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Mexico or Costa Rica?

 
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LisaK



Joined: 27 Sep 2006
Posts: 3
Location: New York, NY

PostPosted: Thu Sep 28, 2006 2:17 pm    Post subject: Mexico or Costa Rica? Reply with quote

I'm hoping to begin my career teaching English next year and would love to go somewhere Spanish speaking. I've spent time in Mexico and know that I love it there, but have also heard good things about Costa Rica. Can anyone give me some feedback on which would be a better place to teach for a year, in regard to things like cost of living, average pay for teaching adults, chances of finding a decent teaching position?

Thanks!
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Guy Courchesne



Joined: 10 Mar 2003
Posts: 9650
Location: Mexico City

PostPosted: Thu Sep 28, 2006 2:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Mexico will always beat Costa Rica on opportunities, on size and variety alone. That doesn't mean Costa Rica isn't a great place to be though...not at all.

Cost of living in Mexico strongly depends on where you teach...big city, small city, rural, or beach resort. If you are inexperienced, then no matter where you are in Mexico, you'll not earn a king's salary. You'd be able to cover your costs in most places and types of teaching jobs, and in many others you'll be able to save a bit or take advantage of travel within Mexico.

The same can be said of Costa Rica, though at 1/20th the scale of opportunities.

Without knowing your full background, one can't answer your question directly. In both countries, you can earn anywhere between 250 usd and 2500 usd per month...it's that variable. Again, if you are inexperienced and this is your first time in a classroom, expect fairly low earnings. You should be able to cover your in-country costs by aiming for a floor of $600 usd per month. Above that and you can start saving or spending on other things like travel, but below it, you're going to have to make sacrifices.


Last edited by Guy Courchesne on Wed Oct 18, 2006 5:39 pm; edited 1 time in total
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LisaK



Joined: 27 Sep 2006
Posts: 3
Location: New York, NY

PostPosted: Thu Sep 28, 2006 3:21 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks! That is very helpful - regarding the scale of opportunities in Mexico vs. Costa Rica. Mexico is actually my first choice. I just spent a month traveling around El Bajio and I absolutely loved it. I am used to being broke, since the cost of living here in New YOrk is astronomical. I am actually looking forward to being broke in a place where I might soak up some culture and improve my Spanish, instead of just treading water at home. Eventually, I would like to teach ESL to adults here in New York. I'm having a quarter life crisis. Can you tell?
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Guy Courchesne



Joined: 10 Mar 2003
Posts: 9650
Location: Mexico City

PostPosted: Thu Sep 28, 2006 4:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I hear you...got that at age 27 myself.

If you are looking at it as an experience (an escape?), or experience towards someting grander down the road, you'll find what you're looking for. Make sure you bankroll your travels, keep your expectations realistic and you'll be fine anywhere in Latin America, really.
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LisaK



Joined: 27 Sep 2006
Posts: 3
Location: New York, NY

PostPosted: Thu Sep 28, 2006 7:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Sounds about right - I'm 28 and definitely looking for experience/escape.

Thanks for your help.
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lisa1968



Joined: 10 Aug 2006
Posts: 52

PostPosted: Mon Oct 23, 2006 3:07 am    Post subject: TEFL in Mexico Reply with quote

You can PM me and I will tell you about my TEFL course in Chiapas, Mexico.
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