Good advice on living, short-term in Mexico?

Question

I'm going to be moving to Uruapan, Michoacan for 5 months from Feb. to July to teach English. I'm moving from Washington State.

I'm looking for tips on essential travel items, what to do and what not to do while living abroad in Mexico, just general advice.

For example, if you have lived/traveled abroad, what are items that you wish you brought/things you wish you'd done and what are items that you didn't need/things you wish you hadn't done. Things you were glad that you had with you/things you were glad that you did, and on and on....

Also, if anyone has info. on Uruapan, specifically, I would love to hear it.

Answer 1

Great area to spend time but make sure you get to the Patzcuaro area.  I love that area and have a number of links on my web page - a few are below.  Paricutin, Cocucho, Paracho, etc

Maybe bring some music, some books and some favorite clothes from both seasons (warm and cold)

Answer 2

It wuold be better if you drink purified bottled water.

Answer 3

Make sure you understand your contract (I'm assuming that you are coming to Mexico through some sort of organization).  Some teachers have found that they thought they understood the terms, but then found out that their accomodations or meals or compensation were different than what they were led to believe.  Talk to others who have used the same organization and they will most likely have some tips for you.

Learn as much Spanish as you can prior to your move.  If you are already fluent, keep practicing by watching Spanish language television, reading books, etc.

Find an International Health Clinic and consult with them as to what vaccinations you will need.  It is WELL worth the cost to have professional advice and assistance here.  The last thing you want is to end up in Michoacan and then get sick for most of the time.  

Minimize what you take, but know that what you might want might not be available where you are living or might be more expensive.  Since you will only be there five months, you most likely can survive the longing for a certain type of food, and won't wear through all of your favorite shoes.  

Most of all, take an open attitude.  Living anywhere outside your home culture is a wonderful experience.  Look, listen, think about and consider what you are experiencing while you are there.  You will become a much richer person for the time spent there.

Answer 4

I have never lived abroad but I've been in Uruapan and it is a very calm place. A Mexican small city with a lot of traditional food and crafts. It is a little urbanized but it has kept its rural essence. Safe place as long as you know where you are or if you have someone that knows the place.

good luck!!

Answer 5

Uruapan eeh? Sadly the only part of Michoacán I even remotely know are a few highways (my family hates travelling).

Is the work going to be in a school inside the city or in a more rural area? Getting a bike when you get there could be a smart idea.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uruapan

Seems to have some nice info on the city.

Be aware that there is a slim possibility of getting dengue in those climates. Common sense with avoiding mosquitoes could be handy. They don't sell mosquito repellant sprays in Mexico.