Job Discussion Forums

Chrissi · Joined: 30 Apr 2007 Posts: 5

I read the sticky topic post on Panama City, at the end of
which Melly says that he will answer any questions concerning teaching
there... I tried sending an email, but it did not work. So I hope that someone here can help me instead.

I am going to do the TEFL course in May in Costa Rica. However, I am
dreaming of a teaching position in Panama City afterwards. How easy is it to find a TEFL job in Panama City, and what
is the best way to start looking for one? I would like to start
teaching at the end of June / beginning of July. However, I can only
work till the end of August for this time, as I have to go back to
university in September. I know that it is generally hard to find a
TEFL job for such a short time, but I would love to be able to use my
certificate right after I receive it, even if only for a short time. I
know that the "best" jobs are only avaliable for 6 months + contracts.
As it is only for two months, I would not mind working under less
ideal conditions, as long as I were able to finance food and
accommodation. I just really want to start teaching... Do you think it
would be possible / easy to find a job like that in Panama City for
July and August? A second thing making me worry a bit is that I am not
a native English speaker (even though I would consider myself
native-like fluent). I have heard that language schools in Costa Rica
generally demand native speakers. What about Panama City?

Thank you very much for all you advice in advance.

Best,

Chrissi

John Hall · Posted: Wed May 02, 2007 9:58 pm Post subject:

I think you would be better off teaching in Costa Rica, although even here, not many schools would be interested in hiring a teacher for only two months. You would have to arrange the visa for Panama (unless you are Panamanian), and I don't think it would be financially worthwhile if you are only planning to work two months there.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

I think it's difficult to get a job anywhere for two months, especially if you need a visa. Maybe if you have contacts, you could do privates.

pirateinpanama · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 93 Location: Panama City, Panama

I guess it`s been said "a million" times already by myself and some others on this forum: Panama City is a great place to teach, BUT without a work permit it`s nearly impossible these days. Teaching English is no longer considered an essential job, and requests for permits are rejected all the time now.
Good luck!