Job Discussion Forums

richie122 · Joined: 15 Nov 2004 Posts: 101 Location: Seattle, Wa, USA

Hey everyone!!
I am currently teaching english in China... My contract ends very soon, and I am interested in teaching in Mexico. I'm not too concerned about location, but near the ocean would be preferable. I am a 22 year old male, white (if that matters in Mexico, here in China it is very important), from America. I do not have a university degree, but have earned my TESL and one year of teaching experience. I am willing to teach any age level.
A few questions. First of all, is there any possibility of getting a job with good wages. Here i make about $500 a month but my house and airfare is paid for. my monthly salary gives me enough to live well and save a little.
Secondly, what is the average hours worked in a week? any offers for overtime?
Third, if I came to Mexico how much money would you suggest that I bring to get started.
Well I had a lot more questions, but I negleted to write them down so I forgot... Any thing else would gladly be appreciated. thank you all for your time

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Good advice from up above.

In Mexico City, you can make a little more, with a lot of traveling about the city for classes.

In Mexico City, traveling to classes can bring in 10,000 pesos per month (just under $1000 us) on 25 hours per week. Doesn't sound like many hours but there's a lot of travel time, and not simple to fill a schedule so rapidly. An apartment, or rented room will go between 1500 and 4000 pesos (higher if you want). You'd likely eat out a lot traveling so much, so add another 1500 to 2000 pesos (more if you want). You can save here, but not a huge amount.

richie122 · Joined: 15 Nov 2004 Posts: 101 Location: Seattle, Wa, USA

Thanks for the information guys... I was also wondering, should I try and arrange a position with a company before arriving Mexico, or just show up and apply to every possible school?

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

You're probably best off to come to Mexico with a bit of cash. You can hunt around for a location you like, and then try knocking on doors with your resume in hand.

With experience and good qualifications, you CAN find a placement from overseas, but it's difficult to find something decent.

Ben Round de Bloc · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1946

mattytee · Joined: 13 Jun 2005 Posts: 4 Location: El Paso, TX

Guy -- no joke on 1500 peso apartments in DF? Is that current, or has it been a while?

How "scary" are the 1500-2500 peso places?

Thanks,
Matt

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

mattytee · Joined: 13 Jun 2005 Posts: 4 Location: El Paso, TX

That was quick -- catch you home for siesta?

Thanks for the info -- I just read a book about living/working in Mexico, but it was targeted toward retirees, as opposed to shoestring traveler/cheap living types; I can't recall the title but it's by a cat calling himself "Mexico Mike." It was published (updated) this year, and he put $2500 at the lowest of the low end, for small towns, not DF.

I guess I should take "Mexico Mike's" kind of advice with a serious grain of salt, for reasons beyond the cheesy name.

PlayadelSoul · Joined: 29 Jun 2005 Posts: 346 Location: Playa del Carmen

Mexico Mike is actually a pretty cool guy. I have had to opportnity to talk with him a couple of times.

As you said, his books are aimed at retirees, so I doubt he includes the 1,000 peso a month roach infested closets in his book. Apartments in Playa del Carmen run from 2000 to 10,000 depending on proximity to the ocean and size. In Merida, I rented a 3 bedroom house for 2,300. In Cancun, I paid 3,500 for a 2 bedroom duplex. It all depends on where you are and how hard you look.

My advice would be to get all of your work papers from China translated into Spanish and then apostiled. This will help you get your FM3. Contact some institutes, as Ben mentioned, and get your foot in the door. Once you are in-country, it is easier to find something else. Check out places where native speakers don't normally go. Work there for a while, and then take your experience to the beach, if that is what you want.

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

You did catch me just back home from work, and I posted minutes before lunch. Anyway, in the afternoons I tend to be working a lot online so Dave's is never far.

One very important distinction on pricing is furnished or not. I'm always scouting out furnished places as most teachers coming through DF stay no more than one year, and it makes no sense to buy a bunch of furniture.