Lori Payne
International Patient Coordinator
I originally moved to Guadalajara from San Diego in September 2009 with a plan to stay, for 6 months. I never left…. except to go back and clean out my storage unit! I had been taking Spanish for about 3 years prior to coming here and always took more classes on every visit. Many people ask me, “but what made you move to Mexico?” The truth is, I didn’t plan it but every time I came here, I was never ready to leave! Also, the friendly culture, wonderful food and great weather were plenty of reasons to keep coming back! I love to travel and see other parts of Mexico, too! And, while I have only seen a hand-full of cities, there are many more on my list!
I am a single, blond female who has lived alone since moving here and I have never felt unsafe in any way! More often than not, before people knew I lived in the area, they would ask me if I was lost or needed help. After this long, they now know I am just part of the neighborhood and now, sometimes, people even stop me to ask me for directions.
Although I originally came here just for 6 months, I decided to complete my TEFL certificate upon arrival in order to teach English classes. Luckily, one of the owners of a school I taught at received an email from her friend who was a doctor, a plastic surgeon, and their clinic was looking for a native English speaker to work with people from the U.S. and Canada. I came for the interview and started working just one week later. I now have over 7 years working as a patient coordinator to assist people who are looking to come to Guadalajara for surgeries. Since my background was client management, it turned out it was the perfect fit, for everyone!
Location and Local Attractions
Our office in Guadalajara in located in the nicest part of the city and across the street from a beautiful mall called Plaza Andares which is filled with fine dining restaurants and name brand stores like Coach, Michael Kors, Tiffany and more.
Jalisco, the state in which Guadalajara is located is the birthplace of Tequila. The town of Tequila is located just about an hour outside of the city where you can go for a tour of a famous distillery or just enjoy a lunch in the quaint village.
Lake Chapala is said to have the most perfect climate anywhere! This is located on the other side of the city, past the airport and is home to many foreigners for at least part of every year!
Tlaquepaque is a beautiful, colonial pueblo full of color, local artists, galleries and delicious food.
Ride the local double-decker bus, El Tapatio Tour, which will take you around the entire city and give you the history via headphones in your language of choice. For less than $10 USD per person, there is no better way to see the city. Hop on and off for a beverage, shopping and/or lunch!