TOP KEYS FOR TO GETTING A JOB TEACHING ENGLISH IN PANAMA
Education: Preferably a BA/BS though for teaching English in Panama it’s not required
TEFL Certification: Necessary TEFL/TESOL certification obtainable by the 4-week in-person course or 170-hour online TEFL class.
Types of Jobs: Private students, adults, and students in English language schools
Citizenship Requirements: Preference given to citizens of South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Ireland, Canada, UK, and USA though this is not always a requirement
Typical Hiring Process: Local in-person interview
Average teaching hours per week: 20-25 hours in the classroom plus preparation hours
Types of Students: Business professionals
Cost of Living per month: $900-$1300 USD
Visas: Tourist visa and limited work visa
Peak Hiring Months: Months of February-March and again July-August
Average Monthly Pay: $900-$1300 USD
Start –up cost: $1,350-$2,000 USD
Potential to save or break-even: Break-even
Accommodation Benefits: None
Fight Reimbursements: None
Vacation: Depends on the employer
TEACHING ENGLISH IN PANAMA
There is a pleasant absence of heavy tourism and development of resort destinations in Panama. Seemingly endless mountains, rainforests, and beaches for exploring makes it a country that is easy for people to fall in love with. The Panama Canal is another attraction worth visiting, standing out as one of the most impressive marvels the world has ever seen.
English-teaching jobs are typically found in the period of February through March and once more in the time of July and August. In-person interviews are the usual practice and candidates need to be responsible for their housing and airfare charges. Preferred accommodation is in apartments recently vacated by the previous teachers while many also opt for shared accommodation with their coworkers.
English teachers earn a solid hourly wage which allows a comfortable lifestyle. Work weeks are typically 20 to 25 hours long which leaves aside plenty of time for travelling and exploration. A bachelor’s degree is not necessary for teaching in Panama, but employers often prefer to see candidates having one. Supplementary income from online teaching and private tutoring are some of the common practices. Accredited TEFL certification is necessary for permanent employment. Major towns and cities such as Panama City have most of the English teaching jobs.
It is not necessary to have a Bachelor’s degree for securing a job in Panama, but many employers have a strong preference for the same. Those without a degree should prepare themselves for an intense and highly competitive job search process.