Job Discussion Forums

tforan1 · Joined: 07 Jan 2005 Posts: 8

I'm going to throw this out there, even though I know I'll get told that you can't make recommendations to people if you don't know what they want.
But what is your favourite city, to live and work I mean, in Mexico? And what is the best time to just show up, or is anytime ok? I'll mention I've heard a lot about Guanajuato and Zacatecas (sp?) and San Cristobal, etc. But please tell me your favourites.
So, what am I looking for? First, there's gotta be some jobs. I have 2.5 years TEFL experience, a degree, some (ongoing) Masters work, journalism experience and a TESOL cert. I'd like to make enough to live and travel on weekends on day trips. I like to eat out here and there at cheap places, and have some drinks on the weekend. As for living, don't mind living with family (in fact, would be great for my rusty spanish) or sharing. Is $1,000 US possible to get? Second, a bigger city would be nice, some place you don't get bored of walking around each day (and I prefer walking than taking subway every day, even if I have to walk two hours home). Third, some nightlife at night, but locals places, don't really want to hang out with expats at expat bars. Fourth, beauty in the architecture, parks, and surrounding countryside. Fifth, cheapness of transport to other places, or nearby countryside towns, cities, etc. Finally, a city with brilliantly cheap menu del dias with a nice glass of wine.
I know DF/mexico City will get dissed, but aren't there some positives, such as jobs, infrastructure and ability to hop on a bus and go anywhere on the weekend because of it's relative centrality? Negatives I assume are sitting on the subway for two hours a day or more travelling to and from work and companies.

anyways, look forward to responses.

Tim

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

twoface · Joined: 12 Nov 2004 Posts: 31

Guy
I have a tesl cert and some efl teaching assistant experience here in London, On. What sort of opportunities if any would I find in DF? Enough to live on - no bills back home to pay. Just me and the desire for an occasional cerveza or two.

Olivia · Joined: 04 Jun 2004 Posts: 35

Hey twoface,

I�m from London Ontario.

Now I�m teaching in Monterrey.

Email me.

Good luck.

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

Twoface,

With that experience, you'll have a number of positions open to you. It will depend more on when you wanted to start a job and how long you could stay.

There are two types of EFL jobs in DF. Stationary at a school where the students come to you (low to mid pay, lots of hours, no travel) or a school that sends you out to students, mostly companies (mid to high pay, 20-30 hrs per week, lots of travel).

January, May, and September are the best months to start. If you can make a minimum 6 month commitment, all the better. PM me if you would like more info.

quierounachica · Joined: 03 Aug 2004 Posts: 6

I have had a lot of success in Queretaro with the people. It is an amazing place to live, full of life and love. The streets are always alive! It is truely sureal.

But be careful sometimes of where you work. I have had some horrible experiences with a school in queretaro: Private Language Institute (PLI) http://www.pli.edu.mx/principal.htm

I think any city you choose with a historic district will amaze you, make sure to live in the center. It is full of life!

thelmadatter · Posted: Sun Jan 23, 2005 6:33 pm Post subject: Queretaro

Ive been up to Q-town (lol) a couple of times. It is quite a wonderful place. And CLEAN! I live in Toluca, which I call the NJ of Mexico - all the problems of the big city and none of the advantages lol. (Im from NJ BTW)

But I stay here for da money.... and the opportunities they give me to design courses.

Guerachida · Joined: 24 Jan 2005 Posts: 9 Location: Playa Del Carmen

�Buenas Todos!

I am currently living in Mexico DF right now, and have been for about 7 months. Yes, there are days when i just want to throw the cats in the truck and get the heck out. The smog, the endlessness. Admittedly, my espa�ol could improve, as would my situation i'm sure. Wink

BUT!
My partner got a job with International House here shortly after we arrived, and the pay is pretty good. This time around he is supporting me, and my two gatitas. We have taken several weekend trips from either of the bus terminals for amazingly few pesos. It's very easy and inexpensive to get out of this Megapolis.
A great weekend trip i recommend is Pachuca, the capital city of Hidalgo and famous for its awesome pastes. (these are cheap little pastry pockets brought to pachuca by the dutch and modified deliciously! i reccommed the mole rojo) The hotels are cheap, too.AND, for about 7.5 pesos you can grab a quick combi, or little bus to any one of the little towns up against the Sierra Del Madres. Mineral Del Chico is a good bet.
Anyway, its easy to get babbling! Sorry.
Mexico City is a good starting point of your "mexperience" because of the central locale, and also a great place to get acclimated to Mexico. If you can handle DF, everywhere else is a breeze! Good Luck! Follow your instincts!
G
***also, DF has the concerts!

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

guerachida...nice nick! Very Happy

Are you teaching in DF?

MixtecaMike · Joined: 19 Nov 2003 Posts: 643 Location: Guatebad

Guerachida · Joined: 24 Jan 2005 Posts: 9 Location: Playa Del Carmen

Guy...

No, im not teaching here--yet. i want to soon go to school and get certified myself. Right now I'm trying to feel out the different schools i've been researching and find the best place to blossom...so many, no?
How long have you been in the city, amigo? �El Chilango, verdad? Wink

G

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

medio-Chilango puedo ser. I am Canadian...4 years in gran Tenochtitlan. I work at a TEFL course provider in DF, so, this is me blatantly advertising...haha

PM (private message) me if you would like to chat...

lozwich · Joined: 25 May 2003 Posts: 1536

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

Criminy...I was in Zacatecas three days ago and didn't try the gorditas. Found a great coffee joint there though, and had some fine quesadillas - maiz tortilla, rajas, queso blanco, some form of chicken, and muchisima salsa roja...

EDIT: Nice avatar...better shorten it a bit though...it's running the words right off my screen and onto the desk... Laughing

lozwich · Joined: 25 May 2003 Posts: 1536

Guy,

The gorditas were at a place called Do�a something or other. Not surprised you didn't try them, the restaurant looks something like McDonalds in terms of decor. As for the coffee joint, was it that Greek-named restaurant near the cathedral? Gosh dang crikeys if that wasn't the best coffee I'd had in a long time when I was there. I had a great time in Zacatecas. If it wasn't for the cold and the dry air, I'd probably be living there right now!

BTW, did you mean my avatar? Or your lovely Zacatecas one? My avatar looks just a good size on my screen..

On the International House topic, I had a look on the ihworld website yesterday, and IH Mexico City doesn't seem to be there. Have they been excommunicated?? Shocked

Lozwich.