Hello,

Obviously the families of the students are rich. Has anyone had experience in which families have offered gifts/money/ etc etc etc? What are school policies regarding gifts??? And how do student families treat educators that they feel have truly impacted their child???

Hey! I live in Mass. Let me say this to you straight as an instruction. Take the test, become certified. Don't worry about the degree aspect just worry on becoming licensed. You have the experience now you just need the license. A lot of people think the PRAXIS ( educator test in other states) is easier than the MTEL. I took the MTEL, communication and literacy part and passed the reading easily... the writing took me a few times but that's due to lack of preparation due to being away from writing for a long period of time.

Lastly, any DOUBT regarding your abilities to pass the test should be addressed immediatly and should be weeded out quickly. Believe in yourself.

Take care.

---HoraceMann---

My preparations? I have started to learn basic spanish but my feeling is that I will learn mostly down there in Mexico City. I am in the process of saving some money just for having a little extra to assist me in settling in. So yeah that's really where I stand. Along with picking up extra hours of overtime because initially I won't be able to have a part time job. I will be making good money but part of me always has enjoyed working two jobs. I think it assists in being balanced.

Good Luck... What school will you be teaching at?

Beirut is the most amazing country I have ever visited. When in Beirut you look up and see the gorgeous mountain side. When in the mountains you look down and see the gorgeous Mediterranean Sea. The nightlife is amazing and trust me the woman are stunning. Regarding the culture, sure there is that lingering macho/man culture that reveals itself in the aspect of " power" and "control." Mostly reveals itself in everyday situations where compromise and general communication would be smooth from a self-aware individual who does not seek power or control.

Lebanon as a whole is one of those countries anyone should visit. There is a definite pulse in Beirut that allows even those who have aged well into there 50's and 60's to still have that youthful vitality in them. Social evenings include drinking whiskey or a traditional beverage called ARAK and smoking flavored tobacco from the Hookah. One of the greatest moments I had in Lebanon is driving alongside the beach or driving in downtown Beirut on a Fri/Sat night .... tuning into an Arabic music with that traditional vibe..... ahhhh I miss it just talking about it..

Sure there is instability and the occasional firefight in the border area near Syria or Israel. But you are far away from this in Beirut. I think it has to be understood that when you are in Lebanon you get used to hearing about some type of uprising near by... and get used to hearing stories or even find yourself in Lebanon during fighting in Beirut or something along these lines. If you can accept this being part of it all, GREAT.... generally you will be safe....you will go into shelter when appropriate... other than that....the people are beautiful... there is terrible traffic.. sometimes the air smells of gasoline...the driving is a constant game of chicken and the sounds of people pressing their horns is constant... but this is Lebanon.... the beauty of it all.

Much blessings in your travels.

Does anybody have any insight regarding the cost of car insurance in Mexico City? Or any other insight regarding having a car in Mexico City i.e. driving restrictions...etc etc etc...

Thank You

Hey SpecialED! I am going to Mexico City and will be there for the upcoming school year. I will always post questions until then in this thread and when I arrive there will answer questions in this thread as I familiarize myself with the country.

chilagringa - Thanks for all your help. I think I will be living in the Roma/Condesa area. Is the area dog friendly? Is Mexico City Dog friendly?

I appreciate all your help. I recognize all my questions are diverse but I think they are sort of the everyday things people encounter.

thank you

Does anyone have any insight regarding the experience shopping in an outside market as opposed to shopping in doors? Would love to hear some experiences regarding food quality, bargaining and overall atmosphere in these outdoor markets. ( in Mexico City)

Thank You

Anybody have any insight on their experience using the Trains and Buses in Mexico City?

And even the costs of taxis?

thank you

Does anybody have any insight regarding dating a foreigner and how this viewed in the Mexican culture?

Have you noticed changes in your emotional/psychological/physical well being due to pollution?

Thank you

What is the overall energy in Mexico City? I mean with 20 million folks there has to be a frantic nature everywhere or are there areas where solitude is possible in D.F.

And I recognize the pollution is an issue, but can you go into this deeper regarding how it directly impacts the person walking down the street, breathing, sleeping and smell.

Thanks for your help.

PSY GUY: PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND TO MY POST

Hello,

I have recently accepted a position at the American School Foundation in Mexico City. Has anyone out there lived in Mexico City. My question is regarding life. How did you find your life to be? Did you find the people to be friendly? The food? Nightlife? Did you feel safe ( generally)? How did you find Mexico City and the surrounding areas regarding tourism. Any insight regarding your time in Mexico City would be deeply appreciated. All responses will be helpful. Thank You fellow world travelers.