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Teaching English in Mexico allows ESL teachers the option of teaching in a new and culturally-rich country, that is still close to home.
What to Know About Living in Mexico
Transportation in Mexico
Etiquette in Mexico
Language in Mexico
Eating in Mexico
Climate in Mexico
Holidays in Mexico
Many ESL teachers find themselves south of the border in Mexico. ESL Teachers are often attracted to the idea of working in a new and culturally-rich country, while remaining relatively close to home. Mexico is one of the most visited nations in the world with its many world-class resorts and some of the most beautiful beaches and scenery the world has to offer.
Before Columbus crossed the Atlantic, the Aztecs and Mayans ruled the land which would become Mexico. The influence of Mexico’s pre-Hispanic civilizations can still be experienced today, from sampling a dish of authentic Mexican food, to paying a visit to the Mayan ruins of Chichén-Itzá - one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Mexico has become the new home to many Americans, Canadians, and Brits, as they are choosing to retire to warmer climates. It is estimated there are over one million Americans that now call Mexico home. The Mexican economy continues to grow since the creation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
Housing
There is a wide range of teaching jobs in Mexico and an equally wide range of paychecks and perks offered to English teachers working in the country. Many schools will offer their English teachers accommodations, but some will not. Even if a school does not provide their teachers with housing, they will often assist in the search of an apartment. English teachers working in Mexico will find that rent is generally cheaper than home, but utility bills can often be more expensive. English teachers can expect to pay for electricity, water, and other monthly utility costs. In some areas, finding an apartment can be as simple as taking a look in a local English newspaper; however, in more popular areas, it may be almost impossible. Teachers may want to consider sharing accommodations; this is a great way to save some money. The size of a Mexican apartment is usually a lot smaller than that of an American apartment. Furnished apartments may be a good option for English teachers because they eliminate the need to ship items from home or purchase new ones.
Airfare
There are some schools that do offer to cover some or all of their teacher's airfare, but these job offers are rare and it is more likely that new ESL teachers will be paying for their own airfare. One advantage to teaching in Mexico compared to other popular ESL markets is the fact that an airplane ticket to Mexico will be much cheaper than one to Europe or Asia. The Internet is usually the best way to get a good price on an airplane ticket. Another option is to speak to a travel agent specializing in Mexican travel.
Land Travel to Mexico
Mexico is one of the few ESL destinations that English teachers can travel to by land. Driving and riding the bus are travel options for many ESL teachers if time is not an issue. There are more than 40 different commercial border crossings between Mexico and the United States. English teachers entering Mexico must present a valid passport, or a piece of government issued ID (driver’s license).
It is recommended that all ESL teachers who want to drive in Mexico purchase local auto insurance. It is now mandatory for drivers to have third party automobile liability insurance, and problems will result if there is an accident, as Mexican authorities will not view foreign policies as valid auto insurance. Although the laws are a little more lax than in the past, being in a car accident while in Mexico is technically an illegal act. There have been people jailed and criminally charged after being in an accident. Having Mexican auto insurance will decrease the likelihood of legal consequences occurring after an accident.
Health Benefits
Mexico does not have any agreements with other nations exchanging health benefits for their citizens. Unless they are teaching for a public institution, ESL teachers are not entitled to use the Mexican public health system Therefore it is highly recommended to purchase private health insurance before leaving home.
Alternatively, Mexico has a plethora of insurance companies that, for a monthly premium, will also provide you with private health coverage. In addition, Mexico's Banks offer health insurance products as part of their service portfolios, although you should check the small print for any limitations.
Some ESL teachers decide to pay out-of-pocket for any medical expenses, which are usually cheaper than American treatments. This is an option, as many medical issues can be solved for a relatively small amount of money but it is still better to have insurance. There have been some ESL teachers who have assumed that the medical coverage they already own will protect them during their time in Mexico, only to find out that their policy is not valid. Half of all Mexicans also live with no health insurance, causing the death rates from prolonged exposure to poor air quality to rise, particularly in urban areas. Mexico City is well known for its difficulties with pollution; therefore, any ESL teachers considering Mexico would do well to ensure they have full health insurance coverage.
