Job Discussion Forums

[ShawtyPut]

I've narrowed down my search to 3 countries-Colombia, Uruguay, and Mexico, for the following reasons. Any feedback, as to whether these are the right fit, would be appreciated.
1. I want to learn spanish, but remember very little from school. I'm willing to stay as many years needed to accomplish this.
2. I have a B.A. in History but no CELTA
3. Not very interested in partying, more interested in learning/observing (particularly fascinated by Latin American culture, cities & architecture, and business) That's not to say I'm not outgoing and don't want to socialize-I'd like to if it were in Spanish-but I'm over the partying stuff.
4. Make enough money to cover my costs.
5. Get a job by this August.

I've been reading the forums for the last 2 weeks, and figured I'd put this out there while I continue my research. Thanks!

[latif]

Hi,

While I'm planning on going to Ecuador myself, I do know Mexico a bit - lived there for a year or so...

1. Mexico has some excellent schools for learning Spanish - I would recommend CEPE at UNAM in Mexico City (esp. 'cause u are interested in Latin American culture/history etc.) I suggest that if one of your objectives is to learn Spanish, that you take an intensive course for a few weeks (min. six weeks at CEPE) - that will give u enough of a start so you can begin to pick up the language on your own...

CEPE website:

http://www.cepe.unam.mx/

also a much smaller professionally run school is Chac Mol in the smaller city of Cuernavaca near Mexico City

2. I've done a fair bit of research on teaching english in Latin America and you would do well to invest in a TESL course - such as CELTA or SIT.

3. Wherever you go in Latin America - you can party, or not - some social pressure wherever you go, but (not being much of a partier myself) I've found that you really earn the respect of people if you don't party too much, and the cultural experience is richer. Some of the more active cultural activities are in the major cities - such as Mexico City (if such a massive city is not for you - Guadalajara is another good choice, as are other cities further south).

4. I think a lot depends on your lifestyle - there are a wide variety of housing/lifestyle options available anywhere you go in Mexico ...

[Rorito]

I too am considering working in Mexico, Colombia and Uruguay. Might I suggest that you think of the food. I spent only two months in Ecuador before I could stand no more. IMHO the food is like rice spiced with cardboard served three times a day. I couldn't stand it any longer. If you plan on cooking your own meals it's fine, but if not, then Mexico would be far superior. Of course, it's just my opinion (And in my opinion Thailand beats them all if you can forgo your Western staples). I found a Colombian restaurant in Ecuador and found that it was the best restaurant in the country, but is it enough variety for a spoiled Angelino, like myself? I don't know Uruguay at all, but I guess eating will cost a lot more. Argentina is like Europe. I hear Uruguay is like Argentina. Is that what you want, or are you looking for something more typically Latin American? Big cities will offer far more variety than towns. Just some food for thought.

[ShawtyPut]

Thank you Latif and Rorito.
Latif - May I ask why you are leaving Mexico for Ecuador?

Rorito - I'm not much of a foodie, I suppose. But from what I've read Uruguay has cheap food, because of their economy exporting so much agricultural products.

[latif]

I don't currently live in Mexico - am in the US, but did live there for a year or so, some years back...

As much as I love Mexico, esp. Mexico City - I also want to explore and learn more about other areas of Latin America (esp. Ecuador Peru and Bolivia). I then narrowed down to Bolivia and Ecuador, and chose Ecuador 'cause thats where they offer a CELTA course...

[travelNick]

Don't come to Colombia for the food :-S