Job Discussion Forums

[nothing180]

Ok, I see that tons of people on here are just like me, they want to go to Mexico to teach, but are unsure of where to go, how much they will make and those sorts of things. I would love to see people who are already teaching in Mexico reply to this with their lists of top 3 pros and cons about teaching wherever it is that they are in Mexico. I have soooo many questions but I dont even know where to start!! I realize that you dont make a ton of money in Mexico teaching, but how much is enough to live off of and how much is not enough. Also, if there are good schools and bad schools to work for. I realize that it will be different for everyone as different areas have different costs of living and such, but any information would be really helpful. Thanks so much

[ls650]

Pro:
- the beach
- the students
- did I mention the beach?

Con:
- bureaucracy
- more bureaucracy
- lack of English materials, both at the school and for my own entertainment. The nearest decent English language bookstore is an 8-hour bus ride north of here.

[MixtecaMike]

I'm sure we've done this post before, is it an annual event?

Pros:
Light workload compared to many other places.
Easy enough to learn Spanish (for English speakers)
For the singles, easy to meet more (and younger) members of the opposite sex than back home.

Cons: (Not in order)
How much you have to pay for your work visa
Low pay
Low pay (it was the big minus for me)

[MixtecaMike]

[nothing180]

Thanks for your posts guys! I'm sorry if this was done before, I didn't mean to be repetative.

I see that the low pay is a big con for a lot of people on here and that I've talked to in person. But is it really THAT bad? I mean can you live off of it? Can you go out when you want to? Can you buy a new pair of jeans if you want? Or are you stuck at home and hungry? I don't mind having just enough to live off of, that's all I really need to be happy.

I'd still love to hear from more people too!

Thanks again!

[chula]

I make great wages! Of course, I worked for casi nada the first year and half (and I have an MA to pay back!).

pros:

-the music
-the fresh fruits/veggies/fish/chicken in the market
-no snow!
-Bush isn't in charge!


cons:

-being a woman/sexism
-heavy workload (goes with the pay I reckon)
-the lack of logic at both the jobs I've held ("we want the best quality possible, but refuse to give you the tools and support to be successful")


I enjoy being here more than I dislike it, and that's why I stay.

[nothing180]

Hey,

I think I would enjoy being there more than I would dislike it as well. I just want to make sure I know as much as possible about what I'm getting myself into before I make a big move like this. I'd be selling my car and most of my belongings to avoid storage costs... also, I have a feeling I won't EVER want to come home so I would be tying up a lot of loose ends before going. Just want to be sure it's the best decision that's all.

Also, if anyone has any pics of the areas they are in, like a personal website or something, that they'd be willing to share, I'd LOVE to take a look at them. I was looking into teaching in Tapachula, but it seems hard to find good pics on the net.

Thanks again!!!

[MixtecaMike]

I love Tapachula! I don't have any photos, sorry, just imagine a fairly modern small city with incredibly hot and humid weather. I have been told by a friend that lives there that it is fairly expensive to rent, and I know his motel had very expensive (for Mexico) room prices. Lucky for me I got a comp. room.

The down side is that being a border town there is a very nasty nightclub scene filled with drunks, plus CA hookers and salvatruchas that have gotten that far on their way to the US and can't get any further. Just don't go to the Zona Libre for an innocent evening out. I once saw an old lady get her handbag snatched during the morning on a back street, but then again I bet you could see that anywhere.

If you can't handle HOT weather don't even dream of working there.

There's even a Pollo Campero (Guatemala KFC-style chain) there. Yummy.

In my first reply I complained about the pay, but I have a wife and two kids to support, as well as my own computer addiction. For a single without any expensive habits or US$ debts you should get by no problem.

Bring your car, though, because on an average teacher's salary it will take you a lifetime to save up for another one!

If I don't save enough to open my own school in Guatemala my backup plan is to get a job in Tapachula and travel back to Guatemala on weekends. Might see you there in a year's time.