USA to Guatemala or Mexico?
Posted by Plane-Ad1888@reddit | expats | View on Reddit | 11 comments
If this isn't the correct sub or has been posted before, please point me in the right direction! I'm a Black woman from the US, looking to leave while I still can. I'd prefer a Spanish-speaking country with weather similar to the San Diego area, or colder. From my bit of research, I've found that Guatemala and Mexico are great contestants. My issue is making supporting myself there. I think getting a US-based job will suffice but what if the US dollar falls and becomes almost useless? I am not familiar with how that works but it is something I've heard was a possibility with everything going on at the moment. I am working on getting my TEFL certification so I can teach English abroad but I don't really know what other options there are. I don't have a college degree yet, but that seems to be the requirements for almost every job in another country (understandable). I don't really know how to move forward or what to do next. Any guidance of any sort would be greatly appreciated.
Odd-Play2503@reddit
I was in a really similar headspace where I knew I wanted to leave but had no idea what the actual visa options looked like for my situation, especially without a degree.
What helped me stop spinning was putting my details into tryavian.com because it showed me which residency routes were actually available to me specifically, not just the generic "move to Mexico" advice you get everywhere. Once I could see what was realistic the next steps got a lot less overwhelming.
expats-ModTeam@reddit
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projectmaximus@reddit
I don’t think the USD will fall to the point of being useless, but even if it someday does, why does that have any bearing on you, today, going after a US job that will pay you a better rate in a better currency?
TEFL is a good gateway. You may find that your best opportunities are in Asia.
Plane-Ad1888@reddit (OP)
i love the idea of going to asia as well! i was interested in thailand but after doing some research on the climate, i’m not sure it would work out. i’ve heard you adapt to the heat and humidity but it sounds so miserable, coming from someone who lived in south carolina for a good bit of their life.
projectmaximus@reddit
Maybe South Korea or Japan would be a better fit in Asia?
Plane-Ad1888@reddit (OP)
i think my concern is that if it were to happen soon, how will i find a supplemental source of income while still paying bills, feeding myself, etc? it’s even more difficult finding a foreign job. but if i keep stressing that then ill never get anywhere so🤷🏼♀️
ShamsElDinRogers@reddit
I suggest you bring it to r/black ladies or FB Black Americans Living Abroad.
komradebae@reddit
r/blacktravel is another good option
n8larson@reddit
I could be wrong but unless you’re asking about racism in Mexico or Guatemala, WOC is more of (1) a reason for leaving than (2) a factor in what kind of advice you get about how and where. I’ve been reading r/AmerExit and r/digitalnomads, among others (maybe one called “r/movingabroad”?), and they’ve been pretty helpful. I feel the same as you about both climate and language, so both Mexico and Spain are on my short list, with Argentina also a potential candidate. I’m definitely going to check out that free Mexico guide someone else replied with a link to. I wish you all the best!
theytookallthecash@reddit
I'll preface this with I'm a white woman but i stumbled upon this YouTube channel and the content creator, Adalia Aborisade, is a Black woman who creates content specifically for WOC who want to get out of the US. She lives in Mexico City, so maybe her content would be helpful for you: https://www.youtube.com/@AdaliaAborisade
Artichoke-Rhinoceros@reddit
Check out Expatsi. Sounds like you’re at the beginning of the journey, and it’s a great resource for narrowing it down.
For Mexico in particular, The Mexico Relocation Guide is excellent. Lots of free videos and info, and they sell a comprehensive resource guide if you are serious about moving there.