Retirement Age
There is no mandatory retirement age for Mexican workers, but the typical age when people start to receive their pensions is 65. Early retirement can be taken at the age of 60. While being a member of the workforce, Mexican workers put a portion of their paychecks in the pension system. ESL teachers are not expected to contribute to the Mexican pension plan, unless they are teaching for a public institution.
Technology and Advancement
The nation of Mexico is not noticed by many technology enthusiasts. ESL teachers working in most urban areas of Mexico will have access to many of the modern technologies they have at home, such as DSL Internet, digital television, cell phone service, DVD rentals, and other services. It should be noted that access to these services is sometimes fairly expensive and can be draining on a teacher’s bank account. Internet can be accessed at home by subscribing to an online service provider. Urban areas usually have Internet cafés which allow ESL teachers the ability to go online at any time.
Mexico is home to the world's largest single-dish steerable millimetre-wavelength telescope, the Gran Telescopio Milimétrico (Large Millimetre Telescope). The telescope sits atop an inactive volcano, one of Mexico’s highest peaks, picking up data that other devices are not able to gain. This could be a great place to visit while teaching in Mexico and could potentially be an interesting place to bring students.
The goal of the Mexican transportation system is to provide citizens with reliable and convenient transportation for a very affordable price. The primary way to get around Mexico is on buses, which are known for being very large; sometimes the size of a subway train.
Teachers driving in Mexico will likely be impressed with the 72,500 mi of paved roadways and the relatively easy process of getting a Mexican driver's license. American vehicle insurance is not valid in Mexico, so drivers will need to purchase Mexican insurance at the border.
Mexican commuters may also use trains both above and under ground to get around.
Public Transportation
Taxi
Riding in a taxi is one of the easiest ways to get around in a Mexican city. The final cost of riding a taxi is determined by the distance traveled and baggage handled; the tip is included in the total. Public taxi cars are regulated: they are white with a red stripe or gold and red, they must have four doors, and usually the front seat of the car is removed. They can be found at a taxi rank. These cabs charge a flat fee when a customer gets into a car and then charge per kilometer.
English teachers should be aware of private taxis posing as public cabs. A common sign of an illegal taxi is a brown-colored license, as this is the type of plate a private vehicle would have. It is recommended that English teachers try to avoid these cars due to the fact that they are unregulated and the drivers are unlikely to speak any form of English.
If money is not a concern, the best way to travel around is by hiring a luxury private taxi. One of the most expensive rides in Mexico, a licensed private taxi driver can usually be found around luxury hotels.
Train
In 1848, Mexico was the first Latin American nation to develop its own railway system with the creation of a rail line joining Veracruz to Mexico City. The Mexican railway system can take English teachers to various cities across Mexico for an affordable price. In addition to carrying passengers, most rail traffic is generated by the carrying of goods across the Mexican landscape and abroad. A large portion of the Mexican railroad is owned and operated by Kansas City Southern de México (KCSM). Rates vary depending on the length of a commute; in-city train rides typically cost around $10 MXN.
Subway
The Ferrocarril Suburbano de la Zona Metropolitana de México (Suburban Railway of the Mexico City Metropolitan Area), Mexico's first subway, was opened for business on June 1, 2008. English teachers can ride the subway system for fares starting at $5 MXN. English teachers should be aware that metro cars in Mexico City are often crowded with commuters. The system is one of the busiest metros in the world, with almost one and a half billion commuters a year.
Bus
The bus is an excellent way to get around a Mexican city or to travel long distances. There are many long distance bus companies that are able to offer rides to customers. English teachers traveling to a Mexican city have the option of purchasing a ticket on a bus that does not make stops along the route for a higher price tag. A luxury ticket will ensure that it takes less time to get to a destination; a great option for English teachers in a rush. ESL teachers can expect to pay from $1 MXN per kilometre for long distance bus trips, with prices increasing about 20% for 1st class seats and deluxe buses costing an additional 20% above 1st class.
