Job Discussion Forums

QueenJane · Joined: 20 Oct 2009 Posts: 7 Location: Berkeley, California

I'm looking for some eyes and ears on the ground in Guadalajara for general input on living and working there. Anyone? Please?

nwomac · Joined: 12 May 2007 Posts: 18 Location: Dallas,Texas

Hello,
I live and work in Guadalajara. Received my TEFL Certificate from ITTO and got a job within two weeks. I have been here four years and love it.
It takes a while to get used to the work hours, but I do not mind. The people are friendly, the students are great, and the food is pretty good too.
Yes, I occaisionally miss wall to wall carpet and central hear and air, but the expenses for most things, such as transportation, dentists, and doctors are ss much less expensive that it is worth it. Not to mention the fact that the weather beats snow and ice all winter in the states.
So, come on down. Very Happy

nwomac

Spector · Joined: 23 Oct 2009 Posts: 66

QueenJane · Joined: 20 Oct 2009 Posts: 7 Location: Berkeley, California

Thanks for the reply. You answered another of my questions too, re: ITTO. Sounds like you were happy with the program. Is any particular time of year better for looking for jobs? I'm thinking of coming down in January or February and taking the ITTO course, then looking for a job. I'll have lots of questions about finding jobs, housing, moving possessions, etc.; I hope you're willing to give me some more insights.

mdp19742004 · Joined: 28 Apr 2009 Posts: 27

Hi all....I currently teach online which is how I earn the majority of my income. I was thinking of moving to Guadalajara for a bit to study Spanish, continue to teach online, and maybe do a little EFL work (I have six years of ESL experience and a teaching credential.) Also, I'm looking to cut back on my living expenses by being in Mexico for a bit. I'm in the 2nd most expensive city in the US now! Any guidance on the following questions would be great. Thanks!

1) Is high speed internet service readily available to subscribe to?
2) How is public transit in Guadalajara?
3) What is the estimated cost of a one bedroom apartment near the city center in a middle class neighborhood?

Thanks!

championthewonderhorse · Joined: 09 Jun 2009 Posts: 18

Hi. I've been in Guadalajara for 3 years so I hope I can help with your questions.
1) Yes, you can get high speed internet (Telmex is about 400 pesos for internet and a phone) , but your best bet is megacable /telecable (same company) as it is a little bit cheaper and you don't have to pay Mr Slim.
2) To be honest the public transport is pretty bad. I dream of the days when I was in Mexico city, which has an infinitely better system. Although the network is pretty comprehensive, the drivers are terrible. They often don't stop to pick you up even though they are empty. However, some days you have to be even more patient, especially at 8 in the morning as buses don't stop becuse there is not space.
3) The rent should be about $2500 to $3000, though you could pay a lot more or less depending upon your tastes.
In general Guadalajara is a lot easier to live in than Mexico City, but I prefer D.F for work as it is much easier to find classes.

nwomac · Joined: 12 May 2007 Posts: 18 Location: Dallas,Texas

Hello,
Have been busy, so this is the first chance to answer some questions. Yes,
I got my job through ITTO. It is part of their package. I did not get a free vacation Puerto Vallarta which they now offer with the November 23 Course, but had fun anyway. January is a good time to look for a job since schools are closed here that month and teachers either quit, go home for Christmas and do not return, or sometimes find other positions. Bad of course, is at the end of school for the summer. Also, ITTO had a free week�s worth of Spanish lessons at their sister school, so I took advantage of that.
There are a multitutde of schools here, but there is now more competition for the good jobs as many people are coming down to teach English since there are so few jobs available in the states. Be that as it may, there is always an opening somewhere.
I agree that buses can be deplorable and the bus drivers jerks. However, I live within walking distance of my school, so do not deal with that. Before, I lived where I could take the subway--clean, efficient, but needs to be expanded to more neighborhoods.
Good luck on your quest.
N.

chenn0 · Joined: 03 Nov 2009 Posts: 34

QueenJane · Joined: 20 Oct 2009 Posts: 7 Location: Berkeley, California

rrrjjjmmm · Joined: 07 Feb 2009 Posts: 12

Living expenses: Furnished apartments are called amueblado (furnished), or muebles (furniture). Most places ARE NOT furnished. If you require a furnished apartment, you're looking at upward of $600USD per month. When I was in Guadalajara, I was seeking the $3,000 pesos a month places, but these are VERY hard to come by - unless you know someone... I rent a fully furnished apartment here in Queretaro and it's $4,500mxn. Qro is cheaper than Gdl for rent in my experience.

