Laredo Texas: Questions from a total newbie (Houston, Dallas: home, live in)

[explorergirl93]

Hello!

I am in a mental health care professional graduate program. I am from Minnesota, live in Portland, Oregon, and am a small, 24-year-old white female. A scholarship from the government requires me to work with underserved populations for two years after I graduate. I'm interested in an opportunity in Laredo, Texas, because I am really interested in social justice, Latin American culture, Spanish, etc., and would like to experience a new culture.

I know a good amount of Spanish (puedo conversar con cualquier persona, pero muchas veces no se la palabra para algo especifico, aunque me viene con facilidad una manera de decirlo imperfectamente por haber estudiado espanhol desde muy joven, y estoy dispuesta a aprender mas...se que me faltan acentos aqui).

A few questions--
1) Is Laredo safe? Or with proper precautions could it be made safe enough? E.g., could I go for a jog downtown alone when it's light out (as safely as I could in any other urban area)?
2) How difficult is access to airports?
3) I'd be working with patients likely for two years and likely leaving. I understand that provider turnover is never a good thing, but given the culture/state of health care in the city, can you comment on if this would be particularly detrimental? I'm also considering moving back home to MN where I'd likely be able to stay longer. In other words... I probably wouldn't live there longer than my two year service commitment, and I want to make sure that's a reasonably ethical choice.

Thank you!

[lepoisson]

I've never been to Laredo, but I'll answer some of the questions

1) I recently read an article that many of the border cities are actually safer than other cities in Texas. Maybe it's the increased border patrol and law enforcement presence?

2) Laredo only has one airport and you'll pretty much have to fly to Houston or Dallas if you want to go anywhere.

3) I wouldn't tell the employer this. They would be unlikely to hire a short timer.

Please be aware that Laredo will be VERY hot. Being from Minnesota, it will be a big adjustment for you. Just make sure you are prepared for 100+ degree temps in July and August.

[centralaustinite]

Ha! I've been Laredo in late February and it hit 100!!

Laredo is as safe as any other urban area, possibly safer. I wouldn't worry too much about that. It will be a HUGE change of culture and climate but for sure you will learn a LOT.

American, United, and Alaska Air fly to Laredo, it is flying in and out of parts of Iowa and other parts of the midwest, you will always be making a connection before you can get to where you want to go and only so many flights a week, but it is doable.