Job Discussion Forums

[communicator]

Hi Everyone,

I recently completed a CELTA program and I"d assumed that I would "try my hand" teaching in Asia. Upon further reflection I decided to perhaps look into some alternate destinations and Panama came to mind. I have looked at some other threads on Panama and they have left me with as many questions as answers. First a little personal background:

-A University degree
-Recntly completed a CELTA program
-Extensive international business experience
-Significant training and technical assitance backsround
-Adjunct Instructor at the Univeristy level in the U.S.

The reason that I am thinking Panama is because of what I perceive to be the international business environment. Perhaps in addition to teaching it could be conducive to additional activities/opportunities. I have also seen information to suggest that the level of compensation in Panama is at least reasonable. My primary questions are as follows:

1.What are the true opportunities like for teaching ESL in Panama?
2.What is the compensation range?
3.What is required to obtain the work permit that seems to be a source of such angst for those interested in Panama?
4.How much money would be required to establish a base there?
5.What is the approximate monthly cost of living that would be reasonable on an English teacher's salary?

Thank you in advance for anyone who can assist me with some of these answers.

[misteradventure]

Panama requires work permits.

Locals, who are fluent in the language, with contacts, get by on $500/ a month or so. This is the standard for people with university degrees.

The last person I talked to who got a residence permit (not a work permit, mind you) paid over $1200 USD in legal and government fees. If you don't have a corporate sponsor, you might as well give it up.

English teachers are regularly reported to make about $5 USD per hour in this forum. Look for yourself, since you appear to be lazy.

You can live like that if you are a local. If you don't want to ride Los Diablos Rojos, your cost of living will increase.

If you have never lived in the third world, expect to pay at least as much as you would in the US/Canada/Europe/Aus/NZ for at least the first 6 months until you figure out who is screwing you and who isn't.

Did I mention the necessity to read/speak/comprehend Spanish?

Your best bet is to fly down and look for yourself.

I did.

[nineisone]

I can't offer any relevant information on the ESL market in Panama but my impressions of the country from traveling there is that it is modern with a fairly well constructed business environment although probably not as strong since much of the American influence is gone with the change of guard in the control of the canal. Cost wise I would place Panama City in the same boat as Costa Rica but CR might be a better go for teaching as you will have less difficulty finding employment and San Jose is really starting to boom with Multi Nationals like Intel and Citibank moving offices to the outskirts of the city.

[pirateinpanama]

After eight years years, I can give you my impressions.
As the first poster mentioned, a work permit is required for most jobs now. You can expect the legal fees etc., to be around $800. or so. This would involve the legal BS that goes along with immigration and Ministerio Trabajo. About three months will pass before everything is completed. This government is a notorious bureaucracy.
If you're a masochist, you can get a job at one of the "private schools."
Usually $800 per month. These are pretty bad jobs. The best jobs are the university jobs. You can easily make about $1,000 per month depending where and the number of classes you have. Your college degree and previous work at a university is a great help. They don't give a hoot about certificates here. You should be making a MINIMUM of $10 per hr.
Knowing Spanish is an asset, but not a necessity. Expect to pay your security and first months rent before you move into any apartment. Easily $1000, if you expect to live in a good neighborhood. This place is not cheap, and I agree with the first poster who says it could be as expensive as any first world country.
My suggestion is go to Florida St. U. No permit required here, but it's difficult to believe this will go on much longer. You may be able to get one class for $20 an hr.
The odds of finding a job via internet are not good. You need to be here.
GOOD LUCK !

[kingkristopher]

Hi,

your questions:

1.What are the true opportunities like for teaching ESL in Panama?
2.What is the compensation range?
3.What is required to obtain the work permit that seems to be a source of such angst for those interested in Panama?
4.How much money would be required to establish a base there?
5.What is the approximate monthly cost of living that would be reasonable on an English teacher's salary?

1. There are MANY opportunities to teach ESL here in Panama. There is far more demand for English than there are qualified teachers to deliver the classes. That being said, it is very unlikely that anyone coming from abroad would be able to crack this market without considerable time and expense.

2. The compensation ranges from $5/hr in places like Berlitz to $15 in most Universities to $25 for private classes. It's significant to note though, that if you are not legal to work you will NEVER see more than $10/hr.

3. In order to obtain the work permit you need: a) Money. Between $600-$1500 depending on your lawyer and the amount of time you expect the process to take. Some lawyers can actually speed up the process somewhat, but at a price of course. b) A Sponsor. This is a company that will agree to add you to its payroll. Here's the problem, labour laws in Panama require that a companies workforce be at least 90% Panamanian. Most companies use that 10% exception for their manager and administrators. In this case, a school will never use its 10% exception on a teacher. An AD or DoS maybe, but a teacher, no way. That means you'll have to either find someone friendly to your cause, or do what most teachers do and pay someone to put you on their payroll (sketchy and risky, but not much other choice). Of course, you could marry a local like I did, but that's a whole other kettle of fish... c) Patience. Lots of patience. Good Karma couldn't hurt either. And perhaps Divine Intervention

4. If I were in your shoes, I wouldn't come down with less than three grand. Figure that you'll need the cash for the permit, plus rent (first and last) and money to tide you over until you can work, three months worth at least. Adds up quickly.

5. Like others have said, expect to pay US living standards for the first few months. After that, you'll easily get by on less than $1000/month, $500 if you're frugal, but you'll be much more comfortable on $1500. Luckily, if you ever do get that permit, $1500+ a month is not unrealistic.

Hope that helps.

Cheers