Job Discussion Forums

[tara_lee_anne]

I just saw a posting for a job that paid $4000 pesos/month, but it also included free housing by the school. Is this really enough to live comfortably? (As in, still being able to go out once in a while for dinner and movies?). Just curious, if anyone wants to volunteer their opinions on this subject.

Thanks!
Tara

[MELEE]

The cost of living from place to place can vary a lot. I suggest you contact the school and ask if you can be put in touch with current or former teachers. They will be able to give you information about that city. You should do this anyway, as a NO answer could be a red flag.

But to give you an idea, here are my basic expenses.

(my biggest expense is rent (well, now I make house payments but rent was my biggest expense), make sure the "provided" housing is really free, provided may mean "arranged" to them and they may expect you to pay for it)

Electricity, $150 for two months
Gas, $150 for four-five months (but I have a highly efficient hot water heater and use a solar cooker for part of my cooking)
Food for eating in, $600 a month (I don't eat meat when I eat in)
Eating out, $800 a month (this could be reduced greatly if I had will power)
Personal and house cleaning products $200 a month

I've left somethings like my monthly chocolate allowance off the list because, I don't expect everyone has that expense.

You should also check on teaching supplies, are photo copies for your classes provided? are they unlimited? what about chalk or white board markers? at many places in Mexico teachers have to provide these things and pay out of pocket for them.

[tara_lee_anne]

Those are some great hints Melee. Thank you, as I will certainly keep them in mind for when I am actually applying for positions. Right now I am just starting to look at different prospects for the future. I know it tends to vary by location as to how much money you will need monthly, but thanks for posting a breakdown for me.

By the way, if my boyfriend comes with me we will need to figure in a monthly chocolate allowance as well so you are not alone!

[moonraven]

Most places that provide housing pay, at a minimum, 6,000 after taxes. If you are extremely frugal, you could make it on the salary they are offering--IF that's after taxes, but I think you'll feel like Cinderella, and you will not be able to travel and see much of this country.

[ls650]

I know of one teacher who recently completed a year at a small private school in Mexico. She was paid 5000 pesos per month, plus a shared 2-bedroom apartment. She had enough money to live modestly and do some travel and entertainment.

I think conditions vary a lot from one location to another; in some places 4000 might be enough, while in other sites it wouldn't be.

[Ben Round de Bloc]