What kind of job can I get in Mexico as a visiting American?

Question

I'm an American and I might be spending the summer down in Mexico (Guadalajara) with some family. I'd like to get a job there to make some money, and, also, to improve my Spanish. (I'm reasonably fluent). What kind of job could I get that would do these things for me that would be a rewarding experience, and, that I could make some money with? I'd appreciate some suggestions. Thanks!

Answer 1

If you want to acquire work experience in Mexico and are a university student or graduate, perhaps you can search for an organization that would set you up with a sort of internship. Do some googling for such organizations and see what you can find, but be aware that it is quite likely that they will not pay you but rather you may in fact have to pay the agency that coordinated your internship a fee for their services. Other than that, perhaps there are some opportunities to volunteer as the above poster said. Charlie is right: you cannot simply go down to Mexico and apply for jobs at your whim. Mexican immigration laws are quite restrictive about foreign workers.

Answer 2

listen to Charlie - he's got it right

Answer 3

Unless like others have said about joining an organization in the US or getting your current job to transfer you to a branch in Mexico, it would be unlikely.

You could ask your relatives if one of them owns a small business like a family restaurant and you could work there with money "paid under the table", more for the communicative experience than actually earning any real money.

Answer 4

Yup... Charlie is right.  Your best bet is to try to find a volunteer organization for which you might be able to do an internship.  Work on your fluency with Spanish and in the end (a few years down the road when looking for permanent employment in the US) you'll be better off than if you picked up a few pesos in Mexico this summer.

Besides voluntary organizations, check into any links you may have with social, civic, or religious organizations.  Here in Torreon, for example, there is a very active Rotary Club.  If you already have a connection to Rotary in the US, find a Club in Guadalajara and contact that group to see what volunteer activities they might recommend.

You can also contact US expat groups in Guadalajara and see if there might be a US expat in business who might want an intern for the summer.  You might not make any money, but there's a chance you could pick up some valuable experience that will again make a difference down the road.

Beyond that, work on your Spanish, experience the culture, and enjoy your summer.

Answer 5

Oh NO!!!! I  lived in the border of San Luis Rio Colorado and Arizona.. Mexico pays very poorly..and also I wasn't accepted since I didn't have Mexican documents, and I was applying as a translator for a big company. Don't even try it, just enjoy your vacation.

Answer 6

As a tourist you can only get one job here.  It is called a "Mamada"

You think you can work here?

Answer 7

It is  against Mexican law to WORK in Mexico while there on a tourist card...just as it is illegal for foreign nationals to work in the U.S. when there on a tourist visa.  To work in Mexico you must have an FM3 visa with a WORK permit.  These are nearly mposible to get and totally impossible to get for a casual job for a short period of time.  you must be highly skilled in a job where thery need workers...and find an employer to hire you who will write a letter to immigration stating he is hiring you for a job he cannot find a Mexicn national to fill.  He must sponsor your work visa.  This  takes, time , money and work.  Unemployment is high in Mexico. there are many educated, skilled Mexicans avail for jobs of all kinds. there are thousands avail. for low-skilled jobs.  Wages in Mexico are a fraction of what they are in the U.S.   Unskilled work...like in a store or restaurant pays less than $2.00 an hour...often only $5.00 a DAY.  Professionals earn about 1/10th what is paid to similar workers in the U.S....or LESS.  Sorry to be so negative, but this is the truth...you simply cannot work in Mexico.   Some people get menial jobs and are paid "under the table."   This pay is very little...and you would be taking a job from a Mexican citizen.   Perhaps your family in Guadalajara will know of some volunteer opportunities you could work with.