Job Discussion Forums

mholbrook · Joined: 10 Mar 2006 Posts: 1

Does anyone know of ESL jobs in Jamaica or Caribbean? I've been looking online but haven't found anything.

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

I think that there are a few schools in Kingston but it is no suprise that you are not finding anything. English is the offical language of Jamaica so it is no suprise that they don't need English teachers. They can teach their immigrants English. So it is no suprise that they have little need for foreign English teachers. You would probably have a better chance teaching Spanish or French in Jamaica.

Mchristophermsw · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 228

Trinidad and tobago has some english language schools.

Same thing with JamRock.

Also contact the University of West Indies (UWI). They have a Tesol program and there a few different campuses throughout the University.

Lastly, checi out the repsective Ministry of Education in chosen country.

There is work but you wont get rich but it is a great place to live and alot of other oppertunities will probably open up for you---and worse come to worse theres always CARNIVAL Smile

Jazz1975 · Joined: 14 Feb 2006 Posts: 301 Location: Zama, Kanagawa

Jizzo T. Clown · Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2006 8:29 pm Post subject:

I thought English was the official language in Trinidad. Confused

And isn't Carnival a cruise line?

C76 · Posted: Tue Mar 28, 2006 7:54 pm Post subject:

Mchristophermsw · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 228

Jizzo,

English is the primary language in many Carribean Countries but there English is very different dialect than Western English.

But there are severl international schools on the Islands, also atleast for Trinidad and Tobago you have to take in consideration their immigration.

Many Chinese, Venezuelians and others from latin america make Trinidad their home who have English needs. When I was living in Trinidad I was surprised or misinformed about how diverse the country is.

Hope that clears things up.

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

Mchristophermsw · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 228

Jzer,

Gd questions.

First, I can say there is a 'Nich" for "media speak" or Western English because Trinidad is a major gateway to the US and Canada. Better English, more oppertunity and also immigration services goes alot smoother. I have been to Port of Spain and its real dread at the US embassy. I have seen personally how speaking Western English helps in getting things pushed through that might not have gone through (for the locals seeking off the Island)....

Jzer, Trinidad nor the Caribbean are ESL safe havens by any matters and getting a position would take much more time and networking than it would in ASIA or other parts of the world were ESL has a larger demand.....but if you want to live on a Caribbean Island were the pace of life is slower and all the other perks it is possible teaching English. But like I said, it would take much much more planning, maybe even a scouting trip to make contacts.

Immigration can be really tough though, so that is big obstacle. For me it was easy because I was really blesssed with meeting someone that I connected with and she was best friends with the Prime Ministers Wife who was the Minister of Education! All it took was one phone call and boom I had a informal interview and contract waiting for me! WOW, talking about a one in a million chance! LOL Shocked

But fate would had never came into play unless I had faith in the first place to go live there and for awhile.

Smile

emypie · Posted: Mon Apr 10, 2006 5:53 pm Post subject:

I am an ESL teacher whose from Trinidad and it is not easy to get a job in ESL here. Like they said before, English is the first language in most of these islands, including T&T. ESL is therefore a small niche market. There are a few international schools (American/Canadian) who do recruit from abroad and offer good benefits. But these jobs are very competitive!

And if you are a foreigner, I would not recommend you try to work through the local Min of Ed down here. You will most likely end up in a really rough ghetto school. I'm FROM this country and even I don't want to work through the ministry!

My recommendation -- come visit for Carnival but don't come here to work.

Mchristophermsw · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 228

Empye,

I disagree with you but I will PM you my perspective.

Mchristophermsw · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 228

Okey, I re-read your post and the Im "FROM this country" ercked me.

Hmm, lets capitolize FROM to foster a sense of authority and expertise...well, Iam sorry I dont buy that. Just because your from Trinidad does not mean you know the whole country. You should know that the cultural, social, and political landscape changes drastically depending on the part of Trinidad you stay in.

You must be from Town, or some of the other expensive areas and living in those areas can be very competitive and life is much more challenging in general but I am from the country area New Grant, St Mary's,Muruga, Princes Town side and life is real sweet there...

and the schools while a little beat up have the students have a real thirst to learn and they are the MOE is starving for dedicated teachers to teach in the Country areas...If you dont believe me contact Mrs. Manning and ask her yourself.