Job Discussion Forums

octillion · Joined: 20 May 2004 Posts: 2

I am considering moving to Mexico to get a TEFL certificate and teach, hopefully in the DF. Does anyone here know anything about ITTO in Guadalajara? Has anyone actually been through the program?

I also have questions about moving down there. I have this idea that I will get a van, fill it up with as much of my stuff as possible and drive down there, but I have seen reports that people have had to pay exorbitant fees for bringing anything other than a suitcase across the border on a tourist visa. Has anyone tried to do this? If so, about how much would one be expected to be bled for? Would it be a cheaper option to get a crate and have it shipped down eventually?

I am an artist and I have had this vague idea for a while of attempting to go to grad school at UNAM. I'm a bit uneasy of the prospects of surviving in the DF on a teacher's salary though. From the time I have spent there I would say it would be necessary to net at least $1000 US a month to live at a semi-decent level there. From what I have read here it seems unlikely that one would be able to make this much without extensive credentials (or without working 3 jobs). Can anyone comment on this? Also, does anyone currently live in the Roma/Condesa area and if so what do the rents look like there right now?

MixtecaMike · Joined: 19 Nov 2003 Posts: 643 Location: Guatebad

For an idea on rental prices check out www.aviso-oportuno.com.mx which is the El Universal classified ads section. El Universal is the best newspaper for Mexico City classifieds, BTW.

Condesa is disgustingly expensive, I looked at an "apartment" there in 2001, it was basically a room, a very nice kitchen and a micro-bathroom for $4500 pesos a month, and it was allegedly a bargain. Roma is less expensive, but your own place there will eat up at least 50% of your English teacher's wage.

I lived in Col. Extension Morelos, next to Tepito which was supposedly a terrible area and still payed $2100 a month for a 24 m2 apartment in a vecindad, and that was two years ago.

The only affordable options in Mexico City are either boarding houses (shared kitchen and probably shared bathroom, no visitors, etc) or sharing a place with some other gringos. Don't try squatting, I think someone will probably steal your easel.

Don't worry about getting ripped off by the border guys, they are all completely honest now, thanks to Vicente (I wish a were a Bush) Fox and his "cambio." (Ignore this paragraph, I really have no idea as I came here with nothing and will probably leave with about the same.)

isabel · Joined: 07 Mar 2003 Posts: 510 Location: God's green earth

HI,
I did a course at ITTO a couple of years ago, and was reasonably satisfied. It seems to be the best school in town. You get a lot of observed teaching practice, and a lot is packed into your weeks there.

Have fun in Guadalajara.

I spent a couple of months in D.F. before getting a job in South Korea (I really miss Mexico, but the money is damned good over here, so I am here for a while longer). I really liked D.F., even if it was a bit expensive. It depends on how you manage your money how much you will need, of course. Shared housing is probably the best option. Transportation is cheap, and the metro is efficient. Food depends on you- street food is cheap and convenient, cooking for yourself is also, restaurants can cost as much as the States.

I taught privates while I was there, and made pretty good money. You have to manage well- get students who live close to each other, and you, get prepaid so you don't get stood up, etc.

Good Luck!

schely10 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 38 Location: Guadalajara, Mx

If you take the ITTO course, come to the June 28th session. It is not yet full and I signed up for it. There is also another lady that I met here at dave's who will be attending this session.

chicagogirl · Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Posts: 30 Location: Chicago, IL

Hi, I'm the "other girl" that shely mentioned who will be attending ITTO in June. I've heard good reports on the school and Guadalajara.

As far as your stuff... from my research I found that they will tax you on a lot of things and there are a lot of limitations as to what you can bring. I think its best to bring bare necessites and buy what you need once your settled. I'm only bringing one good size backpack and then will buy what I need once I'm settled. There is a lot of good info available about moving to Mexico on Google and Askjeeves

I'm not sure about the cost of living but I will mostly be living on what I make ( My rent will be covered by my savings) Does anyone know what the price of a small simple apartment in Guadalajara would be?
Good Luck, Christina

thelmadatter · Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2004 5:17 pm Post subject: stuff to Mexico

You take your chances crossing the border with your stuff. Most of the time, you will just get a green light and get waived through. More important will be to document your vehicle. Make sure you have Mexican insurance, license and proof the car is yours. Stop at the Banjercito to pay the "temporary import fee" Bring a major credit card. The basic idea here is that they dont want you to sell your car in Mexico.

If you do get the red light, you might get duty imposed on you. But I still recommend bringing your stuff this way, esp. if you are SURE you will be in Mexico for some time. Make a list of all your items and place a value on each one (lowball it but keep it somewhat believable). Ive talked to some long-timers here and even if you have an FM3 (work permit) givingyou the right to bring in household items duty-free, its only worth invoking this for a houseful of stuff. Otherwise the cost of processing the paperwork is probably more than any duty you might pay.

While I have seen the red light go off on occasion, I must say that I have crossed the border over 50 times (used to live in Arizona) and Ive never got snagged by it. I just got back last weekend from AZ, bringing two huge boxes of junk on the bus! (Im nuts, I know) While the customs guys looked at me funny and asked me what I had (I told the truth), I got a green light anyway.

octillion · Joined: 20 May 2004 Posts: 2

Thanks for all the info. I just aquired a short contract job so if I do end up going down there it won't be until the fall at the earliest. Those of you who are taking the course at ITTO - I am very interested to hear about your experiences, it would be great if you could post them here. I know they say they guarantee a job, I'm wondering what sort of job (especially how many hours) that would be. I'm thinking taking a course in Mexico might give you a boost in terms of getting a decent position in Mexico. I am interested to hear if this turns out to be the case.