Guadalajara Travel Forum

I am an ESL teacher in the states. I need a break and want to spend the school year in GDL with my (then) 7yr old, going to school to learn Spanish.

I am not sure exactly HOW, but I am planning on doing it.

Does anyone have any advice on finding elementary schools, kid friendly neighborhoods, things to do etc.

I am also looking for anyone willing to do a home exchange between GDL and Portland, Oregon.

Thanks

Are you married to the Guadalajara idea? Or looking at other places. Guad is a big city and there might be kid-friendlier spots.

What you need to do is find local bulletin boards/forums in that area. I'd suggest google searches. It would probably be worth joining Mexico Connect.. or at least snatching their trial period.
http://mexconnected.com/perl/foros/gforum.cgi

One problem is a LOT of "Guadalajara Gringos" actually live in nearby expatriate communities like Ajijiic. Search, ask questions on local forums.
If you want to learn Spanish, avoid English-speaking community, it will retard your learning. Live by yourself and you don't even need to take classes.

Also, there is http://www.eslcafe.com/ Dave's ESL Cafe. ESL teachers all over the world chat here.

Guadalajara is a nice town, the people there, the Tapatios, are the greatest in the world. It has a lot of culture, a lot of stuff to do. Enjoy.

One other thing. If you are considering other places, say so. There are many choices. If you would consider Mazatlan, I could give you some suggestions, and put you in touch with a couple of ex-Portlanders there. They're idiots, but might know people who want to swap houses. :-)

I have been looking at teaching positions in Guadalajara - I'm in a teacher prep program and wanted to do my practicum in GDL. I know of three elementary schools in GDL: Lincoln School (an American run school which I've been in contact with - I've never been there but the staff I've talked with are nice), the American School (US Dept of State Overseas accredited), and Colegio Guadalajara. Keep in mind you'll probably have to pay for your child's schooling and textbooks/materials. My friend who lives in Mexico told me most Mexicans prefer to send their children to private school.
Here are the 3 school websites:
http://www.lincolnschoolac.com/english.html
http://www.asfg.mx/About/index.php
http://www.colegioguadalajara.com.mx/menuprincipal.htm

I found these websites just by doing searches on Google. I think I used terms like "colegio, Guadalajara", "school, Guadalajara" etc. Colegio is the word used for elementary schools.

I think the kid-friendly neighborhoods would be the better higher-end colonias (neighborhoods), but I can't remember their names. I know Lincoln School is in an upper class area of town, but if you are planning on teaching English to adults it might be hard to support yourself and pay for schooling for your child as well. If you have a K-12 teaching certificate you will probably make more money teaching children. The 2 American school websites have employment information.

There are plenty of things to do in Guadalajara. You might look at GDL's tourist site to see what you can do. Here's the website:
http://vive.guadalajara.gob.mx/INDEXI.asp

I hope all the info helps.

Azul123

Hi Ikkin. I do manage rents and sales of real state here in Guadalajara. An apartment in a nice area- will be $6,000. pesos that includes maintenance feed. With out furnishing will be $4,100.00 pesos. Both are in the Country Club area.Very secure.กก 1 block from bus transportation and 2 blocks from groceries, etc.I you need more inf. Let me know. Sergio

I'm not sure if you are still reading these or already in GDL. However, I have a small home on the outskirts of GDL actually in Tonala. It is brand new just built and away from the actual town itself. I currently live in New Jersey (but I am an Oregonian - born & bred. I do not plan on living in GDL again for a couple of years and the house sits alone. If you would like to rent it from me I would let you stay for as little as $1500 pesos a month. It is a 2-bedroom cute little house. Let me know if you are interested. Wonderful area alone and quiet with security. I will actually be in GDL visiting my house and such from Aug 24th to Sept 6th.

YES I THINK I CAN HELP YOU. PLEASE CONTACTE ME IF YOU PREFER IN MY PHONE. H 36337150 OR CELULAR 044 333 1705909. Sergio