Job Discussion Forums

[banbanzista]

Hello,

I�m interested in teaching English in Panama (do people actually go there:). There�s so little info on the boards..... Wondering if anyone can tell me what documents are needed for a work permit and if there are any schools you�d recommend working for.

If anyone�s curious, I�m from the US and have a few years experience teaching ESL and several more years of teaching other subjects.

Thank you!

[kingkristopher]

Hello,

I've been living and teaching in Panama now for almost three years. At first it was a perfect situation, authorities turned a blind eye to North Americans who came here to teach on a tourist visa. All you had to do was leave the country every 3 months to ernew your visa (or pay a fine) and you could stay indefinitely.

Unfortunately, the new president has changed the system so that all foreign specialists need to be documented. The government has cracked down on institutions that flout this legislation and, as such, we now all need proper working papers.

The problem with this is that, for whatever reason, even the most reputable institutions here in Panama will not help you get your work papers. There are ways around this if you have a good (read expensive) lawyer.

The result is that, due to the overwhelming growth in the ESL demand, EVERY highschool, university and language institute in Panama is in need (in some cases dire need) of qualified, trained, native speakers to teach ESL. The pay is also much higher than you would find in other Latin American markets (it is not at all uncommon to make $1500 USD/month for 25-30 hours teaching).

If you can find your way down here, have bona fide qualifications (degree, CELTA or TESOL, or experience) and have some cash to defray the start-up costs (lawyer, visa, accomodation) then you shouldn't have any difficulty fionding a rewarding position. Start your search with the Universities since they tend to pay the best ($15-$20/hr)

Good luck with your search