Job Discussion Forums

[soleilspray]

My husband and I have been contemplating moving to Mexico. We have family that has recently purchased land in Tulum. We'd like to know more about this area from folks who have been there. Culture, prices, anthing and everything. Also, about teaching english in that area? From anyone who has done this. Advice on how and where to do so.
Also, we have a 10 year old boy. We homeschool him. Any advice about a child relocating to Mexico.
And last, the best way to get there and what to take. Fly? Drive?
Any advice and storys would be great!
Thanks!

[Ben Round de Bloc]

I've never been to Tulum, even though it's not all that far away from where I live. However, a local friend of mine who has a degree in tourism is familiar with the area and was offered a job there. His wife has a degree in business and works in hotel management. They decided that they couldn't afford to move there and support themselves and their two kids on what they'd earn due to the high cost of living. He told me the following:

1. It's a relatively newly developing area for tourism, so the infrastructure hasn't caught up with the business yet, which means lots of the services are expensive, limited, and inadequate. The same applies to housing.

2. Locals who want to work in tourism need/want to learn English. However, most of them don't have the money to pay much for English classes. The area is mostly towns, fishing villages, and places for tourists.

There was some scandal in that area a few years ago (2000-2001?) regarding corrupt state and local officials selling land illegally, especially to foreigners -- government land that's part of the huge Sian Ka'an nature reserve. From what I've heard, there are still some problems along those lines, or at least things haven't been completely sorted out yet. If you want to read about it, see http://www.worldpress.org/Americas/166.cfm .

[saraswati]

I concur with Ben. Tulum, albeit beautiful, has caught on as a hot tourist spot so prices are close to being jaw-droppingly ridiculous. Housing is expensive and if you opt to buy land, you should have the deed checked by a lawyer you hire.

Homeschooling is probably your best option for that area. I've heard that schools aren't very good but even if there is one or two now, tuition will most probably be high. Children usually assimilate well, but not being in a school means more of an effort on your part to find independent athletic teams etc.