Job Discussion Forums

[MikeySaid]

So I leave on my first little adventure here in just about a month... and I'm trying to figure out what to pack. I've been given the advice that it's best not to try to bring too much... but I'm really not sure what that encompasses. I'll be flying to my destination, so that limits the weight I can bring along.

I figure I've pretty much got about two suitcases to work with. Of course I'll be bringing my laptop and camera, and probably my bongos, haha. Seriously though, what should I pack? I'm aware that certain toiletries may or may not be available to me in my new location--so those will come with me as well.

(and for you grumpy TEFL'ers who are sure to say

[naturegirl321]

Bring two weeks of clothes, a couple of shoes. Clothes in general are cheaper overseas. Same goes for bedding and towels.

Bring some photos from home, maybe a couple of books, things that you can't live without.

DOn't forget copies of your degree, certs, CV, etc.

[Glenski]

[denise]

Unless there are specific brands that you prefer, you can find most toiletries just about anywhere. Having too many bottles of shampoo, etc. can really put you over the weight limit! I'm finally learning not to pack that stuff (except for those brands that I am loyal to...) I do, however, bring some special food items that I know I will not be able to find once I get there.

If you know your address in Mexico (or your school's address--every school that I've worked at has allowed me to recieve mail there), you can mail yourself extra clothes, etc., just to cut down on the weight in your baggage.

d

[Justin Trullinger]

Condoms.

[naturegirl321]

[MikeySaid]

[Justin Trullinger]

Probably my sense of humour getting away with me. I haven't spent enough time in Mexico to have a fully formed opinion about their condom availability, but most places I have been in Latin America share the same problem. Condoms are available- but are not popular enough to be widely, conveniently available. (Meaning that there are plenty of places in Ecuador where you can buy them- but frequently only during business hours. Which, in my experience, may not be the time that it occurs to you.) This is improving, though, and I have recently even seen some machines in public places.

I did have a rant on this some time ago- but I want to be clear: the issue was the size of the package. Not anything else. Condoms here are usually sold in boxes of 1, 2, 3, or occasionally 5. Seems to me that you save money by buying in bulk...

Like NatureGirl says- in most of Latin American, birth control is available to those who make an effort to decide to use it. (And who are prepared) But the attitudes towards it are such that it gets used less often than I might consider optimal. (Never never never assume that a prospective partner will have thought of birth control.)


Best,
Justin

[MELEE]

I have lived in Mexico long enough to know the condom situation.
Condoms are fairly expensive here--especially compared to other forms of birth control, but of course other forms don't have the advantages of condoms.

They do tend to come in small packs here but a bit larger than JT said. They are widely available in 3 packs, 6, 9 and even 12 packs can be found in most big pharmacies. I've never seen any bigger than 12 pack.

There are imported brands, Trojan, and Sico, but Dr. Simi brand from the generic pharmacy chain, Farmacias Similares are like a quarter of the price of the imported ones.

IMSS and ISSTE also give them out free--but those are non-lubricated

[Guy Courchesne]