While in the city, English teachers can choose between various types of buses. Some people have converted vans and school buses which they use to give people rides around town. These buses are usually very inexpensive but do not have a set schedule. It is often hard to find a bus when living outside a popular area of the city. Teachers can also get rides on luxury buses which offer comforts like air conditioning, limited stops, and comfortable seating. Tracking down a bus is achieved by walking on the street and sticking an arm out as a bus approaches. Often luxury buses will not stop with this method. It is best to call the bus company ahead of time if looking for a luxury ticket.
Other Modes of Transportation
Bicycle
With the heavy traffic, riding a bike in a large Mexican city will require strict attention, but it is an excellent mode of transportation and is good for the environment. This is an important factor if living in Mexico City because it is a member of the Large Cities Climate Leadership Group, and is committed to the decrease of carbon emissions.
Motor Vehicles
While some may find driving in a Mexican city to be an exciting task, Mexican drivers are known for being aggressive and city streets are usually lined with traffic. A solution to the high amount of traffic in Mexico City was to make a law that a vehicle owner can only drive their vehicle on certain days of the week.
When crossing the American border into Mexico, visitors are required to purchase a Mexico Vehicle Permit. In order to get this permit, a teacher will need to present the vehicle's ownership and registration. If the vehicle does not belong to the driver, they will need to present a letter stating that the owner offers permission of the vehicle's usage, and offer a valid passport. American and Canadian driver's licenses are valid in Mexico.
Understanding a nation's etiquette is a very important element in achieving career success and the ability to make new friends.
General Etiquette
Business Etiquette
Mexican Eating Etiquette
Spanish is the language spoken in Mexico.
Below are some commonly used Spanish words and phrases that will be useful during an ESL teacher's first days in Mexico:
Many would be surprised to find out what common household ingredients stored in their pantries originate from Pre-Columbian Mexico. Food staples such as chocolate, maize, vanilla, and peanuts have been in the diets of the ancient Mexican peoples. It is fair to say that Mexico has left a fingerprint on the cuisine of most nations around the globe. Today's Mexican food is a hybrid between European Spanish cuisine and the food of the Mayan, Aztec, and various other indigenous peoples.
There are many different dishes for English teachers to sample. Cuisine in the northern regions of Mexico often consists of more meat-based dishes featuring beef and goat. Dishes from the central region of the country have a combination of flavors from both the north and south. The southern regions of Mexico often incorporate a lot of chicken with spicy vegetables into their meals. Not to be forgotten, cities along the coast usually offer healthy helpings of seafood. In recent years, Mexican cuisine has become a favorite of the international culinary arts scene and is highly regarded by some of the world's top chefs.
Some of Mexico's more popular dishes include:
Mexico is not only a popular destination for English teachers, it is also one of the world’s most popular tourism hot spots. Part of the reason why so many people travel to Mexico is to experience the nation’s weather. The climate in Mexico is fairly diverse; winters in the North feature cooler temperatures, whereas the South is known for having tropical weather with little seasonal change. Many tourists make their way to southern Mexico from October to May; these months are usually the less humid times of the year.
Natural Disasters in Mexico
The overall risk of natural disasters in Mexico is similar to many regions of North America. Mexico has experienced hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes. The 1985 Mexico City earthquake was arguably one of the worst quakes in North American history; it could even be felt by residents of Los Angeles. Building technology improved greatly in post-quake Mexico, structures have since been constructed to better outlast a major earthquake. Cities now also have disaster plans in case of another major quake.
Pollution
Mexico City is surrounded by mountains on three sides of the city. These mountains treat citizens of the city to a nice view, but they also help make Mexico City one of the most polluted cities in the world. Much of the pollution generated by the over 21 million inhabitants in the sprawling city gets trapped by the surrounding mountains. There have been multiple environmental programs created to curb the issue since the ‘80s, but pollution is still a concern for many living in Mexico. English teachers should therefore be cautious of the effects of air pollution, especially in summer months. However, air pollution will be less of an issue for those living in smaller towns or rural areas.
Mexicans are known as fun-loving people and this is displayed during Mexican holidays. Most holidays in Mexico result in celebrations which include tasty feasts and spending time with family and loved ones. Mexico offers a wide variety of holidays for English teachers, both religious events and celebrations of important moments in Mexican history.
National Holidays in Mexico
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