Ex-pat communities verses native communities

Steve Hazzard · #1 (**permalink**) 26th September 2007, 01:39 AM

I've read through a number of the posts on this forum, and noted a tendency toward ex-pats living in Americanized (or other counties of origin) communities. In my opinion, this situation reminds me of the vast number of immigrants that came to the US in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They became very clannish and retained their language and cultural traits, often to the exclusion of American culture and language. In my opinion, I would rather live in a native community, assimilate and enjoy the culture; learn the native language and become part of the native community. What's your opinion?

Intercasa · #2 (**permalink**) 26th September 2007, 02:35 AM

There can be benefits to living near other expats. I live in Chapala, not Ajijic which is the gringo ghetto. I think also the locals including police are used to foreigners so perhaps they behave better as the foreigners begin to have clout. I like living with locals and generally where the ex pats live there are more services, etc so there are some benefits. Immigrants in the US are a bit different as many are poor and uneducated and they live in poorer areas and don't tend to bring those areas up. Ex pats are usually educated and have some sort of income and take pride in their community. You can have the balance. I rarely speak English except for business as most of my friends are Mexican and I can relate to them more. There is quite a unique variety of ex pats lakeside.

Steve Hazzard · #3 (**permalink**) 26th September 2007, 02:48 AM

Interesting! Thanks for your opinion.

Steve Hazzard · #4 (**permalink**) 26th September 2007, 03:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Hazzard

Interesting! Thanks for your opinion.

I like your term "gringo ghetto"! My nearest gringo ghetto is Hazleton, PA; I'm sure you've read about the gangs, killings and crime in Hazleton and Mayor Lou Barletta trying to get control of the illegal immigration situation. Hazleton is about 35 miles from Wilkes-Barre and we're getting the overflow from Hazleton. La situacion es mala, muy mal!

sparks · #5 (**permalink**) 26th September 2007, 12:33 PM

Don't worry .... Cuernavaca is 99.9% Mexican. Unless you hang out at a few places in el centro where all the foreign students congregate or attend the Expat group meetings .... you'll be immersed in Mexico

Steve Hazzard · #6 (**permalink**) 26th September 2007, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparks

Don't worry .... Cuernavaca is 99.9% Mexican. Unless you hang out at a few places in el centro where all the foreign students congregate or attend the Expat group meetings .... you'll be immersed in Mexico

Thanks for the info! My objective is to live in Mexico as a member of the local community, not as a "loaner" from the US! I originally considered moving to Costa Rica, but soon discovered that many areas had been Americanized and living in a gated community is not my idea of cultural assimilation.

retiredusn · #7 (**permalink**) 26th September 2007, 10:43 PM

I completly agree with you "BUT" also feel it is very important to live a bit in expat community just to see and learn what is available. The expat community worldwide are a very informative group

Steve Hazzard · #8 (**permalink**) 27th September 2007, 02:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retiredusn

I completly agree with you "BUT" also feel it is very important to live a bit in expat community just to see and learn what is available. The expat community worldwide are a very informative group

I have learned that there are a number of American and other English speaking students in Cuernavaca, so I won't be completely isolated from the English speaking world. I have read several accounts of English speaking expats living in Spanish speaking locations and rarely having to speak English. The family that I will staying with for my first several months in Cuernavaca are bi-lingual so that should ease my transition to local culture without a complete disconnect from the expat community. PS I love your avatar!

synthia · #9 (**permalink**) 29th September 2007, 02:49 PM

The nice thing about a place with an expat community is that you can usually find someone who has been through it before. Expats frequently know what the pitfalls are in getting things done. It's also reassuring to see people who have adjusted and adapted.

Steve Hazzard · #10 (**permalink**) 29th September 2007, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by synthia

The nice thing about a place with an expat community is that you can usually find someone who has been through it before. Expats frequently know what the pitfalls are in getting things done. It's also reassuring to see people who have adjusted and adapted.

I am not aware of any significant expat community in Cuerenvaca other than students that attend the numerous language schools located there. I am very fortunate to have a bi-lingual host family that is assisting me in my move to Mexico. The host family is assisting in such matters as housing, immigration and acquiring an FM3 visa. Without such assistance, I doubt that I would even attempt a move to Mexico from the US! I am hoping to establish relationships with other English speaking expats in the local area. Since I am making the move in 2009-10, I am confident that this early preparation time will mitigate the adjustment and adaption problems that are sure to occur. I will also visit with my host family prior to my move to Cuerenvava.