Job Discussion Forums

Isla Guapa · Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2011 5:37 pm Post subject:

I think I've figured out why I have such an aversion to uniforms - the horrible uniforms we had to wear for gym class (aka PE) in high school.

Enchilada Potosina · Joined: 03 Aug 2010 Posts: 344 Location: Mexico

Isla Guapa · Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2011 5:54 pm Post subject:

geaaronson · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 948 Location: Mexico City

Or for other reasons entirely. In the inner-city American schools, there is so much jealousy and thievery among students. All those gold chains, designer jeans, pendants, fake Rolexes, etc. have created a status conscious student population. You`re cool if you wear all the accoutrements. If you don`t have it, it`s an incentive to prying open someone else`s lockers in after hours.

Isla Guapa · Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2011 6:33 pm Post subject:

A school can require students to wear uniforms, but that doesn't mean they won't continue to wear gold chains and pendants, fake Rolex's and so on.

PlayadelSoul · Joined: 29 Jun 2005 Posts: 346 Location: Playa del Carmen

notamiss · Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2011 10:29 pm Post subject:

If you've ever been a parent responsible for getting a kid off to school, you are very grateful for uniforms. I've had the experience of both free dress in Canada, and uniforms in Mexico, and the stress level for the parent is so much lower with uniforms, you wouldn't believe it. "Just have them pick out the outfit they're going to wear the night before," did I hear someone say? That turned out to be useless in practice, as opinions on what to wear almost invariably changed overnight.

As for income markers, sure, everyone can tell their classmates' socioeconomic status even when they're all wearing the same uniform, but even so I believe it has a certain leveling effect. For example, a poor kid with only one set of school clothes won't be scorned for wearing the same outfit every day.

Enigma2011 · Joined: 28 Dec 2010 Posts: 60

Enigma2011 · Joined: 28 Dec 2010 Posts: 60

Isla Guapa · Posted: Wed Jan 05, 2011 10:30 pm Post subject:

mstiff84 · Joined: 11 Nov 2010 Posts: 24 Location: USA

You are all making me rethink this whole ESL teaching in Mexico thing Confused

J/K

So I've been applying and I'll be buying my ticket next week... Any advice which cities to fly into? You all seem to have very strong opinions and I look forward to hearing them.

Im looking to fly into Cancun (the cheapest ticket from NY) and make my way through the Caribbean coast and see where I end up. Im still a bit nervous and friends and family arent making the departure this time around any easier than the last.

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2011 11:55 pm Post subject:

mstiff84 · Joined: 11 Nov 2010 Posts: 24 Location: USA

I was debating (with myself) about the cheapest way to get into the country. I read the traveling by bus is really cheap, but Im thinking to just fly into DF. I dont want to stay in Cancun...just want to fly into the airport. Tickets are $180 opposed to the $300 to fly into DF. Even taking a bus to other cities may be cheaper, idk if I want to sit on a bus that long.

My Spanish is more than enough to get me by. My mom was laughing at me; I speak to much Spanglish (the 2nd official language of NY)! I can read and write in Spanish and shouldnt have to much trouble getting around.