Job Discussion Forums

girlcabbie · Joined: 26 Nov 2008 Posts: 25

I was originally considering teaching in South Korea, but I'm travelling with my dog and landing a job there has been a bit difficult with the pup/housing situation.
I studied Spanish in High School and have always wanted to travel south. I know that the pay situation is lower in Mexico, but so is the cost of living, but I'd rather be where me and my mutt will be happy. I see much fewer complaints about Mexico on the discussion forums than I do about Korea, but that could just be because of how many more people are on the Korean board.
Has anyone taught in both countries? Or travelled in both?
What do you love about Mexico. What do you hate about Mexico.
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Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

They eat dog in Korea...that should be enough to tell you where to go.

If you want to earn money ala estadunidense, then go to SK. If you prefer to live life, then Mexico is your best bet.

MO39 · Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 10:57 pm Post subject: Re: Mexico vs South Korea

JakeJakeJake · Joined: 13 Nov 2007 Posts: 135

this country is bloody marvelous. mexico city is amazing. im about to move into a beautiful, perfectly located apartment (roma sur) with a balcony on language school wages. foods marvelous, weathers tiptop

MO39 · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 3:08 am Post subject:

girlcabbie · Joined: 26 Nov 2008 Posts: 25

Thanks for the great responses!
MO39 -- I agree about the difference in motivations. Mexico was my first choice, but I talked myself out of it because I was worried about not being able to support myself there. I've _always_ wanted to experience Mexico.
My decision was made easier when I got yet another horrible hogwon contract from a South Korean school, complete with penalty clauses.
Also, it's bloody freezing up here in Northern California. My bus refuses to start in the mornings, even with the block heater plugged in.
So...
Mexico here I come! Very Happy

MO39 · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 5:35 pm Post subject:

girlcabbie · Joined: 26 Nov 2008 Posts: 25

Penalty clause: I you're "late" more than 3 days in a month, you will be docked for 1 day's pay.

MO39 · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 9:12 pm Post subject:

john_n_carolina · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 700 Location: n. carolina

...also, isn't the Korean Won in a nosedive right now? wages are getting close to $1200/mo there in S.K.

on top of that are all the new legalities since the pedophile case. i believe, you have to go home every year to reapply at your country of origin now? or, was this just a myth that the S.K officials floated??

i would be worried about the Asian market for the next year or so. the U.S. economy will still be in a long recession all the way through '09. plus, it always seems (from reading the SK forum) that the teachers are way too stressed out and always sick from something with the climate, air, hygiene, etc.

for a single person right out of college that wouldn't mind living in a cement cubicle on the 14th floor, SK might be OK.

however, there are beautiful parts to SK. if you can go as a couple, you will save ALOT if both are teaching.

jfurgers · Joined: 18 Sep 2005 Posts: 442 Location: Mexico City

I've only been in Mexico City for six months but I can tell you that it's a great place to live. Personally, I have had a hard time finding a school that's good at paying on time but I may have found one that seems legit.

I believe once a person getss settled in here in Mexico that life can be good. I was reminded of why I like it here when I called my sister recently and she was complaining about her property taxes going way up and how the salaries are getting worse in the States.

Things are brighter here in Mexico I believe. I have to admit with everyone about the weather here....it's nice! I lived in Texas for the past eleven years and during that time I was awoken with the tornado alarms.

That's the one thing I don't miss from the States. I have a friend who is teaching in China and he kind of likes it but he wants to come to Mexico in a year probably because he's tired of the food. He says there's no variety and they turn the electricity off sometimes during the weekends.

He was in South Korea about a year and a half ago and he HATED it. He said they really hate North Americans and he never got paid on time. He likes China much better but wants to get to Mexico soon, His pay isn't a lot either.

He gets what's equal to $700.00 dollars a month but he doesn't have to pay rent. Mexico sounds much better.

thelmadatter · Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2008 1:06 am Post subject: pollution

I gripe from time to time but if I didnt like Mexico, I wouldnt be here. (OK a great boyfriend helps too Laughing

)

My current gripe is the pollution situation. Wintertime means thermal inversion (relatively warmer air over the relatively colder valley air) makes for no escape of all the car exhaust and other lovely things floating around in the air. My eyes and my face at times have been burning since November. My boss says next winter Ill be used to it. Hope so.

However, this does NOT mean that I regret moving from Toluca!

I have to say Im really ashamed to admit my weakness here, being from New Jersey and all! Laughing

I just rewrote the Valley of Mexico article in English Wikipedia. After doing that, Im waiting to drop dead from cancer next week! ja ja ja

some waygug-in · Joined: 07 Feb 2003 Posts: 339

Mexico wins hands down.

But there is something to be said for having modern efficient banking, efficient postal service, and a living wage. Korean culture ....well, some things are best left un-said. *_* Just have a read through some of the Korean forums if you want a peek.

I often wish I could move back to Mexico, but each time I go back for a visit, I start to remember all the problems.

How would I deal with no bank account, no reliable postal service, overpriced and unreliable phone/internet service among other things?

Then again, how did I deal with it when I lived there? Hmm. ^.^

jfurgers · Joined: 18 Sep 2005 Posts: 442 Location: Mexico City

MO39 · Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2008 4:18 am Post subject:

Every time I read one of jfurgers rabid anti-Mexico rants (ooops, I meant to say reasoned posts), I find myself getting hot under the collar and want to respond ferociously to his comments. But just now I've remembered that Dave's is a forum in which all sorts of opinions are welcome, so I will hold my tongue.

However, with regard to some of some waygug-in's comments: Once I received my FM3, I had very little trouble opening an account at my local Santander Serfin branch and have had no problems using my account. The postal system isn't as reliable as it is in the US, but it has improved over the years, and any mail sent to me has arrived safely to my PO box. I don't find my telephone and internet service fees very high, and the service is generally fine.