Job Discussion Forums

[WanderingGentile]

if I just fly down there, step off a plane, and hit up some language schools? I have about 6 months esl experience, no tefl cert, a couple of university degrees, very basic spanish skills (I studied it in HS and college, which means I can say, "Como se llama?" and "Como esta usted?"). I've found a very dated list of english schools there, but none of them responded to my inquiries (most of the emails bounced back).

Think I'll have any luck? And what's the average salary for esl teachers there?

[light sweet dude]

I think you would have better luck doing it in say Peru or Colombia or Costa Rica. Panama's more stringent in qualifications.
LSD

[naturegirl321]

There was a poster who was in Panama. His username was Panama something. he said odds of getting a job there are slim to none, unless you have a visa and lots of connections.

You might want to look into bilingual or international schools at www.ibo.org

[kingkristopher]

pirateinpanama and I ahve both posted several responses to enqueries concerning job prospects in Panama. Do a search and you'll find them, though they all come down to the fact that yes, Panama has a booming ESL market but no, you cannot crack it.

There are a few language institutes that pay from $5-$12/hour and won't ask for your immigration/work papers, but they are probably the only people who won't. Working illegally in Panama has become a cause celebre and the government is cracking down on it HARD. BTW, 5-12 USD an hour isn't enough to live on in Panama, unless you plan to live like the locals.

If you're serious about working in Panama, apply to one of the international schools, Balboa Academy and Iternational School of Panama are probably your best shots. You'll need teaching certification, but they will take care of the paperwork on this end.

[misteradventure]

Immigration is quite aggressive right now. Lots of articles in the paper about the prison for deportees, etc.

Cost of living is high.

My family has been here 3 years- it is difficult for certified teachers from Spain to land gigs with those institutes, nevermind clueless foreigners.

[Mena]

oh well i have to try another country