Panama City – A Fusion of History & Modernity

 

Introduction

 

​Regardless of popular myths and beliefs, Panama is now one of the safest, secure and more stable nations in the region. When you’re in need of beaches, tropical climate, wildlife, exotic cultures, great foods, friendly locals and exotic cultures then Panama is home for you!

Welcoming both east and west, Panama is a regional hub of trade and immigration. The resulting cultural cocktail forges a refreshing ‘anything goes’ attitude, more dynamic and fluid than any of its neighbours.

These are just few of the reasons why the country is booming in the tourism industry, more people are not only visiting the country but many have started living and working there.

Panama’s that is rapidly growing with new construction, business and industry jobs at all time. Due to this fact as well as increased tourism, English language is becoming a necessity to the local audience. Therefore, there is little or no competition for English teachers as the demand is very high. 

The salary in Panama is a bit higher compared to other Central American countries. Though the cost of living is higher in Panama, you can be able to earn sufficient money and also be able to save some extra cash for you every month. 

 

TEFL/TESOL Training Centre

 

Our Panama City TEFL training centre offers modern, comfortable facilities in a convenient downtown location. Certified TEFL teachers seeking employment in Panama will find many opportunities in private language schools located throughout the city.

Most English schools are conveniently located near public transportation, cafes, restaurants, and shopping areas. Many TEFL classes may be taught outside of the schools themselves in the offices of corporate or business clients, which make for highly motivated students and an efficient learning environment.

Most of the students you will be teaching are adults who work in the tourism industry who need English for their jobs, as well as for personal development!

 

The 4-Week TEFL/TESOL Course

 

Our 4-week TEFL course is fully accredited and certified to meet international standards. The training involves up to 6 hours of observed teaching practice and 120 hours of classroom instruction. You will acquire all the practical skills you will need to teach English as a foreign language in any country around the world. Classes run Monday to Friday, 9-4pm. Weekends are free to explore the local area but you will have homework assignments.

Bring your laptop or iPad as you will need it to research and prepare your lessons. 

 

Accommodation

 

Housing assistance is available either in shared housing, independent living, in local hotels/hostels or with local families. Once your place has been confirmed on the TEFL course we can assist you with booking your accommodation.

 

Places to teach English in Panama

 

Similar to other Nations around the world, TEFL teachers will get most of their opportunities in the major cities and towns. Many opportunities will be available in Panama City as it is the capital of Panama. The further you go from these big cities and major towns the less the opportunities you will get.

 

Types of Teaching Jobs in Panama 

 

Private Language Schools 

 

There are numerous language schools situated in Panama, and this is the place most TEFL educators will work in the nation. Their requirements will change; some will require a BA degree, a teaching certificate (TESOL, TEFL or CELTA) and experience, while others will need none of these things! 

You will ordinarily be teaching adults in these schools, and you’ll likely be working in the evening, nights and weekends. Most schools give 8-week courses, and you will either be paid by the hour or by the course. You’ll presumably be teaching many classes consistently. 

 

International Schools – Panama City 

 

There are additionally some bilingual and International schools in the nation that employ TEFL instructors. They pay higher wage rates than private language schools, yet they do want to employ experienced instructors. You may discover some that will hire TEFL educators. However, you should have a decent globally recognised TEFL certificate, a degree (ideally in instruction), and experience.

 

Private Lessons 

 

You’ll see that many teachers in Panama take private lessons to supplement their salary. Despite the fact that you can always earn more cash taking private lessons, it doesn’t offer much stability. However, the trick is to always insist that the students pay for a full course in advance. 

 

Teaching Online 

 

There are currently a huge number of jobs for teaching English online over Skype or different platforms. Your students can be based globally, so the world is your oyster. Most teachers win around $15-25 every hour teaching on the web and no work permit allow or visa is required to do as such. 

 

Teaching Requirements and Qualifications 

 

You will find that a few schools require that you have no less than a BA degree, a teaching certificate like a TEFL, TESOL or CELTA and/or some experience. Others may very well require a BA degree or a teaching certificate, and some won’t require anything, only that you are a native or fluent English speaker. 

Individuals that do have a TEFL certificate, and some experience will discover the most open doors, and besides, they will have the capacity to get higher pay rates than those without. In this way, while it is conceivable to discover an occupation with no qualifications and experience, it will be harder, and you won’t earn as much.

 

Visa Requirements 

 

For virtually all western nations, UK, IRE, USA, CAN, AUS, NZ, EU including South Africa, you needn’t bother getting a visa to go there. You’ll get a 180-day exemption stamp upon landing in Panama. 

To work legitimately in Panama, you should apply for a work permit. There are an extensive variety of different visas accessible and here and there your employer or school will help you apply for the right one. 

 

How To Find a Job Teaching in Panama 

 

You will discover jobs publicised on the web, yet most prospective employers will, as a rule, need you to meet in you in person. You are better off seeking employment after you have arrived in the nation. 

You should contact schools directly firstly by email, then phone or face to face.

Alternatively, you can meet different expats living in the nation. There are Facebook gatherings and discussions online that you can meet other expats and approach them for counsel. Attempt to discover where expats get a kick out of the chance to “home base” in Panama and go and meet them! Normally, expats will have the capacity to give you a word of wisdom about what schools need teachers and furthermore disclose to you which schools are legitimate or not. 

 

The Job Market

 

There is an unfathomable appeal for native English speaking teachers in Panama and little competition for jobs. With this in mind, if you have a TEFL/TESOL certificate and some experience, you shouldn’t discover it too difficult to get a sensibly well-paid employment. 

Living and working in Panama will offer an exceptional affair that you won’t get in many other nations, and you can eat delicious crisp food, unwind in the tropical climate with some dazzling landscape and find love and romance! 

 

Job Guarantee

 

We guarantee you a job placement in Panama subject to you being able to present yourself properly at an interview. It’s really that simple. If you turn up wearing a vest top & sandals, or looking like you just got mugged on the way there, then no one will employ you in Panama or anywhere else.

 

Cost of Living 

 

Panama is a moderately modest nation, with territories, for example, neighbourliness and transportation appearing to be shoddy to many outsiders. Food may be more costly than in the United States or EU, depending if the food can be delivered in Panama or not. 

A gallon of the drain can set you back around $3.80-$4:50 which contrasted with drain’s US average cost of $3.80 in December 2013 is a sorry difference. Food in Panama’s top eateries is moderately modest, with a supper in the most noteworthy end of eateries costing around $30-$40. 

If you desire the true Panamanian experience, you may likewise need to visit a “Fonda”, which may now and again not be hygienic (more often than not they are, the legislature is primarily on top of them and when somebody gripes about them, an examination results) or Niko’s Cafe, a smorgasbord style cafeteria where you can eat a wide variety of Panamanian dinners at reasonable costs, from around $3-$10.