Job Discussion Forums

[amac]

Hi. I am trying to research the possiblity of teaching in Mexico for one year with my wife and two kids. We both have college degrees. She speaks fluent Spanish and I have taught ESL for three years although I don't speak Spanish. We have two kids; ages 6 and 4. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has had experience teaching in Mexico with a family and/or can direct me to some good resources i.e. books, websites about doing this. Thanks for your help.

[Ben Round de Bloc]

If you have enough money set aside to supplement your two incomes for a year in Mexico, it could be a wonderful year's experience for you and your family. However, if you plan to try to live only on what the two of you would make as teachers, expect to lower your standard of living a whole lot. In my opinion, without the support of an extended Mexican family and connections, it would be very challenging to support a family of four on two teachers' incomes in this country.

[MixtecaMike]

Hi there amac

With two teachers' salaries I am sure you will not die of starvation here. I support a wife and two kids (3 & 6) on one fairly decent for here salary and while we don't live in luxury we always have food on the table and the rent paid on time.

If you plan on living in Mexico City you will pay a lot for rent, but in other places it shouldn't be too hard getting by.

Be aware that sending your kids to a local school will be a nice experience for them, but you will want to home school them as well; the English language medium schools are very expensive and the govt. schools are not the best; in many small towns they are terrible.

If you want to work legally you'll need an FM3 visa, it costs about US$200 each by the time you've done all the paperwork; the kids have to pay as well. You can probably work illegally without too much fuss.

Hope you decide to make the move and I'm sure you'll enjoy yourselves.

Salu2