Job Discussion Forums

[Samantha]

John, Playa del Carmen is on the OTHER ocean, far away from the west coast.

[stocktonsyndrome]

I'm actually moving to Vallarta for good next month, so I'm pleased to hear that apparently there's a lot of work available.

FuzzX, may I ask what part of PV you've been exploring? Which colonia are you living in? There is much, much more to the city than the main strip of the Malecon & Centro, although it can be difficult to find. I've been going there for many years and I didn't even get to know the real Vallarta until I started befriending locals. I would suggest taking this route -- and I'd be happy to give you ideas of places to go/things to see if you'd like.

Unfortunately this is the time of year when the tourists start pouring in, that's true...although if you stay away from Old Town & Centro, you won't notice them as much. As for your negative view of the Vallartense...I'm baffled by that. Maybe I've just been lucky but I've never once experienced surliness or rudeness from any locals, even when I've done something where my stupidity could justify a rude reaction. Sure, the timeshare guys and other industry people can be annoying...but if you treat them with respect, you'll get the same.

I hope it doesn't sound like I'm taking this personally-- I just felt compelled to defend the city that has become home for me.

[FuzzX]

Well a couchsurfer actually convinced me to stay on an extra week and I suppose its good he did because I started dating a girl here who has really helped me out and things have turned out great between the two of us. Of course she treats me like gold so Mexico feels alot easier to deal with, but her old man refuses to talk to me (he runs a major resort here). Anyway I rented another apartment in centro for the same price I'm paying here in the ghetto, yes I got scammed

Current Residence: Col. Guadalope Victoria.
Cost: 3500 Pesos/Month

I'm definitely going to look at hooking up my own students because I went to a language school here and they told me I would require A MONTH of training without pay before I could start working for them.

I went to a different school and got along really well with the principal at the Mexicano Americano Colegio and I was having my papers processed when the owner told the principal that she had seen one of my classes and that I looked like a child and would need to wear a uniform and cut my hair short to teach there. I never went back. (I only wear dress pants and shirts to school btw)

I'm not sure you must have blinders on because I was at the supermarket the other day and standing in line of course. This mexican guy right behind me pushes his way right infront of me and starts setting his stuff down, I tapped him on the shoulder and when he didn't turn around I kindly shoved him out of the way and said "the line starts here". He screamed at me to the tune of 'Motherfvcking gringos are all alike'. Then he said to the guy infront of me in spanish, 'this gringo is acting just like your child'. Typical Naco. I'm not unfair or unfriendly but I certainly don't let anyone push me around. Then again I'm expecting quite a bit from people who have probably never left the city. Ignorant people are everywhere in the world.

Women smile at me, men usually don't. I don't think people will ever see me as anything more than a gringo (even though I'm Canadian). Anyway I hope we can get together next month when you move down. I've yet to meet any other teachers here that will make time to talk.

[MELEE]

[cangringo]

What?? I can't guess, someone pm me...??

[stocktonsyndrome]

Uh oh...does the language school in question have the initials H.H.? I have a contact there and I was going to send them a resume. Feel free to PM me if you don't want to post the details.

I think I'm going to be going the private classes route too -- at least in the beginning. My boyfriend (who lives there) seems to think that I'll have no trouble finding a teaching job, but I'm hesitant to get involved with a school right away. I'd prefer to have plenty of time to explore my options before jumping into a contract.

About your apartment in Guadalupe Victoria -- I'm wondering if it's the same one I rented for a few weeks back in March! Yellow walls, studio-type, owner named Jorge? My boyfriend & I stayed there when I visited him over my spring break. A lady down the street sets up a table and chairs in front of her house at night and serves up the most delicious tacos de asada I've ever had.

Hopefully you'll have some better experiences from now on...I'm sure that your novia will be able to help you acclimate to life there and you won't feel like such an outsider.

[FuzzX]

Yes it just happens to be the very same. lol Luckily I'll be getting out of here come the end of the month. I hope the sheets have been washed since... I'm not sure what it was like for u, but the apartment has major water damage, mold and an onslaught of misquitos. Its like camping. I thought every mexican here lived in the ghetto till I found out I was getting scammed. How much did u pay? I'm paying 3500 pesos about 3000 too much.
No this is a school right beside Harmon Hall with an American Flag on it.

[stocktonsyndrome]

That's so funny. I've noticed an onslaught of online ads for that apartment. It was actually perfectly fine when I stayed there. I think we were the very first people to live there though, so everything was spotlessly clean, no mold, and it wasn't really a mosquito-heavy time of year. The owner was renting it for $3000 pesos/month, so I gave him $2000 for 3 weeks. Do they have hot water now? I took some veeeery chilly showers there...I'm shivering now just thinking of it.

I'll be sure to avoid the school next to Harmon Hall, whichever one that is. Thanks for the heads up.

[Tigerjo]

I've been living in vallarta for a year and a half now and got very lucky with a job at a well organised and friendly primary school. Would be great to meet up with any other teachers in the area

[Samantha]

In a year and half in Puerto Vallarta you haven't met any other foreign teachers? It's not THAT big! Maybe you will find one living in the 'famous' rental house discussed in this thread.