Job Discussion Forums

[jillyfishfoodie]

Hello all! Been reading this site for years and I'm finally starting to get thing lined up for arrival in Mexico in January 2010. I've learned a lot from the posts on here but a couple of questions remain.

-My understanding is that the FM-T (tourist visa) for US citizens is valid for 180 days. Is this correct?

-What are the documents I should have apostilled prior to arriving in Mexico, and what steps do I need to take to do so? On a related note, I think I read that if I get my TEFL certificate in Mexico, then I do not have to worry about having the cert apostilled. True or false?

-If I purchase a one-way plane ticket to Mexico City, will I have issues entering the country? I don't want to pay for a round trip ticket if I won't be using the return flight.

-Finally, although this is jumping a little ahead, I would love recommendations for safe neighborhoods in Mexico City for a woman in her mid-20s. I don't need to live near a ton of bars or anything, but proximity to parks, some shopping and cafes would be ideal. Also, I'd love to get an idea of what I can expect to pay monthly to rent a furnished room in a shared apartment in those areas.

Thanks in advance for reading/replying! Any insight is much appreciated.

[sarliz]

[notamiss]

[Prof.Gringo]

[amaranto]

I took a one-way flight when I came, without problems, but you never know...

I agree with the others' comments about getting a job before figuring out where you're going to live. I didn't, and I ended up making quite a commute every day. Some neighborhoods to consider are Roma, Condesa, Escand�n, Cuauht�moc, San Miguel Chapultepec, and Anzures, though there are many more, and many areas of the city have good parts and bad parts. I've also found that the danger level of any neighborhood in the city depends on who you talk to, since everyone has a different opinion. Wouldn't move to Colonia Guerrero, though

[awest]

I had a criminal background check done prior to coming. It did come in handy for me. Your local law enforcement agency or state agency should do it for a small if you want one. The Apostilies were only important on my degrees (go them through the State office) but had my birth certificate also. Make copies off all and leave a copy at home and carry the original and copies with you here, leave a copy of your passport with someone at home also.

I agree with the others, find a job first and then an apartment. My longest commute is 30 min. because I did this.

Good Luck

[jillyfishfoodie]

Thanks for all the replies! I sincerely appreciate all the information. A few more questions come to mind.

I am considering taking the IH CELTA course upon arrival, but it doesn't end until mid-February. Will this timing put me at a disadvantage with regards to being hired? An alternative would be to delay my arrival and get the CELTA at IH in Playa del Carmen, where there is a course that wraps up at the end of April. I have read that TEFL jobs are obtainable year round, but am hoping to land in Mexico during one of the busier hiring periods. I figure this would increase my chances of getting multiple offers and thus creating the opportunity to be a bit picker about where I will work. So, based on your knowledge, would mid-February or early May be the better time to look for a job?

Next question. It was mentioned that rent in DF is "high," but could anyone offer a range of what I should expect to pay for a furnished room in a shared apartment in a safe part of the city? I realize this will vary, but for financial planning purposes, it would help to get an idea of what it will cost.

Finally, how can a young woman convince her nervous parents that Mexico City is safe enough for her to move to by herself? I'm of course going there no matter what they say, but it will spare me many annoying debates to find some way to put Mom and Dad's minds at ease.

Whew, I'll cut myself off there. Thanks again for your time and your helpful, thoughtful responses!

[amaranto]

Rents in even the "safe" neigbhorhoods vary, depending on their location and the local population's perceived image of the area. You might be expected to pay 2500-4000 pesos for a room, depending on where the apartment is, its condition, size, if utilities are included, etc. That's the range I've seen, and it depends on where and how hard you search.

Try registering at compartodepa.com.mx. I found 2 places using this site.

Also, I know a lady who rents rooms to students in Condesa. They are furnished, and internet and kitchen access are included in the rent. I can contact her for you when you get here if you would like. Just send me a private message, and I'll give you more information.

[donato]

Where do you live before you find a job?

[Guy Courchesne]

Hostel, hotel or homestay maybe? Plenty of places...

[Prof.Gringo]

[TeresaLopez]

You might consider sharing an apartment for a couple of months, there are some decent ones on Craig's List. Someone mentioned Condesa, Roma, Anzures, and some other. I used to live in Anzures and it has really gotten expensive. If you don't need a trendy area, and want to learn Spanish, I would suggest looking at some middle class areas that are mostly Mexican. A couple of areas you might want to consider are Jardin Balbuena, near the airport and Portales, on the south end of the city, both are close to the Metro and have lots of other transportation nearby. I personally think those kinds of neighborhoods are safer as a lot of crime is related to tourists. I find trendy neighborhoods to be a lot more impersonal as well, people come and go and you never get to know your neighbors. In a "normal" neighborhood you will get to know all kinds of people, at the market, the guys who drives around selling tamales, the corner store, the tortilleria, etc. And people will watch out for you. You will also pay less rent. But as someone pointed out, it is a good idea to get a job first. You don't always have to have a TESOL certificate to get a job either, and lots of schools will take an online one. Last but not least, if you want to consider a Hostel, I would highly recommend Versalles 104, it is in a lovely neighborhood with tree lined streets, a really inexpensive restaurant next door, with great food, and two blocks from Metro Cuauhtemoc, so easy to get around from there. The Hostel itself is small and quiet, has a lovely patio and a roof hang out area, a living room area with a computer, it just a nice place all around.

Teresa

[donato]

[Prof.Gringo]