CJR10
11/3/2015 21:04 EST
Hi everyone,
Please could you offer some advice to a young-ish ESL teacher looking to move to Panama?
I particularly want to know what to expect from life there, such as:
- approximate living expenses (food etc.)
- public transport
- minimum salary to save a few hundred dollars
- English as Foreign Language job vacancies
- how easy it is to meet people/make friends
- where to look for rental accommodation and in what locations
I'm currently in Vietnam so I'm prepared for the heat.
I've scoured the internet for as much information as I can but much of what I find is either out of date, or thin on details.
I plan on moving in April of next year, and I'll have a buffer fund to see me through a month or two until I can find work.
Any advice would be greatly received.
Thanks in advance,
C
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Travelocity
11/4/2015 09:45 EST
you can live for cheap. I have seen rooms for rent for $85 every 2 week pay with all utilities included. see the classifieds in various newspaper such as http://www.buscafacil.com/.
you can live for cheap. you eat for cheap. it's a matter of taste. there was a guy who lived here for about 5 years and taught English online to Asian kids over the internet. try to come with a job in mind to avoid running out of savings.
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Travelocity
11/4/2015 09:57 EST
also if you come with a job from one of the schools here, they give you a monthly rent allowance. I knew a brit who worked for the british school here. they need to be brits to work there. there are many other bilingual schools. here are some and their sites. email or call them. if you can living close the schools can be better for commuting. if you can't then just do share ride with other teachers to avoid getting a car. this girl used to do that.
http://panamainfo.com/en/schools-panama-where-should-i-send-my-kids. here is another one: http://www.panama-offshore-services.com/choosing_the_best_panama_school.htm
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coronadochris
11/4/2015 10:12 EST
That type of job would probably be found in Panama City. While there are inexpensive places to stay in the city they are not likely to be in a good neighborhood. There are some very bad areas, so please be careful.
Public transportation is inexpensive and food can be if you are willing to eat local produce with lots of rice, beans, plantains and some chicken.
To be employed legally you will need a visa that allows you to work.
There are a lot of expats in Panama City, and not just retirees. Making friends among the expat community and locals should be no problem . Most are very friendly and helpful.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/youngexpatsinpanama/ may be a good source of information
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coronadochris
11/4/2015 10:46 EST
Here's some budget estimates from Panama For Real for various areas of Panama popular with expats:
http://www.panamaforreal.com/budget-snapshot/
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CJR10
11/6/2015 01:20 EST
Thanks for the replies everyone. I'm thinking of trying Panama City. I will wait until I arrive before applying for work as I understand that many schools/universities are reluctant to recruit from outside the country.
I'm not expecting to live like a king but it would be nice if I can save a bit of money. From what I gather the salaries for English teachers are low- around $1000 if you're lucky. Hopefully I'll be able to work with that.
What are the nice areas of Panama City? Ideally I'd like to be close to the sea as having lived beside it most of my life I've missed it since being in Vietnam (I'm inland). Also what areas should I stay clear of?
Thanks again.
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ranadelnorte
11/6/2015 09:05 EST
If you're looking for sea, that would be the Caribbean side of the isthmus. Pacific Ocean views are available from many highrise buildings in Panama City, including those in the areas of Costa del Este, Paitilla, Avenida Balboa, Marbella, Obarrio, San Francisco, and El Cangrejo. There are no beaches in Panama City; for that you have to go toward Coronado.
The cost of living in Panama City has been discussed extensively on this forum. Just use the search function. The website www.panamaforreal.com has budget snapshots per area of the city, some with video. On a budget of $1000/month, you'll be looking at shared accomodation.
Also suggest you do due diligence about working without a work permit; this has risks (including deportation) and consequences (being paid low, under-the-table salary). There have been a number of excellent lists of private schools posted on this forum. Those schools would require a regular teching credential. They may or may not facilitate getting a work visa for you, but in any case wouldn't hire someone without proper working papers, as it would be too risky for them. There are private language schools that wouldn't be so scrupulous about a work visa, but would penalize you by paying low wages.
Good luck!
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