1

point to point routes, tolls and driving times, courtesy of the Mexican government: http://aplicaciones4.sct.gob.mx/sibuac_internet/ControllerUI?action=cmdEscogeRuta

2

Here is a government website that will give you approximate driving times, routes, kilometers and tolls. You may have to break it down in segments to match your itinerary.

Bien viaje

3

It's 2 long days of travel but possible if you start really early. Total tolls are 819 pesos (around 63 USD). The roads are fine - biggest danger will be falling asleep.

4

Don't fall asleep on 135D near the Puebla-Oaxaca border, you'll never survive the fall into the canyon. I've seen occasional rockslides there.

5

If you're not pressed for time, consider spending a whole day in San Luis... just passed through, it's a lovely city with lots of walkable areas (just make sure to stay in the center).

6

Since the Tourist Permit (FMM) is good for 180 days, how do you intend to spend one year in Oaxaca. You will need either to leave the country and re-enter with a new permit, or apply for a one year visa of the FM3 type. Do you have a job lined up in Oaxaca and will they sponsor a work visa for you?

7

I dont have a job lined up but if I don't find one that will sponser me in the time that I have money alotted for to stay there I will have to return anyways. Otherwise If I did find work and for some reaseon couldnt get the FM3 I would go back to the US and then Re enter Mexico.

8

I suggest you lengthen the drive to exclude driving at night...To avoid a possible contact with the "law" do no, pull off the Arco Norte that bypasses Mexico City...By the time you have run through your initial 180 days you will know what IS possible... Slow down and enjoy ! carracar

9

How much do you expect to earn teaching English? Do you have TESOL or CELTA certification?

10

A thought- why bother taking a car? Public transportation is abundant in Oaxaca City and the Oaxaca Valley. I expect you will find it cheaper to fly down there, or maybe in to Mexico City and Bus it than you would to drive. You won't have to hassle with having a car,finding parking etc. while there. I think you may find this more pleasant, cheaper and easier.

11

Well, I hope to make enough to be able to live down there, form what my research says it will be equal to about what minimum wage is here, which is fine with me, I'm more into just getting the experience of living in Mexico and traveling around down there than the money. And I'm taking my TESOL certification class right now.

12

I'm more into just getting the experience of living in Mexico and traveling around down there....

All the more reason to take public transport, just like the Mexicans.

13

cookkeenan, TESOL certification is the right direction. I don't know if you have been to this site before, but Daves ESL Cafe is where many future English teachers start to learn about teaching in Mexico.

14

Thanks cookkeenan. You say your goal for teachinig English is to make enough to live on and that you are primarily just into the experience of living in Mexico. You say that you are now taking your TESOL certification. Good answers.

The reason I asked is because many posters on this subject think they could retire in Mexico by teaching English. Also, I have three friends currently teachiing English (in D.F., Guanajuato and Chihuahua). Two are Mexican nationals, one a U.S. citizen, all are hispanic and bilingual. Only one has TESOL certification, but the two that don't have TESOL say that they are severely limited by not having it and cannot get teaching jobs other than where they currently are. None of them makes enough to cover other than basic living expenses (rent and utilities). All have other income to pay for food, telephone/TV/cell phone, local travel, entertainment, etc. from what I've gathered to date, there IS a preferrence for hiring native English speakers (i.e. gringos).

I too plan to teach English in Mexico, but p[robably not unitl late 2013 at the earliest. To prepare I've volunteered as a tutor for our local Literacy Program through our local community college. They provide TESOL training for free to volunteer tutors. I'll accumulate documented experience as a tutor through the community college. I'll also take the full CELTA certification program in January-February.

Then, with that experience and certifications, and through my friends' contacts in Mexico, I'll be seeking out teaching positions as well. But, even with the experience and certifications I will have, I don't expect to make any more than my friends are making (in other words, cover rent and maybe utilities - that's it). My primary goal for teaching English in Mexico is as a means of integrating into the community by providing a community service.

It sounds like you are realistic about your goals and your preparation appears adequate. I wish you the best and please let us know how it works out.