Job Discussion Forums

LubbyDubby · Joined: 24 Oct 2006 Posts: 2 Location: Vancouver, B.C

Hola Amigos Smile

,

After sitting in my cubicle for 2.5 years I think I'm ready to make the jump into cold water and give ESL teaching a shot Smile

I've decided to make Mexico my first destination!! (Sorry, can't contain the excitement!)

So I need some advice on where to go. I think I've narrowed it down to two places - Guadalajara or Monterrey. Heard great things about both cities - Guadalajara being the most 'Mexican' city in the country with charming architecture and a small town feel, and Monterrey with its urban chic-ness and the lovely Corro de la silla as its backdrop.

I'm currently in Vancouver and have very little to complain about ('cept the rain, which has just started and will continue for eternity...). I guess I'm looking to go to a place that offers some of the same things as Vancouver - a place with a good mix of urban luxuries but still pertains some rawness of nature.

Also, is it easier to find work in one of the cities and are there any differences in salaries? I've read that Monterrey can be quite expensive?

Any suggestions/input? There's no better way to find out what things are really like than to ask those who have been there and done that. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much Wink

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

It's going to boil down to your credentials and experience. You didn't mention those.

LubbyDubby · Joined: 24 Oct 2006 Posts: 2 Location: Vancouver, B.C

I have a BSc in engineering, and a TESOL certification from Oxford Seminars. Teaching wise I am pretty much a newbie - though I do some tutoring experience with kids and volunteered to teach English (class of about 20) at a local church one summer.

Shalana · Joined: 08 Oct 2006 Posts: 150 Location: Istanbul

I'm pretty much in the same boat, only I've been sitting in my cubicle for way longer than 2.5 years and also have a Masters. Any information anyone could give on this topic will be greatly appreciated.

I've been focusing my job search on Eastern Europe but realize I must consider Mexico. I vacation there frequently and am a diver. Also love the people and the food.

MikeySaid · Joined: 10 Nov 2004 Posts: 509 Location: Torreon, Mexico

IF you've got some vacation time on the books and some money in the bank... maybe you should hop a flight to the two cities and make your decision.

Monterrey will probably be more expensive and will have less "mexican" feel to it in some regards.

The north tends to feel more americanized, but that might mean there's a bit more convenience for you.

To the diver... sounds like you'll need to focus on the Yucatan and Quintana Roo.