Job Discussion Forums

[Michael1710]

Hello Everyone,

First, thanks to everyone for providing such insightful information. I�ve been trolling Dave�s for a while, specifically this Mexico forum.

I�m very much looking forward to beginning my ESL experience in Mexico. The problem I�m having is deciding where to begin. I�ve researched the different areas of Mexico and find all of them intriguing in their own way. To solve this problem I am considering taking 2-3 weeks and touring/visiting the areas I�m most interested in. The areas I�m considering are the Central and South East states such as Mexico, Morelos and Guanajuato, East to Tamaulipas South to Veracruz, Tobasco, Oaxaca and Chiapas. I realize this is a large area and may not be able to visit each state.

My intent is to gain an initial feel for the area as I look into ESL opportunities, accommodations, expenses, the local community, sightseeing activities, travel, nightlife (from a dining, entertainment and cultural perspective). Ideally, I�m looking to experience Mexican culture in a smaller or mid size city located near a larger city for weekend get-away�s and an English speaking community.

In a nutshell what tour operators would you suggest? Also, how did you decide on the area you settled in?

I would consider traveling independently but am looking for folks with knowledge of the local areas I would visit

Any and all advice is greatly appreciated

Michael

[danielita]

It depends on your travel style, but I think that GAP Adventures is a great company. Their staff are knowledgable of the areas and they have a lot of different options of tours within the country depending on your interests (cultural, outdoor adventure etc..) as well as different levels of comfort for accommodation. Their rates are fairly reasonable but most do not include airfare. Their website is: http://www.gapadventures.com/

D

[Samantha]

Michael, Do I recall you posting about planning to take the Celta course in May? How did that go and did you like that area of the country?

[MELEE]

[Michael1710]

Hello Samantha,

Yes, that was me. I never made it to the CELTA course. I became involved in teaching ESL locally. Tonight is our last class so we are having a Fiesta in the park.

While on a chuch trip to Copper Canyon in Chihuahau a couple of weeks ago I met up with a Missonary. I told him about my ESL teaching and computer skills. After talking for a bit he is putting me in contact with folks in Jojutla near Cuernavaca. This will allow me to get some real life teaching experience before putting down money on a ESL course.

Does anyone know anything about Jojutla? From what I hear it is a small village, population about 15,000. Lots of water activities and language schools close by.

Danielita,
Thanks for the GAP information. I checked their website and found a couple of tours that may work. The Mexican Ancient Civilizations and Taste of Mexico tours look interesting.

Melee,
I would prefer to go independently myself. How would I go about finding the local tours?

In general, I'm looking for an opportunity to teach/assist ESL in Mexico. I'm "flexible"on arrangements. Know of anybody who would be interested?

Michael

[MELEE]

Well, the first step would be to get yourself a good guide book. You can go to your library or bookshop and take some time to look through the different ones out there as different people have different preferences. I think a good book will give you contact details for local tours. Another place is on the internet. There are other forums where you could get some good info. There is mexico connect and the lonely planet thorntree forums among others. Also more and more small companies are getting web pages so google it. There are also travel review websites, like tripadvisor.com Another way local tourist information offices when you arrive in a city stop buy there to get a map and ask for recommendations and fight out if there are any special events you can take in while you are there. In Chiapas I took a great tour of San Juan Chamula led by a small outfit know as Cesar and Raul. I found out about them in the San Cristobal tourist office, but I think they have since made it into the Lonely Planet. I've sent many people to them and all have been as satisfied as me.

[ls650]