The Relocation Process: Where Do You Want to Live?

Where To Live, Where Not To Live

There are certain things to look out for when choosing a home in Mexico. Proximity of home to work and also to your children's school is very important. Making sure your work, school and home are within close vicinity of each other (as well as other amenities like sports clubs, shopping centers, supermarkets, etc.) can significantly improve your quality of life. Certain areas are safer than others, but even then, always make sure you take precautions.

Schooling

When choosing a school, make sure you go and visit all the schools that you have picked out and that you are given guided tours into all the facilities. Also see and compare the curriculums of the various schools and make sure they offer the quality and facilities you are expecting. Although Mexico has excellent private and bilingual schools, one should always know all facets of such an important decision as the education of one’s children.

Job Search

In terms of finding a job in Mexico, this often depends on whom you know as well as how good your credentials are. Being bilingual is always a big bonus, especially with knowledge of the English language, while other languages like French, German and Italian may also come in very handy considering the number and size of European companies doing business in Mexico.

For executives looking to change jobs or acquire new jobs, the best way to go about it would be through a headhunter. There are some excellent international headhunting services and companies spread throughout Mexico. Another good place to begin is on-line internet employment sites and forums, where you can find information and also interact with others who may know of job opportunities or with whom you can exchange advice and experience. Make sure to also contact chambers of commerce, be they foreign or local, as well as checking out the daily classifieds in Mexico's various newspapers and their respective websites.

To Sum Up: Enjoy

Although your homework before and during your move will have acquainted you with what to expect in Mexico in terms of culture shock, nothing will inure you until you actually live and experience Mexico for yourself. While the differences take time, patience and an open mind to come to terms with, having become acclimatized, you will find it the most rewarding experience of your life.

As mentioned in this site, crime, pollution and traffic are ever-pervasive factors, yet the subtleties of becoming acquainted with social and business etiquette, style of living, language, culture and arts and crafts are the riches you discover over time. The unique multi-layered history the country offers, reflected in the art, architecture and even in the faces of the people, is just waiting to be discovered.

What awaits you is a veritable feast for the senses and mind. Sure, we have to consider the itsy bitsy details of this whole complicated relocation process, and we have to do our homework assiduously, but you will understand once you have settled in that you will experience the satisfaction and fulfilment of having relieved yourself of panic, while at the same time having given yourself the time and knowledge to take upon the adventure that is waiting to be discovered.

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