Job Discussion Forums

markw · Joined: 30 May 2005 Posts: 2

Hi All,

I apologize if this has been asked before, but I have been unable to find an answer to it in the forum. I am thinking about teaching in Guadalajara in 12-18 months. I don't have a college degree, but have completed about 3 yrs of credits so far. Right now a volunteer with a local literacy program teaching ESL to the local Hispanic community, and plan on getting either the CELTA or Trinity certification prior to going to Mexico. I am 43, if that makes a difference.

Is it realistic for me to live in Guadalajara and support my wife, on the average salary that I should be able to earn? I don't expext to live luxuriously, but comfortably. I probably would not bring a car, as I understand from a friend who used to live there that a car is unnecessary. I have no debt to pay, but will need my salary to cover all expenses; rent, food, utilities, Mexician medical insurance, etc. Please let me know the good, bad, and the ugly about this possible decision.

It is my understanding that my wife will be unable to get a FM-3 as she has no degree, and does not speak Spanish. Please correct me if I am wrong. My main reason for the decision to go Guadalajara, is the large English speaking community there.

We have always lived in, or near a hispanic community, in large American cities and enjoy the culture, food, and people a great deal and have reached a point in our lives where we are free to break away from the 12 hr work days that are killing us, but getting us nowhere. But, I don't just want to go into this blindly. I have been to Mexico several times, but only to the border areas, and Baja. We plan on visiting Guadalajara on our next vacation.

Sorry for the long post, I tried to get all my immediate questions in at one time. Thanks, in advance, for everyone's help.

Mark

Ben Round de Bloc · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1946

Wouter · Joined: 06 Oct 2004 Posts: 128 Location: Tlaquepaque

Hi,

I think you are going to have a really tuff time doing this and also if you dont want to work 10 hours a day you probably cant do it.

Most of the teachers hardly can survive on their own salary so for supporting two people is a thing that i think cant be done.

The avarage that you need for one person to support your self in GDL is around 5000 till 6000 pesos a month. Of course it is not double when you are living with two people but let say between 9000 and 10000 pesos.

Teachers earn in GDL between 40 and 100 pesos an hour. The problem is that it is hard to find a lot of hours. A lot of schools have only a couple of hours.

This is my experience.

Wouter

Any

markw · Joined: 30 May 2005 Posts: 2

Thanks for the responses. While they weren't exactly what I wanted to hear, It is much better to find out the reality sooner than later. I appreciate your honesty in saving me a lot of heartache and wasted time chasing something that is unrealistic. I guess I will continue tutoring here in the states and visiting Mexico as a tourist. Thanks again,

Mark