Job Discussion Forums

browniea · Joined: 22 Jun 2006 Posts: 18 Location: Guadalajara, Mexico

Hello,

I am currently living in Guadalajara, but looking at options for after my contract is up in July.

I have an interview for a job on Isla Mujeres, off the coast of Cancun, and the school seems really great, I�m just wondering how I would like living in such a touristy place. Has anyone lived on Isla or Cancun, or another of the more touristy areas? Any thing you can tell me about it?

One of my main reasons for staying in Mexico longer is because I want to work on my Spanish, is there even a chance to do it there?

Thank you.

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

There is ALWAYS a chance to work on your Spanish... it's really up to you if you'll like it or not.

If you want your Spanish to get better, you'll need to hang out with people who speak Spanish most of the time and make an effort to learn the hard way, too. Invest in some fichas and work on your vocabulary a lot at home... you can improve your Spanish in Washington or Nova Scotia if it's a priority, being in Mexico is just the luxury part of it.

MELEE · Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2007 3:18 pm Post subject:

While I totally agree with what Mikey said, I went to Acapulco for the first time last fall. It was totally strange to have waiters, cashiers, street venders and the like speak to me in English. Even when I spoke to them in Spanish, they would just carry on the conversation in English. And it's not like my Spanish is bad. Okay I was there with my parents, who mispronounce about ten words of Spanish, and are one of those older couples who just oooze gringoness out of every pore. But even when I ran out to the store by myself the same thing happened. I imagine this is because we were in the main resort area.
While I totally agree with Mikey about it being up to you, I can understand your doubts, I live well off the tourist path and I just can't imagine it being the same.

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

geaaronson · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 948 Location: Mexico City

is a nice place to rest one`s weary body. The same for a long term stay. It`s quaint, has beautiful beaches and good restaurants. It is a bit touristy but hey, you get to see the turtle farm, coral reef, pirate`s house and conch ranch.

The island is only 8 miles long so after exploring it a bit you might want to go landside and travel around a bit up and down the Caribbean coast. Or inland for that matter to Rio Lagartos and Valladolid.

If you like the party scene but want to keep some distance from it and make only occasional forays there`s always Cancun. And if you are a snorkeler or scuba diver you can go to the reefs offshore by outfitter.