Job Discussion Forums

mikesspamlessemail · Joined: 30 Dec 2004 Posts: 22

Just wondering what people have found they're spending month to month in different countries. I've heard Costa Rica runs generally around 400-500 with Mexico slightly higher and Brazil around 600. Then Ecuador and Colombia supposedly allow one to get by nicely on 300 a month or less. Also was wondering what a standard contract provides in terms of vacation time- paid or unpaid. I would like to have at least 2-3 weeks off per year even if it's unpaid, although that would make the expense of traveling during time off tougher to deal with. Thanks in advance for any helpful responses.

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 4:21 pm Post subject:

If this is all in US dollars, as I assume, your Ecuador information isn't current, at least not for Quito. $500-600 would be a much more comfortable zone, and it would be hard to get by on less than $400.
Theoretically, I get as much as a month or so vacation, but as it's unpaid, it's hard to take it all.
Regards,
Justin

matttheboy · Joined: 01 Jul 2003 Posts: 854 Location: Valparaiso, Chile

Check out the thread `Cost of Living`all the info you need is there...

Cheza · Posted: Fri Mar 04, 2005 7:19 pm Post subject:

That number for Costa Rica seems a little high to me. Maybe thats true in San Jose where the cost of living is higher, but here Im able to live modestly off of about $200 per month. Which for me is nice, it means that I only work 2 days per week, so I have a lot of free time to explore. Of course I dont live as well as I did in the US, but it�s worth it (in my opinion).

moonraven · Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Posts: 3094

There is no "standard contract" that I am aware of--and I have been in Latin America for almost 13 years.

I have had as little as 3 and a half weeks vacation per year (language school) and as much as 10 weeks. My next gig is supposed to give me 12 weeks.

In Mexico, I would say between 500 and 600 pesos per month is the minimum for expenses--and about the same for Ecuador.

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

Just to be sure...500-600 dollars I think Monnraven meant.

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

I tend to eat out a lot (lazy bachelor-type that I am) and waste a lot of money on entertainment, travel, etc. My base expenses are something like $500 per month, but of course I spend more than that. I still have enough money to live well by Mexican standards.

As for vacation time, a measly 5 weeks or so: two at Christmas, one for semana santa, and another 2 weeks (only one paid Evil or Very Mad

) in July during the school year-end break.

If I had to choose between receiving more money or having more vacation time, I'd definitely choose more time off from teaching.

Cheza · Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2005 1:09 am Post subject:

I forgot to mention my vacation time: I get only 5 weeks paid vacation. But the institute sometimes offeres perks instead, like this semana santa Im going to 2 of the greatest beaches in the country, with room and board paid for by the institute. So I will be receiving no pay for my vacation, but I sure as heck will have a good time.

moonraven · Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Posts: 3094

Thanks, Guy--yes, 500 to 600 dollars is what I had intended to write.

tonydicer · Joined: 03 Mar 2005 Posts: 81 Location: Monterrey, Mexico

moonraven · Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Posts: 3094

UH, troll tony:

You're not up to speed on this forum: I am not Canadian.

As for the money angle, I was merely answering the OP's question--with the benefit of my experience.

You obviously have no experience of Mexico--you're just making stuff up as you type. And it's degradingly irresponsible of you to give people bogus info--such as 3,000 pesos a month allowing you to live in a smaller city and travel around.

I suggest you stop sending us all your foolish PMs, stop inventing info, and get a life.

tonydicer · Joined: 03 Mar 2005 Posts: 81 Location: Monterrey, Mexico

I lived in Zamora, Michoacan teaching at a school named Culturlingua. My salary there was $3000 pesos per month. If you need my supervisor's name and the owner's name, then ask. Although I wouldn't recommend the school, I made a good time of it.

My goal for living here at the time was to experience Michoacan and its people, and to represent myself and my culture with class and dignity. And of course to accept and embrace the Mexican culture with absolute respect. And I did. And I'm American. Imagine that.

Travelled alone at times and with my Mexican friends at times. Visited from Puerta Vallarta to Palenque, from San Luis Potosi to Playa Azul and all points in between.

And guess what, friend. I did all of my travelling on the $3000 peso salary. I only spent my own money returning to my hometown to visit relatives.

Don't assume that your opinion generalizes the NORM, and that all other opinions are worthless. You seem to spend your time always belittling everyone else's opinion.

moonraven · Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Posts: 3094

Sell that bunk to someone else.

tonydicer · Joined: 03 Mar 2005 Posts: 81 Location: Monterrey, Mexico

I suppose you never worked for a small school, and never would accept such a salary... and if you arrived at a school, and didn't like what you were offered (even if it was fair and what was agreed upon)...you would pick up and leave with no notice.....

moonraven · Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Posts: 3094

huevos, you illiterate troll.

It's not my fault you have had crummy jobs. And that you stayed in them. That's your lack of self-esteem showing.

And yes, if I don't like the place where I work, I leave. So far as I know, slavery has been illegal for awhile now.