Job Discussion Forums

Leo726 · Joined: 27 Mar 2008 Posts: 37

I'm coming to Mexico for the first time, to live and teach. I've never been there before and have no contacts there. Been researching online everyday. It seems Mexico is not like other countries, in as far as you don't find many teaching postings. One woman, director of a school, emailed me saying there isn't much she could do online; she needed to see me in person. She was pretty positive in her comments that Mexico is "...screaming for native English speaking teachers!" And that I wouldn't have a problem once there.

So... I don't have a lot of savings and can't afford to be without work for a long time. I'm a city girl at heart. Are there many more teaching opps in Mexico City? Is housing a lot cheaper in Guadalajara?

Thanks in advance,
Kat

TheLongWayHome · Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Posts: 1016 Location: San Luis Piojosi

I'm sure you'll find work in no time in either city. Yes, Mexico is screaming out for native speakers, welcome to the land of opportunity! I came here with $200 and not much else - still here 3 years on.

MO39 · Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 7:52 pm Post subject:

It's advisable to come here with a bit more than $200 in your wallet! Though you'll probably find work fairly easily, you may have to wait a month(or longer) before getting your first paycheck and will have to lay out money for a place to live, including a security deposit and other fees. In addition, many apartments, at least in Mexico City, come unfurnished, which means that even the kitchen will be bare, except for the sink.

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

Both cities offer a lot of opportunities. Exactly what kind of teaching would you like to do? If you're thinking of working in an elementary or secondary school setting, timing will be your biggest factor, with your best chance of landing work for a mid to late August start.

One feature of both Mexico City and Guadalajara is the availability of work teaching English in companies. These types of jobs are available year-round for the most part, and offer better pay than in-school work at language schools, which are also available year-round. Mexico City would be the better choice of the two for the business classes.

From what I've seen, housing costs are about the same between the two cities. Marsha is right in that most housing is unfurnished, as locals would need, but you can find a lot of furnished places, ranging from shared housing, to modestly furnished apartments, to palatial estates.

But, you really do need to have some money before coming. You may have to fork over 2 months' rent up front, and a first paycheck could be 4 week down the road.

TheLongWayHome · Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Posts: 1016 Location: San Luis Piojosi

MO39 · Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 8:26 pm Post subject:

Just one more zero should do!

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

$20,000 dollars would go a very long way indeed.

Leo726 · Joined: 27 Mar 2008 Posts: 37

Long Way Home, you give me hope! Then the free stay... Well, Guy, I would love to teach adults. That's what I taught in LA. In Thailand I taught at an elementary school. Yeah...I'm definately an adult person.

I'm looking for a roommate situation. I don't have the extra funds to furnish a place (nor do I wish to), and it will just be less expensive.

I just hate to get on a plane without something lined up...

MO39 · Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 9:15 pm Post subject:

Leo726 · Joined: 27 Mar 2008 Posts: 37

I'm not far. In Los Angeles.

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

Yeah, pretty much only the top private schools will hire before one arrives. Language schools or the company English class variety will usually want to see you in person first.

Leo726 · Joined: 27 Mar 2008 Posts: 37

I'd like to be a roomy with a like minded soul. Locals may be put off by my private, independant nature. And I won't need the added stress of that when I first arrive.

TheLongWayHome · Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Posts: 1016 Location: San Luis Piojosi

debmport · Joined: 10 Nov 2007 Posts: 34 Location: Guadalaholla

Guadalajara is nice because it's still a pretty big city but with much less traffic, population, noise, pollution, and crime as Mexico City. There are plenty of jobs as well as houses being shared by esl teachers and/or students. The big DF can be a little overwhelming.

I say go for it. Just come on down and start hoofing it! You will be able to find something.

MO39 · Posted: Sun Mar 30, 2008 12:37 am Post subject: