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hensley

Aug 17, 2003, 11:48 PM

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living and teaching in Guadalajara

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hi all,

Im new to mexico connect so forgive me as im sure im asking things that have been previously covered to some degree or another. Currently i live and teach english in japan. Ive been here for about 4 years and am finishing up my masters degree in teaching. Ive been giving alot of thought to mexico, specifically the GDL area, as a place to consider teaching. I realize that english language schools offer very low salaries. My questions are:

How difficult is it to get a decent teaching job at a university, and what sort of salary could i expect?

Are there many universities to choose from in Guadalajara?

How are apartment costs in Guadalajar? I would be looking for a one or two bedroom apartment in a safe neighborhood, Not something a backpacker on a teaching vacation would be interested in.....

Also, im looking for a spanish school to attend for a month or two before i make my final decision on Guadalajara. The plan is to stay with a mexican family and get a feel for the city, etc...while looking for a job.

any and all advice welcome,

Sayonara,

michael

Retired Phoenix to Chapala

franzenz

Aug 18, 2003, 4:02 AM

Post #2 of 6 (596 views)

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Re: [hensley] living and teaching in Guadalajara

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gpk

Aug 18, 2003, 2:58 PM

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Re: [hensley] living and teaching in Guadalajara

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How difficult is it to get a decent teaching job at a university, and what sort of salary could i expect?

WITH A MASTERS DEGREE--WORK IS AUTOMATIC. GUAD HAS A THOUSAND UNIVERSITIES--GO TO TEC DE MONTERREY, IBEROAMERICANA, U DE GUADALAJARA PLUS ANY OTHERS YOU COME ACROSS. UNIVERSITY PAY WILL PROBABLY BE BETWEEN 120-150 PESOS PER HOUR--MAYBE MORE WITH YOUR EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE.

Are there many universities to choose from in Guadalajara?
MANY, MANY

How are apartment costs in Guadalajar? I would be looking for a one or two bedroom apartment in a safe neighborhood, Not something a backpacker on a teaching vacation would be interested in.....

YOU'LL FIND SOMETHING--BUT NOT WITHOUT GOING THERE

Also, im looking for a spanish school to attend for a month or two before i make my final decision on Guadalajara. The plan is to stay with a mexican family and get a feel for the city, etc...while looking for a job.
CAN'T HELP

hensley

Aug 21, 2003, 6:30 AM

Post #4 of 6 (506 views)

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Re: [gpk] living and teaching in Guadalajara

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GPK,

Thanks for the info on teaching at universities and expected salary. I have a few more questions. I finish my masters degree in may and was planning on taking a short break in America before heading to Mexico for a month or 6 weeks of language study. Regarding find a job, when is the best time to go there. Also, what parts of Guadalajara are best to live in. My ideal apartment would be located near public transportation, as i dont plan to buy a car. Also of course, factors such as cost, convenience, and safety are important. Any suggestions anyone? Or is it best to live outside guadalajara....

Thanks for the help,

Michael

Retired Phoenix to Chapala

gpk

Aug 21, 2003, 8:24 AM

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Re: [hensley] living and teaching in Guadalajara

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Semesters usually start in August and January. Apply about a month before--you probably won't be told you have the job until the last minute--it's a beautiful (Mexican) thing.

Marlene

Aug 25, 2003, 4:49 PM

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Re: [hensley] living and teaching in Guadalajara

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If you are interested in teaching and living in a smaller town or city with Spanish lessons and teachers accommodation included, (not all that far from Guadalajara), drop me a private note for more info. The wages are not near the level of those in Japan but you can certainly make ends meet adequately in a nice safe environment with all holidays paid. There are two semesters of 5 months each (Sept and late January), and a summer school of 2 months (just finished). 10 new teachers are arriving tomorrow for the fall session beginning Monday.