Job Discussion Forums

Rooser · Joined: 08 Mar 2006 Posts: 1

I'm applying for a teaching position at Colegio Ingles de Puebla and wanted to see if anyone knew anything about the school. I'll be a first time teacher and I do not have certification (it's not required for the position). I applied for this because I have an "in" at the school- the woman doing the hiring went to my college in the US. Unfortunately, I won't know if I'm being considered seriously for the position or be able to ask her questions until next week.

So I turn to the cafe for words of wisdom! The pay is 9600 pesos/month, 800 of which is a housing stipend. Will I be able to live off of that? I'm guessing saving money or sending any home to pay for my student loans will be out. Also, how safe is it in the area, especially for a young single woman? I have been offered a job here in the states and my parents think I'm nuts for applying to something in Mexico. They say it's very unsafe and think I'm going to get kidnapped (it doesn't help that my father knows people who work in Mexico who will probably back him up on his claim). Rolling Eyes

Any information you can give on the school, area, lifestyle, whatever will be much appreciated Very Happy

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

You will not be kidnapped. Nor will you be the victim of a terror attack, an anthrax letter, or an FBI rubber glove probe. At worst, you'll get politely mugged or suffer from Moctezuma's Revenge.

I'd say 9600 is very livable in Puebla.

MELEE · Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 9:06 pm Post subject:

I think Puebla is very safe. I would point out to your parents that the news reports they have heard don't come from there, but probably Mexico City or the north of Mexico. It'd be like hearing about crime in New York then saying someone would be in danger in Minneapolis. I've visited Puebla a number of times and enjoy the city. I even took my parents there on their first trip outside of the US.

I also think 9600 pesos a month is a very good salary for an entry level position! But maybe 800 is a low housing allowence. Do they provide you with the place? I think apartments would be more like 3000 a month, but don't take my word for it. Eitherway you shouldn't have a problem living off 9600 a month, unless you have a very expensive habit to support (drugs, shopping, etc. Very Happy

).

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

M@tt · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 473 Location: here and there

in normal cities in mexico, i think there is less violente crime in the US and much more theft. so, basically just keep your eyes/hands on your stuff or it will be stolen.

puebla has a very pretty hisoric center. there are quite a few students in town and some good cafes and cultural activities. unfortunately, there is almost no nightlife. go out at 9pm and marvel at the silence. it is a very dull city, in my opinion (and the opinion of every mexican i have asked, including those from puebla). if nightlife is not important to you, it might be a great match. and, DF is just 2 hours away whenever you get bored.

sickbag · Joined: 10 Jan 2005 Posts: 155 Location: Blighty

I work and live in Puebla. 9600 pesos is very liveable and an apartment (if you're not too fussy) won't cost more than 2000 a month. PM me if you'd like more information.

lbmav21 · Joined: 08 Nov 2005 Posts: 2

If you would like more information feel free to PM. I would be happy to give you info on the school and Puebla.

bennyr81 · Joined: 09 Mar 2006 Posts: 45 Location: Poland

Puebla nightlife isnt that bad! i spent almost a year there last year and you have a few bars and (almost) clubs....make a few friends and just take a ride down to Cholula for your weekends! the racism the doormen show is amazing......if you dont look mexican you getting in straightaway regardless of the queue!
in my experience it wasnt the nightlife that was seen as boring but the people! apart from being pipopes (pinche poblano pendejos) they are seen as very conservative!
And violent...no! one day two 4ft hippies tried to start a fight with me and my friend because we were with girls they liked! but we just started laughing.....after a while 'Genesis' aided us smoke mexico's finest and forget our differences! hahahaha (Very religious!)

Flo · Joined: 29 Mar 2004 Posts: 112

I realize this post is rather old, but I used to live in Puebla and worked at Colegio Ingles.

I am sure you have already either had to accept or decline the position. Just to let you know, you will be paid 8800 pesos a month before taxes. With that you will have to pay for your uniform and also your visa. You can certainly live OK on the money they pay you. I don't know about paying 2000 pesos a month for an apartment. Everything I found was more expensive that that, even when I had roommates.

Are you sure you don't need a teaching endorsement? When I worked there you had to have one, but some things have changed since then. The prepa teachers are treated better than the primaria teachers, just so you know.

If you have more specific questions, let me know.