Job Discussion Forums

[junkyak]

Hello, Im a newb here and Im still deciding on which country to go to. My main motives for going are to explore a new culture and environment and learn spanish. I never taught before but I assume that is the only way to make a living out there for someone who doesnt speak much spanish.

Im 28 and was just laid off so I think now is the time to do this since ive been thinking about it for such a long time. Ive always been kinda scared to leave everything im familiar with, but what the hell im not getting any younger.

I do have a degree and im planning on taking a celta/tefl course.

Can anyone list the pros and cons of mexico and costa rica?

[naturegirl321]

YOu might try posting on the original forums and see what people there say.

[Guy Courchesne]

First, it's probably important to note that in your first time out and without experience (making an assumption here), you're looking at entry level language school work. That's not a bad thing, but it means you won't be earning fabulous riches.

That said, both Mexico and Costa Rica have much to offer. Costa Rica is much smaller than Mexico so it will have fewer opportunities for jobs, though there are still plenty. You would be able to earn enough there to cover your costs but find difficulty saving. The beaches are relatively close to everything.

Mexico being much larger would provide many more opportunities and variety. You're still looking at entry level jobs but would likely be able to earn more here, strongly depending on which part of Mexico you are in. It's still hard to save though.

Good Mexican food is what keeps me here...

[junkyak]

[naturegirl321]

No, I mean post on the Mexico forum and the Costa Rica forum.

[Guy Courchesne]

I did come down by myself with a job arranged. Got married, got divorced, but I'm still living here. Mexico City is nowhere near as unsafe as they say, at least not in my experience. Guadalajara is a good town too.

[John Hall]

I think that it is a bit difficult to compare Costa Rica with Mexico; Mexico is so huge. It would be better to compare a particular Mexican city with the Central Valley of Costa Rica (where 95% of the English teaching jobs are). I'm not an expert on Mexican cities, but certainly in the greater metropolitan San Jose area, you have a wide variety of places to work to choose from.

Another distinct advantage that C.R. has is that if you are in or around San Jose, you are about a three-hour bus ride away from the Caribbean, in one direction, and the Pacific, in the other direction. Mexico does not have the African-American Caribbean culture that Mexico has. (Of course, Mexico has wider diversity of cultures living in it.)

Many people say that if you are into anthropology, art, and culture, then Mexico is the place to go; and if you are into beaches, natural beauty, and biodiversity, then Costa Rica is the place to go.

[naturegirl321]

[Guy Courchesne]

Getting it done through a Canadian office since we were married there. I still need to go up and get papers, or a lawyer...I hope it isn't a drawn out process or a costly one. Life didn't come with a user manual for these sort of things.

[danielita]

[dlarcheuk]

Hey Junkyak-

I'm a newbie too, and I just really hope I find a way to get to either one of them!! See you there?

By the way, I see you had a soft landing here- Naturegirl, Guy, John Hall and a few others will take care of you, as they have me. Best of luck!

[naturegirl321]

[Guy Courchesne]

[naturegirl321]

[lisa1968]

I�ve been to both, but love Mexico. I got certfied in Mexico and went back to teach English there, and am on my way down again. Like Guy said, Mexico being much bigger will have more opportunities for you. One suggestion is to take your certification course in whatever country you decide to go to, it give you a head start on getting adjusted.