Any DU expats living in Mexico?

[phusion]

Think I could find a job (recent college grad) teaching English or working as an editor for an English newspaper in Mexico? I know limited Spanish, but I think I could become fluent quickly.

Not looking to strike it rich -- just live frugally in Mexico and gain some experience outside of the US for a while.

Any tips or reality checks would be appreciated.

Thx!

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. I moved from mexico many years ago

and my family still lives down there

1.- There is an English language paper, actually two of them.

2.- Outside of certain areas, (they are few) kidnapinig has beome a way of life, heck I worry about my parents in that sense all the time. You are an American, you become a target since all Amriecans are rich and drive expenisve cars (thank the american media for that one)

3.- The largest expat colony in Mexico is in Guadalajara.

4.- Getting an FM-22 (equivalent of the Green Card) ain't easy. and geting a visa, I believe it is the FM-2 is almost as hard, so you will need to have the job and them request you. Oh and the job market IS tight.

5.- oh and as to Guadalajara, watch Traffic... that is one of the major narco trafficking nodes in mexico.

Do your reserach and thing about it. I love the country, but there are many reasons why I would not live down there right now

[phusion]

2. hi!

thanks for the help! Do you know the names of the English language papers? I assume they are both based in the DF?

I've been looking at language schools (to teach) in Monterrey and Guadalajara...If I had my choice I'd probably live in Guanajuato or Aguascalientes, but neither of those cities seem to have much in the way of gringo jobs.

Traffic was an excellent film. Honestly, I think the kidnapping is mostly restricted to Nuevo Laredo and some parts of the DF.

Thx again!

[sarahinmexico]

4. Guanajuato

Mexico, I found was difficult to find a job in, if compared to US standards. However if your able to adjust your expectations to meet the local economy, the University of Guanajuato had ample opportunities for English teachers (with a general BA) when I was there a year ago. They were able to help out with visas as well. I found that many Mexicans had excellent English skills so bilingual opportunities were not what I had expected. However the living standard is great at about $500.00 (US a month) which is more or less what the university was paying. I'm paritial to Guanajuato as it was a great place to learn Spanish. The Mexicans are well educated and open and I met many great ex-pats (both from the US and Europe) there who co-mingled with the local population as opposed to forming thier own enclave. The city itself is culturally diverse and centrally located.

Kidnappings are non-existant in the vast majority of Mexico for both Mexicans and tourists. I'd steer clear of border areas, although that seems a given.

If you have any questions I'd be happy to help as much as possible. I lived in Mexico for about 5 years and intend to return within the next year or two.

[adriennui]

5. san miguel

has a huge ex-pat community and some of the best looking men i've ever seen (very artsy mestizo types with long black hair in tight ponytails).

[sarahinmexico]

6. amen

Same in Guanajuato, hippy long hair bongo playing guys.  My
sister couldn't believe it when she came to visit.  

How long were you in San Miguel?

[Lydia Leftcoast]

3. Go to this URL to find out about ESL jobs in Latin America and elsewhere:

http://www.eslcafe.com/joblist/

[Name removed]

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