Having said all that, your idea of supporting yourelf by teaching English is so naive as to be almost laughable. I have seen more than a few younger Americans go down to Costa Rica with the same goal, only to be waved away. There are strict educational requirements plus previous work experience. Plus the pay scale there would only barely cover your monthly rent. So forget that idea.
Have you ever considered your own country ? Say, relocating to South Florida ? I live on the SW Florida coast, and today, ( 01/21/13 ), it's 76 degrees already and it's only 11:05 AM. I've been a lot colder in San Jose', Costa Rica around this time of year. Also consider this, MIA ( Miami Int'l Airport ), is so convenient to San Jose', ..just a short 2 1/2 hr flight away,..for future 3, 4 week look-sees before you make your mind up for good.
Whatever, good luck in your choice
In Mexico , to get a work visa you must find an employer who sill sponsor your work visa and swear he cannot find a Mexican for the job. this means you must be highly educated and skilled...Mexico is over run with English teachers. Everyone who speaks English seems to think he can teach it, even tho he has no degree in teaching and is not certified in teaching English as a second language. Costa Rica has similar requirements. If you are retired with a pension, you can live in Mexico...other wise it is nearly impossible. To get a temporary resident visa you must prove you have about $2000 a month regular income form the U.S. or a years worth in the bank....Cannot just show up and live here. So, it is unlikely you could move to Mexico or Costa Rica. However , the U.S. is large and has lots of choices, look around. Try Austin ,TX...a very nice, growing city..and you can hear lots of Spanish. By the way, if you move to a Spanish speaking country and do not speak Spanish, it is extremely frustrating...no fun at all. Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are open to you. Puerto rico has high unemployment and the Virgin Islands have a high cost of living. Look around the U.S.
Mexico right now and for the past 7 years has been locked in a very dangerous war between the drug cartel leaders as well as the Mexican Army. As long as this war lasts it is unsafe in Mexico just about everywhere and many Americans have been killed as well.
Costa Rica has some problems but nothing like Mexico. Costa Rica has become a rich peoples hide-a-way and is expensive to live there now. Even the Ticos are having difficulties living economically.
I moved to Costa Rica since some years now....and still enjoy it!
Costa Rica is amazing: hot temperature, friendly people and safety.
Hope everything goes well for you!
And maybe... "!bienvenido a Costa Rica!"
If you need tips about Costa Rica transportation:
http://www.costaricatravelandvacations.c...
http://vimeo.com/41175088
I like imagine it being beautiful with beautiful weather and Spanish speaking friendly locals. I'd love to work in either country speaking Spanish and helping others somehow like maybe teaching English? I want to move to a more laid back, warmer, and friendlier place. I listen to songs like El Amor de Mi Tierra by Carlos Vives and I imagine life being super happy. I'm sick of the cold weather here in Chicago and the ugliness and the unhappy people. I want to get away from where I've lived my whole life and experience something wonderful. Is this realistic? It would also be awesome if this place was a safe place as well or at least not like war stricken and scary.
