Job Discussion Forums

[AjarnErnes]

I've narrowed down my choice of cities to teach in to these two.

Mexico City:

Pros:
Good climate, big city, familiar culture, great food ( even the street food ), medium cost of living, I can explore all of Mexico and maybe Central America and the Carribean on holidays, closer to the USA and family there, good transport system, I speak passable Spanish

Cons:
High crime rate, pollution, over crowded, not much of a cultural stretch ( I travel and live outside the US to explore different cultures and people ), Very Catholic, unsure about my ability to find a job, unsure about size of expat community

Prague:

Pros:
Beautiful city, lots of expats, lots of jobs, able to explore Eastern Europe on holidays ( I've done most of Western Europe ), new culture to explore, I've been there 3 or 4 times in the past on holidays,

Cons:
IT'S COLD, higher cost of living than Mexico City, I'd have to learn a new language, The Czech republic is now part of the EU so it could be more difficult for me ( an American ) to get a work permit, IT'S VERY COLD

So if you were me, which would you choose?
I really like the idea of being in a familiar culture after living in Bangkok Thailand for the last 2 1/2 years. So Mexico City would be nice. On the other hand, exploring Eastern Europe on holiday breaks would be great, too. So Prague would be nice.

Decisions... Decisions

Ajarn Ernest

[denise]

The Czech Republic really isn�t that culturally different. And it�s not that cold, either! But then, you�re coming from Thailand...

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[MoiJill]

I have taught in both Mexico (Queretaro) and Prague (CZ).

I would choose Prague OVER Mexico City. Mexico DF is one of the most polluted, crowded, bustling cities in the world. I think that if you were chosing a SMALLER city or town in Mexico, maybe I'd choose Mexico. But, Prague is incredibly cultural, historical and FILLED with travllers from everywhere. Plus, you will get the opportunity to learn Czech whereby you can learn Spanish in any American city.

If you are looking to be close to North America in a relaxed teaching atmosphere, then Mexico should be your choice. But, I don't know how many schools in DF are looking for native speakers? You are likely to find MORE work in say, Queretaro or other cities north and south of Mexico DF whereby you can visit the city on the weekends (as I did).

DF is also VERY VERY polluted -- the city is sort of like a soup bowl that has trapped gallons smog so MANY people cannot live there due to the dirty air. During rush hours, the buses and subways are PACKED with passengers Monday through Friday so unless you WALK to work you will be crammed in with the masses of people. I live in NY so I was not phazed by the metro system, but most Mexican students I taught wouldn't take MONEY to get on the metro there.

I found the school curriculum in Prague much more structured and direct. Mexico is Mexico - ma�ana ma�ana es un realidad. The cultures are compeltely different. Prague is Central Europe so the way people eat, drink, sleep socialize and behave is completely different. I have seen thousands of foreigners (Americans, Europeans, Africans, Oceanicans (?) who have come to Prague seeking something new and different. And, depending on your age, you would not be at a loss looking for friends.

Anyway, between the two cities? Prague Prague Prague ...