Some simple tips for those families wanting to live for an extended time in Mexico. Out of all our travel throughout Latin America, Mexico was tops for the goal of having my son become bilingual.
He is bilingual, biliterate, and now taking some tests to get credit for Spanish high school classes in the U.S.- without having to take the class, how cool is that!
I’ve written a few articles on our experiences, they are listed below in the resources section.
1. Take day to day life as it comes. Be prepared to take the exhilarating highs, and disappointing lows in stride.
2. Have finances well-planned in advance. Moving to Mexico and expecting to find suitable work to support a family is more than a long-shot, not to mention extremely stressful. Plan according to your finances. If you are self-employed, excellent, if not, possibly consider a 4-5 month sabbatical instead.
3. Keep an open-mind about schooling. There may be a small, bilingual kindergarten that you can afford ($200-$300 per month tuition and fees on average) or you may feel comfortable enrolling your child in the local public school for a trial run. Just be ready to alter plans, make new arrangements if the situation doesn’t meet your expectations or isn´t a good fit for your child. Homeschooling resources on the Web are abundant, and an excellent option for an expat family.
4. Focus on the positive. You feel like an outsider? Wonder why the heck you packed-up and made the move? Days will be like that. Process the experiences you are having that you – and your children – would not have had if still living in the U.S. Feel fortunate to be living a lifestyle many in the world may desire, but can only dream of.
When we first moved to Mexico we landed in Mazatlan where we lived for close to a year. After surviving one summer (high temps with high humidity) we moved off the mainland to the Baja California Pensinsula, then a year later traveled through the country to Guatemala and beyond.
We spent a month in both Morelia and San Miguel de Allende, both are excellent locations for families with many things to do for both children and adults.
The Baja Adventure Book – Possibly the best resource and reference book on The Baja California Peninsula, complete with detailed trip information. Click here for more information or to order on Amazon.
Sending a Child to School in Mexico – An article I wrote for MexConnect with basic information on enrolling a child in public or private school in Mexico and costs. Alternatives such as homeschooling discussed as well with resources.
Baja Travel Guide – A free 32-page eBook complete with maps, photos, driving directions and things to do in each town (activities for adults & children). Download for free by clicking here.
Traveling to Mexico with Children – An article about traveling from Tijuana to Morelia where the now awesome teen did a summer program in art, dance and music. The article lists programs for children, places to stay and additional things to do such as where to go for swimming lessons.
Mexico – The Trick is Living Here – A practical guide to retiring, working and living in Mexico. It is updated regularily, and the link above goes to the author’s website with excerpts of the book and how to purchase.
More Articles on Mexico:
Tips for Sending a Child to School in Mexico
Free Baja, Mexico Travel Guide
Trials & Travails of an Expat Family in Mexico
Fun Things To Do in Mazatlan, Mexico