Job Discussion Forums

[Taurus]

I am in the process of interviewing for a job in Guardalajara Mexico. Can anyone tell me their impressions of the city, average rent cost (single/shared), any tutoring opportunities, and how far away are the beaches/ other attractions? Thanks.

[scott wilhelm]

Taurus,
I have never lived in Guadalajara, but I have spent a total of about 3 weeks there. My impressions of it are on the whole quite favorable.
It is a big city (metro area around 6 million) with lots to do and see. Plently of good (and cheap restaurants), very active arts and music scene and some first-rate museums. As big as it it, much of the city has a small-city feel to it. Very friendly people and easy to get around.
The old central part of the city is especially beautiful. There are many old and spectacular buildings there. If you want to get an idea of what the city center looks like, try renting a movie called "The Evil That Men Do". It is set in un-named Central American country but a fair bit of it is filmed right around the Cathedral, government palace and a really great 17th century hotel, the Hotel Frances'. Essentially, the heart of the city. It isn't Charles Bronson's best film (yes I'm a Bronson fan), but it is worth seeing just to see Guadalajara.
Guadalajara seems to be a fairly safe city. People walk around as if they are very un-concerned for thier safety, up to about 11:00 p.m. After that, the crowds thin out.
The weather in the area is almost ideal, due to a southern lattitude combined with a Denver-like altitude. Normally moderately low humidity levels. I have been there winter and summer and the temparature doesn't change much-low 80s summer and upper 70s winter.
As far as the beach, the closest would be at Puerto Vallarta. The bus ride there is very pretty in spots, but extremely curvy as you go up and down the coastal range and takes about 4-5 hours. The beaches are pretty where they aren't overly developed. They are prettier going south from Puerto Vallarta rather than north.
In general, Jalisco is one of Mexico's more scenic states. Much of it is forested or jungle from Guadalajara south and west. North of the city gradually turns to semi-desert. There are numerous canyons cut by the many rivers that flow out of the mountains of the state. In fact, one of the biggest, the canyon of the Rio Grande de Santiago, can be seen from near the zoo on the north edge of town. Just tell a cab driver you want to go to the Barranca. See the zoo too. Best I've seen in Latin America by a long shot. The animals live in pretty natural environments there.
On balance, I don't think you would go far wrong with Guadalajara. It is a very easy to navigate, pretty city that has a lot going on. It is on my short list of places to live in Mexico. Good luck.

[Taurus]

That is great that you are the best ESL tEAcher for China but I think we were talking about Mexico. Besides if you are the best, shouldnt you know how to spell teacher????

[Taurus]

My school is not covering the cost of my accomodations. What is the average cost of a furnished versus an unfurnished apartment and what generally comes in a furnished place. I am 31 and not into the rent a room, no visitors , strict rules environment. Anything there really expensive? What should I bring from home?