Job Discussion Forums

Omeo · Joined: 08 Feb 2005 Posts: 245

Hello, all. I'd like to live and work in Mexico, but I don't speak much Spanish yet. I just haven't found the motivation to teach myself, but I'm sure if I lived there and I were immersed in it, I'd learn the language right quick. Until then, however, I'd like to live in a city with lots of expats - or at least lots of English-speaking Mexicans - to help me get by until I learn the language. In what cities would I find such a support network? Thanks in advance.

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

I think quite a number of cities fit that bill, though many feature retired folks or snowbirds down for half the year, if that's not what you're looking for. In my area, I'd say Mexico City has a large but disperse group of expats. San Miguel draws an artistic group of foreigners. Guadalajara has a good mix of retirees and other expats.

MotherF · Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2012 4:23 pm Post subject:

What are your qualifications?

My town has a very high concentration of Mexicans who have lived varying amounts of time in the US. I occasionallly meet people who speak near perfect English, and often meet people who speak some. Even the ones who don't speak much are very open to helping immigrants as they have been in your shoes themselves. Especially the little old ladies who have children who are currently in the US. They are always looking out for the foriengers here as they believe karma will then make sure someone else is looking out for their sons and daughters.

But there isn't really any language school work here--just the university.

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2012 1:36 am Post subject: Re: Best Cities for Newbies

Omeo · Joined: 08 Feb 2005 Posts: 245

Mother:
I've got a TEFL certificate and 4 years experience in Korea in both public and private schools.

Thanks guys. I appreciate the feedback.

notamiss · Posted: Sun Feb 05, 2012 3:43 pm Post subject:

Wherever you end up going, the more you can prepare yourself with some basic Spanish so that you can handle things yourself, the more likely you�ll increase your level and knowledge of Spanish while you�re here. Even if they don�t mean to, people who rely on English speaking friends and acquaintances to help them out tend to end up learning less.

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2012 11:12 pm Post subject:

tideout · Joined: 05 Feb 2011 Posts: 213

Lukas · Joined: 11 Jul 2010 Posts: 15 Location: Istanbul

I looked at UNAM once. It is cheap, easily the best deal for Spanish lessons for foreigners in the DF. About 200 USD for a 70 hour course, compared to 200 a week at the language schools in the area.

http://www.cephcis.unam.mx/prog_lenguas_spanish.html

tideout · Joined: 05 Feb 2011 Posts: 213

MotherF · Posted: Sun Apr 01, 2012 3:05 am Post subject:

I don't know about fees for foreigners, but Mexicans pay no tuition at UNAM only a registration fee each semester.

EFLeducator · Posted: Sun Apr 01, 2012 3:17 am Post subject:

EFLeducator · Posted: Sun Apr 01, 2012 5:12 am Post subject: Re: Best Cities for Newbies