Expat Advice: Working in Guatemala City, Guatemala

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Guatemala City

What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?

More int'l job opportunities in Guatemala focus around NGOs, education, and science.

What type of work do you do and how did you find your job?

I worked at an international school. I found my job through tieonline.com (The International Educator).

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How did you obtain your work permit? What advice would you have for others about work permits?

My school obtained a work visa for myself, and a dependant visa for my husband. Having a visa here isn't a huge deal b/c you just leave the country every 90 days and you should be fine to stay for an extended amount of time.

Have you taken language and cross-cultural training courses to prepare for your assignment? If so, how have they helped you on the job?

I already wanted to lean Spanish, so coming here has been a dream for it~! The school provides Spanish lessons you have to pay for, but private tutoring is readily available and inexpensive.

If you were transferred abroad by your employer, were you guaranteed a job upon repatriation? What type of mentoring programs does your employer offer?

I sought out a position abroad.

What advice would you offer others about finding jobs and working abroad?

The zones an expat would live and work in for Guatemala City are overall mainly safe. We do not feel threatened, and have never seen a dangerous crime. There is no visible gang activity or violence where we live, but we stay out of the dangerous parts of the city. We really enjoy living here!!