. That offer seems in line with what I have seen available. I would second the advice to see if you could get a stipend in lieu of housing, but I can't imagine a 1br would cost more than 2-3000 in a normal (non-touristy) neighborhood. Alternatively, you could share for a while until you find something else - probably be easier than arranging from abroad.

kimberleygd · Joined: 11 May 2015 Posts: 21

Thanks to both of you. I think that's probably the best. There is no problem taking my dog with me to the shared space, so it will give me time to do some looking around. The school is in quite an isolated area and I would like to get closer to the water eventually.

inotu-unotme · Joined: 26 May 2013 Posts: 197

I lived there are a short while. You can get something cheaper than that. But, you should have at least that much to spend on rent. If you are going to find an apartment I highly suggest you hire a local who is familiar with the area and can work out a deal. Many apartments will feel more comfortable with a local involved to work something out and get the best deal. This does not have that much to do with if you can speak Spanish fluently, it has more to do with that you will be an outsider.