About MegSondey

Status:

Expatriate  

Gender:

Female

Currently Lives:

Torreon, Coahuila de Zaragoza, Mexico

Citizen Of:

United States

Some Forum Posts:

Mexico: A one year adventure to PV with kids:

I have friends (both US and Mexican) who have homeschooled in many countries, including Mexico. (Some are doing it currently.) In Mexico, some homeschool in English, others in Spanish, some in a bit of both. Some use purchased curriculum, online resources, local teachers and/or a combination of all of those. Obviously, daily interaction with native speakers will help all of you perfect your Spanish, but there are many ways to do this other than going to a public or private school.

Mexico: Anybody with same experience? Moving to Mexico - have a lot of questions:

Well, if you consider Torreon a "border town" then you do know an expat here. Also, there is a long-term expat in Gomez-Palacio. Additionally, I know of expats (and missionaries) in Tijuana, Monterrey, Saltillo and many other places across northern Mexico. It is true that northern Mexico is "disrespected" by many in DF and other places in Mexico. There are historical and economic reasons for that, but you can be assured that there are advantages to living in the desert -- otherwise the southwest of the United States would not be a popular retirement location!

Mexico: Using a gasoline station:

Although the service is "free" we always tip the attendant (I suppose we wouldn't if the service were bad, but it never has been). We often not only have our windshields washed, but also our headlights. It's also a good opportunity to engage in small talk, find out about the weather (not that it changes much in the desert where we live), etc.

Mexico: Deported from U.S.:

There IS violence in many parts of Mexico, particularly in the "non-Gringo" areas. Juarez and Tijuana are not the only places with violence.... even my own city of Torreon (along with the neighborning cities of Lerdo and Gomez Palacio) have significant violence. If you know where to go and where to live, you will be fine. Do you know where you will live? Will you be near your husband's family? What do you know about that city? You can read many local papers online (most are in Spanish) but that will give you a better idea of the current situation in the towns or cities where you might live. Most couples in your situation will not have the financial resources that expats or US retirees have. A couple I know in your situation in my home area of Mexico found it challenging to obtain schooling for their children and in the end, decided it was better for the wife and kids to stay in the US and visit Mexico occasionally while trying to get the proper paperwork for her husband. Every family's situation will be different, but the more research you can do ahead of time, the better off you will be and the easier the adjustment will be.

Mexico: TV in Mexico:

We have SKY in Torreon, Coahuila and although it has some English language channels it certainly doesn't have a bountiful selection of channels. For English language news we have FOX and then there are some channels that broadcast programming in English, Spanish, or a combination of the two. For those used to dozens, if not hundreds of channels from which to choose, SKY (at least in Torreon) would be a letdown.

Mexico: Childbirth in Monterrey:

Definitely check into LLLI (La Leche League International in English, Liga de la Leche in Spanish). Make sure you check out expat groups in the area. I have a friend in Monterrey and know that there are many families with children there, so if you check out the expat groups and International Schools you should find some women who are willing to share their contacts and experiences.

Mexico: Nursing jobs in Mexico:

I just want to echo the last posting. You need to get your ducks in a row with employers, government requirements, etc. Mexico has many fine nurses already and the country's priorities are to employ their own citizens first, so it will not be easy to find a position.

Mexico: Thinking about moving to Mexico:

I can't really imagine how you would get a job in either of those areas as there are more than enough Mexicans already doing those jobs. I'm only speaking from my own experiences in the city of Torreon, but I can't imagine that even in a tourist area there would be much demand (much less government approval) for a foreigner to do those sorts of jobs.

Mexico: Moving from Austin, TX to Monterrey, MX:

So did those of you going to Saltillo/Monterrey get connected with the expat groups there?

Mexico: Moving to Mexico from UK:

I hate to discourage you, but with the unemployment and under employment in Mexico, I'm not sure how easily you would find something in your field. I would suggest checking out consulates/embassies and/or hospitals that cater to English speaking and/or medical tourists. I would DEFINITELY do lots of research online before you make the move.

Date Joined:

3/16/2005

Total Posts:

33

Posts/Day:

0.01