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.