Job Discussion Forums

[SaratheSlytherin]

Hello everyone,

It seems that there are many posts about safety in Mexico, but couldn't find one specifically about Michoacan... I'm sorry if I overlooked it, but I did look.

In USA a LOT of people have a very distorted idea about the safety situation in Mexico. When I got my TEFL certificate I had my heart set on going to Mexico and I still do, and I believe it's the right decision. I question everything I hear and I certainly don't believe all that baloney about Mexico being a battleground. While I'm not scared to go back to Mexico (I've been there many times) I do know that some areas are safer than others.

I may be offered a job in Uruapan, Michoacan, and I am seriously considering it, but I have qualms because I understand that Michoacan is one of the most dangerous areas of Mexico right now. A lot of my friends in Mexico have told me stuff about Michoacan that scared me, and I don't want false reassurance that it's safe if it's not. I just have a bit of a dilemna because this job could be a really good opportunity; the staff member I talked to seems really nice and professional, and I want to work there; I'm just worried about the safety situation.

I really miss Mexico and want really badly to teach EFL there but I would feel a lot better if I were going to Puebla, Quer�taro, or Cuernavaca.

Exactly how dangerous is Uruapan? I would like to hear from people who teach there or who have taught there recently. Is it possible to be safe there... what are the chances of becoming a victim of violent crime?

This is a really serious concern!! Thanks, if you can help me. =)

[SaratheSlytherin]

Also, in the upcoming interview, I thought about asking about safety in this area, but I have qualms about asking this. It doesn't pertain to teaching and I'm worried that if I ask, I'll give a bad impression- for example, the impression that I don't care about teaching. I am very serious about teaching, just a new teacher concerned about impressions. He may wonder why I didn't research the area first and think I'm not responsible. Or, I could just ask a current teacher at the school. What to do? Am I over-thinking this?

I hope these questions don't come across as naive, but I'm new to TEFL and just taking advantage of this great resource (eslcaf�).

Thanks if you can help once again.

[TeresaLopez]

Michoacan? No, the border states are the real battleground - Ciudad Juarez, Tijauana, Chihuahua, parts of Durango and Sinoloa, yes, but Michoacan? There were some problems in Morelia last year, but there are no guarantees in life, anything can happen any time, but *I* wouldn't be concerned about Michoacan. But then I live in DF. But I sure wouldn't go to Culiacan..........

[notamiss]

Yes there has been some narco violence in Uruapan, but not on the scale or of the style of the north, where recently confrontations have been happening in public places and anyone who is in the wrong place at the wrong time could find themselves involved.

I don't think anyone can give you an answer to your core question, "How dangerous is Uruapan?", but speaking of Mexico in general, unlike some other places in the world foreigners are not usually targeted preferentially over locals for crime and violence.

[SaratheSlytherin]

Thanks Teresa!

There are no two views about the border states. Michoacan is way further South, I found Michoacan on a map and it's in central Mexico. Far from the border... I was just really worried because I heard about some gang related problems... is that the incident that happened last year?

It's a shame that in USA people think that the border states represent the whole country of Mexico. I went to college in Cuernavaca and the reception I got in Mexico was incredible. Everyone was really loving, and people were generous and I made wonderful friends who took really good care of me. Cuernavaca feels more like home than my current hometown. I've spent so much time in Mexico; the only bad thing is that I won't get that having a weird and strange adventure feeling that you experience when you go to a new place but I just fall in love with Mexico more each time I go. =)

Sorry I digressed a bit. It's just a real dilemna! I know for a fact that Mexico is amazing and the school staff is really nice and professional, just once I commit to the job, I would feel horrible about letting them down.

I feel a little bit better after talking to you, though... I really appreciate the answers you've given me on my other posts... a lot of people have no patience for "newbies" but one day when I'm an experienced TEFL teacher I'll share my wisdom like you, you are a good role model on these forums =)

[thelmadatter]

Michoacan is not like the border states but it is a corridor for drugs especially in the little populated coastal areas west of Uruapan. There was that incident throwing a bomb into a crowd in Morelia shortly after Calderon began his war on drugs (Calderon is from Michoacan) .

Bottom line is that most of the violence occurs in the very rural areas and where the army is intercepting drug shipments. In the city, you should be fine. The only place Ive heard you should be careful is if you spend time on the beaches in Michoacan.

[Guy Courchesne]

[Isla Guapa]

I agree with the comments of thelmadatter and Guy about safety issues in Michoac�n. The attack on civilians in the main square of Morelia last September was horrible, but not the norm for these kinds of violence.
Last October I spent a few days in Morelia, had a wonderful time, and felt completely safe. I know someone who lives in Morelia, an American woman who's lived in Mexico for over 30 years and is now a Mexican citizen. Mexico is her home now, and she would never consider leaving, but she told me that that attack did unnerve her and made her feel less safe in her adopted city. She lives in a pretty upscale neighborhood, the kind where narcotraficantes like to live, and she told me about waking at 2 am and hearing gunshots nearby and realizing that the "bad guys" were having it out with each other. She's still there, living an active, interesting life, but in the back of her mind now, there's a feeling of unease that wasn't there before . . . .

[SaratheSlytherin]

Thanks everyone, for your answers!

I clarify that I definitely NOT worried about being targeted for violence as a foreigner. Sadly, there is a lot of ignorance here in USA (I'm not putting down the USA, I'm just saying that it's a shame that people are misinformed). Whenever I discuss my plans with people, they freak out... "they kill Americans down there" and it breaks my heart that people believe these lies because nothing could be further from the truth.

Everyone here on the Mexico forums knows better, but it makes me so sad that people where I live slander a whole country. I studied abroad in Cuernavaca for a year and people from Mexico in general are very loving, very generous with what they have, and if you go down there with an open mind and interest in their culture they welcome you with open arms... and then my co-workers who have never been tell me "they'll shoot you, there's a bounty on Americans" or, "you're going to be gang-raped by the Bimbo teddy bear and the Gansito gosling..." makes me want to scream!!

In Cuernavaca I got more attention than I get in the states- I have red hair, if you have red hair you may get a little more attention but that's not necessarily bad. No one was rude or mean to me =)

I didn't mean to digress but I hope that someone might find this thread and learn about Mexico, because so many people here in USA are misinformed.

But to clarify, I know that no one is gonna be mean to me just because I'm foreign, and I don't mess with drugs, I'm just worried about being caught in the crossfire. But, it's good to be informed. I read about the grenade attack and it worried me. The Familia Michoacana also worries me. But no, I'm not worried that my foreigner status will put me at risk... just that random attack and the stuff about drugs is a bit concerning.

Thanks again for your answers...