Major FAQ

What visa do I need? Can I work on a tourist visa? Or do I need a working visa? Will I receive any specific documents in order to get a working visa?

Mexico does not require a Visa for citizens from the USA , Canada or the UK . If participants stay for longer than 90 days, they will have to renew their FMT (Tourist-Class Visa) for 90 days, a total of 180 days in the country. If participants plan to stay longer than 180 days, they are required to obtain a Working-Class visa (FM3). If unsure whether a Visa is required, please visit www.projectvisa.com for a complete and up-to-date list of Visa requirements for Mexico . It is recommended that participants enter Mexico on a Tourist-Class Visa and then, with the help of Global Crossroad's partnering school, participants are required to acquire a Working-Class Visa once in the country.

As of December 2006, a valid passport is required to enter Mexico . Mexico does not allow entrance if the holder's passport expires in less than six (6) months. Returning home with an expired passport is ILLIEGAL and may result in a substantial fine.

It is a suggested that participants have a photo-copy of their passport containing their photo and passport number along with proof of international travel insurance, airfare, and traveler's checks' serial numbers to prevent any loss of important information.

May participants be accompanied by a friend or placed near other participants?

It is strongly recommended that participants wishing to be placed with a friend or companion apply at the SAME TIME. Granted that both participants qualify for teaching positions, there should be no difficulties. Note: if one of the prospective participants DOES NOT wish to work with Global Crossroad's partnering institution, it is suggested that the uninterested individual consider other accommodations besides those set up – perhaps renting a room or small apartment.

What vaccinations are required?

Be sure to consult your doctor or a travel health specialist before traveling to Mexico . Global Crossroad is not staffed by medical professionals and ONLY provides recommendations. Prior to arriving in Mexico , participants should:

•  Examine all medical records to assure that all shots/vaccinations are current.
•  Get immunized against Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Typhoid. 
•  Remain in good health well before arrival as some vaccines will require several weeks before effectively providing protection – some requiring two doses over a period of time.

Also, if planning to travel to rural areas within Mexico , it is advised that participants receive the vaccination for Yellow Fever as well as obtain pills to protect against Malaria. If intending to stay in the more urbanized areas, these vaccinations and precautions are not required. If planning to travel to rural areas of Mexico , a vaccination Rabies is highly recommended.

What is the climate in Mexico City ?

México City is located on México's high central plateau and because of the high altitude (over 7000 feet ) the city enjoys a relatively mild climate all year.  Summer and winter both are generally mild.  The evenings can get cool enough for a jacket all year long, so be prepared.  Afternoon rains come during the summer months, June to September. Usually the rain lasts for a few hours after which the sun comes out and the air is much cleaner. October to May is, most often, the driest time of the year with the time from February to May being the warmest months. 

México City - Average Temperature Chart:

How safe is Mexico ?

Compared to many other countries, Mexico is considered a safe country for tourist. But, petty crime has increased in recent years, especially in and around the major cities. However, serious crime against foreigners is relatively rare. Petty crimes such as pick-pocketing and purse-snatching occur somewhat frequently (especially in crowded areas such as stations, markets, shopping areas, sight-seeing destinations, etc.). So, it is wise to be cautious with your personal possessions in public places. Following are some precautions to avoid potential problems:

•  Do not show off your wallet or valuable goods in public
•  Keep enough money for your immediate needs in your pocket, and hide the rest on your body or leave your backup supply in a safety deposit box at your host family
•  Always keep valuables in a safety deposit box at your host family instead of leaving them in your room Remove any jewelry that may draw a thief's attention before you go out for strolling
•  Never wear a bag or purse on your street-side shoulder in order to avoid becoming a target of the "snatch-and-ride"
•  Never carry your passport/visa, credit cards, traveler's schedules or other travel documents in your shoulder bag.
•  Ensure that you aware of the values of different local banknotes to avoid being deceived
•  Be particularly cautious about your possessions in crowded areas such as local festivals, markets, tourist sites, railways, bus stations, or on trains and buses.
•  Always let your host family or coordinators know where you are on your free days during your tour.
Respect the customs of the local ethnic groups.
•  Do not quarrel with anyone during your trip.
•  Any disputes should be reported to your local guides for resolution.
•  Avoid traveling in any areas or sites that are not open to foreigners.
•  Do not voice publicly any opinions contrary to Mexico 's laws and code of ethics and morals.

What can teachers expect about English classes in Mexico City ?

In the area of teaching, there are global and business English courses offered to executives, in addition to courses geared for children and other individuals wanting to learn, improve or perfect their English skills.

The classes are held at various locations throughout Mexico City , and consist of several levels of instruction (ranging from Introductory to Advanced and beyond), including classes designed to suit individual and business needs. Teaching hours vary between 7am and 9pm, Monday through Saturday, depending on the student's schedules.

Where are classes located?

All classes at this moment are located in Mexico City .

Mexico City

Mexico City (in Spanish : Ciudad de México , México, D.F. or simply México ) is the capital city of Mexico. It is the most important economic, industrial and cultural center in the country, and the most populous city with roughly 20 million inhabitants, making it the second largest metropolitan in the world.

The city is located in the Valley of Mexico, also called the Valley of the Damned, a large valley in the high plateaus at the center of Mexico, at an altitude of 2,240 meters (7, 349 feet ). It was originally built by the Aztecs in 1325 on an island of Lake Texcoco. The city was almost completely destroyed in the siege of 1521 , and was redesigned and rebuilt in the following years following the Spanish urban standards. In 1524 the municipality of Mexico City was established, known as Tenochtitlan and as of 1585 it is officially known as Ciudad de México .

Mexico City is also the Federal District (Distrito Federal in Spanish, and hence the abbreviation D.F. that officially follows the name of the city). The Federal District is coextensive with Mexico City : both are governed by a single institution and are constitutionally considered to be the same entity.

What are the local cuisines?

•  First, tortillas. And then, more tortillas. Tortillas are an every day staple, just as bread is in North America.
•  Second, beans. Beans come in all colors but in Mexico , with meals usually including red or black beans ("turtle" for those familiar with Caribbean cooking). Beans and tortillas – the country of Mexico runs on these foods.
•  Rice
•  Meat (inland), fish ( North Coast or Bay Islands ), or salty white cheese (salt has preservative qualities in a country with less than perfect refrigeration). The average Mexican cannot afford these types of food luxuries. Salsas grace every good table and often spice up the food.

Is the running tap water safe for drink?

In most places in Mexico , tap water is not safe to drink. We recommend that participants purchase bottled water for personal consumption. Participants may request that their host family boil water which can be consumed each day.