Job Discussion Forums

carolync · Joined: 24 Jan 2007 Posts: 38 Location: Phoenix, Az

I am very interested in teaching in Mexico, but the current political situation makes it seem unsafe. According to the news, it looks like the government is about to collapse. Is it safe for Americans there now? I am looking for jobs that start this summer and want to stay for a year. Thanks!

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

It depends somewhat on where, but for the most part, you are safe pretty much everywhere. Reports of an imminent 'collapse' of government? That' even better than the State Department warnings thread... Laughing

There was an election this past summer that had street protests and heated emotions, but nothing extraordinary. No violence. Oaxaca experienced a prolonged standoff and marches with some violence, but that's pretty much over now. Mexico is a big country, so, events happening in one part do not necessarily reflect the whole nation.

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

MamaOaxaca · Joined: 03 Jan 2007 Posts: 201 Location: Mixteca, Oaxaca

Didn't the state department just lift it's Oaxaca warning?

Didn't Bush call Calderon yesterday to congradulate him on the "good job" he is doing?

jillford64 · Joined: 15 Feb 2006 Posts: 397 Location: Sin City

I feel much safer here in Mexico than I do in the United States. Fewer crazy people with guns here.

carolync · Joined: 24 Jan 2007 Posts: 38 Location: Phoenix, Az

Thanks guys for all the quick responses! I don't really trust the media, and it's so hard to know what's really going on, unless you talk to the people who are actually there! I think I just made my decision on where I'm going!

jillford64 · Joined: 15 Feb 2006 Posts: 397 Location: Sin City

As a female traveling alone, you just have to be sensible about where you are, what you are doing, and how late at night it is, just like in the US. I have never had a single bad thing happen to me in all the years I've traveled by myself in Mexico (or elsewhere in Latin America).

As for political unrest, if it happens you can just avoid getting involved in it. If a situation turns unstable, leave. If you are unsure, don't go there. There is always the possibility for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, but no more so in Mexico that anywhere else in Latin America. Actually, probably less so in Mexico than in many other countries.

jillford64 · Joined: 15 Feb 2006 Posts: 397 Location: Sin City

Oh, wait, I have to take that back!! I did have a Peeping Tom once in a hotel in Guanajuato. One of the employees had taken the covers off the electrical outlets in my room and the adjacent room so he could look through.

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

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Thu Jan 25, 2007 6:51 pm Post subject:

This is one question that I've heard many times. Mexico is a third world country. Does it have problems? Of course it does. So does the USA, Canada, Europe, Somalia, Iraq, China, New Zealand etc.

If you are so worried about the safety and crime situation, Mexico may not be the place for you. I have a friend who's from the states, he's been here about 6 months. When he first got here he was always worried about something, the food, water, crime, taking a city bus, making a phone call. Although he's gotten better, he hasn't done very well here. He still worries too much about things.
Once, I drank tap water for a month. I didn't boil it or add anything to it. What happened? Nothing, except I had clean water for free. Crime? To me any large city in the USA is by far more dangerous than Mexico City. I have never had any problems here. Not with criminals or with the cops. Now, living in Tijuana was a different story. There you have to be careful with the cops, they are the biggest criminals in TJ. Right now they aren't such a big problem since they only have sling-shots. Surprised

How do you avoid problems? Have some street smarts, take basic precautions, and don't try to stand out. Tourists are always so easy to spot. Their dress and the way they walk. Wearing souvenir t-shirts, floppy hats, shorts, hiking boots, tennis shoes, giant backpacks, and cameras slung around the neck are sure signs of being a tourist (an easy target with $$$). Walking aimlessly, staring at every shop window, and pointing at everything don't help too much either.

Learn some Spanish. You don't have to be fluent. Being able to communicate is a huge difference, and you will at least have an idea what people are saying.

The government is about to collapse? Wow, that's a good one! I didn't even know that people in the states were that afraid and misinformed about Mexico. I am happy I haven't been back there for a while.

As for jobs, there is always work here. Just have to come down and take a look around.

jillford64 · Joined: 15 Feb 2006 Posts: 397 Location: Sin City

Gosh, Tim, if I'd known that was you, I wouldn't have made such a big stink to the manager. Wink

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

I'll try not to ridicule you.

I don't know what news reports you've been reading recently, but I believe that the vast majority of Mexico is safer than the United States, Canada, or the UK.

Ignore the reports, and come for a visit. See for yourself what's it's like down here.

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

cangringo · Joined: 18 Jan 2007 Posts: 327 Location: Vancouver, Canada

Oh......holding head......that's bad Confused

safe here in Monterrey too and the people are fantastic...I feel safer walking around here than I did in Vancouver

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