Getting around: Buses are fine, the subway system is convenient albeit not very comprehensive. Taxis are expensive and do charge a premium for those lacking Spanish - that was my - and several friends - experience.

Documents: When I was applying for jobs, all they wanted was a TEFL certificate and passport. But I think this varies from school to school. When I got my working visa, I just needed both of those things, a lease agreement, landlord i.d. and a recent utility bill.

Health insurance: I'm Australian, and don't know a lot about the American Health system, but I would strongly recommend having travel insurance here and keeping that active until you have a job/visa, when you can buy private coverage. My job gives me health insurance as part of my package with AXA I think. Personally - and this is just speaking personally - I wouldn't be wanting to spend a lot of time at IMSS.

PayPal: I know that the school I work for takes Paypal. It's just come to Mexico I think.

Salary ranges:
I am in Queretaro - which is a beautiful city - as I just had to get out of GDL. I don't know how good the working conditions are in GDL and I certainly do know what the working conditions are like in the schools near ITTO (I did that course). I would say, do you research VERYcarefully (and I will be open in saying that the sister school that I work for does a TEFL course too www.teachertrainingcenter.org ). And over 40 teaching hours a week is a LOT! I think between $9,000 and $11,000 is a decent starting salary for someone without any teaching experience. Anything beyond this is probably going to be working you like a dog (9 hours of teaching per day, 6 days per week, PLUS lesson planning). You also need to be aware that some schools quote a before tax salary, others after tax.

Feel free to ask if you have any other questions.

Rhiannon

chenn0 · Joined: 03 Nov 2009 Posts: 34

rrrjjjmmm · Joined: 07 Feb 2009 Posts: 12

Yes, in Guadalajara anyway. However this will often include electricity and water as well (which here isn't expensive, around $200-300 pesos per two months).

A lot the people that I know ended up living in share-houses. But I'm here with my fiance and we didn't want to do that.

There are always plenty of people selling furniture, especially second hand stuff. Or you can buy them yourself new or from a departing teacher. Bringing across the border, like I said I'm an Aussie, no idea.

In terms of salaries, everywhere is different. It's really important that you consider the amount of hours, if you get paid holidays, whether you get paid the same regardless of how much you work, if they want you to pay for your own visa. I live a comfortable lifestyle and am on a salary with 4 weeks holidays a year, healthcare, my visa paid for, no problems.

In terms of visas, this is something I'm no expert in, but there are laws in Mexico that state only 10% of the work force can be non-Mexican. Other than this, I know of no others (thought lack of research, that doesn't mean they don't exist!!!). Although I do know, you will almost definitely be working more than 19 hours per week - especially in a city like GDL where there are a lot of TEFL teachers and not as many jobs.

And yes, I'm talking in pesos...

Cheers

Rhiannon

rrrjjjmmm · Joined: 07 Feb 2009 Posts: 12

pesos per month I mean...

chenn0 · Joined: 03 Nov 2009 Posts: 34

"share-houses" ?

haha yeah I'd imagine that it may be a bit hard to bring your stuff there. I'm a few hours from the boarder in Texas.

How many job interviews/offers or whatever did you have to go through to get that deal that works for you like that?---> "on a salary with 4 weeks holidays a year, healthcare, my visa paid for, no problems."

Are you familiar with ITTO? They have a school in Guadalajara and have a guaranteed job placement.. Now, this is not to say that it would be a great job, but having that, would one have the job-to-teacher rate to fear for?

Thanks,

Chenn0

rrrjjjmmm · Joined: 07 Feb 2009 Posts: 12

share-house I'm not sure what you call it in America. Maybe living with room-mates? Communal living where everyone shares the rent for the house and each has a bedroom...

Finding a job wasn't very stressful. My partner and I just happened to stumble across something amazing here in Queretaro (which I highly recommend over Guadalajara!).

My partner and I did the ITTO course in GDL. I was also offered their 'guaranteed job'. That's a whole other story.