Job Discussion Forums

[katelynch10]

I am traveling to Costa Rica in early Feb and I have been researching teaching English there but as I've read many of the discussion threads it seems that there are jobs in the cities but not much availability in the surrounding areas (smaller towns, coasts). I would love to hear from people who are teaching either in Costa Rica or another Central American country and if there is any demand other than in cities. I would love to work in a more rural place and hopefully be paid equivalent if at all possible... Please let me know what your experience has been. Are there opportunities to be had in the surrounding countries (Guatemala, Belize, Panama????) Thanks!

[naturegirl321]

I think that your best bet is Costa Rica.

[katelynch10]

We are definitely headed there first, thanks for the advice.

[MamaOaxaca]

I think every Central American country is desperately in need of teachers, all kinds of teachers, including English teachers. But unfortunately they are also desperately in need of money with which to pay teachers. The best English teaching jobs in Latin America are generally at the University level, or teaching young would be business executives. Neither of those things are usually found in rural areas. For example, here in Mexico, English is not taught in public primary schools, in middle and high schools the teachers are generally locals, graduates of the teachers' college. There are very few private schools or language institutes in rural areas. Same goes for universities, most universities are centralized in the big cities.

The good news it there is usually regular, easy transport from the cities to the countryside. So you can live and work in a major city and explore the rural side of the country on your days off.

[naturegirl321]

[katelynch10]

That information is really good. Thanks. I want to travel to a place that has a need that I can fulfill. I want to learn from the people of Central America as much as I want to teach. I would like to be able to contribute to a community in various capacities, not just teaching so I am not necessarily looking specifically at areas that are willing to pay me the most. I realize that most foreigners dont teach in Central America for the money. I think if I can feed and house myself that I will be happy. I arrive in San Jose on Feb. 1st so I will check out the local scene and figure if its right for me I suppose.

[John Hall]

[naturegirl321]

[Sgt Killjoy]

Honduras may be an option. Lots of opportunities and you are definitely needed.