I've lived Mexico since 2000 as an English teacher focused primarily on business English and as a TEFL course instructor.
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in Mexico City pay anywhere between 100 and 250 pesos per hour. In smaller cities you could probably charge between 100 and 150 pesos per hour and in rural areas no more than 100 per hour. Private classes are unlikely in beach resort areas. Language institutes in Mexico City do not pay well: 40-75 pesos per hour often on part-time work only. There are some institutes that pay between 4000 and 10,000 pesos per month. Language institutes in smaller cities pay between 3000 and 7000 pesos per month. Here is a list of the better paying employers in
A TEFL or CELTA is the most commonly sought credential, though for the best jobs, a related degree and experience are required. It is not necessary to be a native-speaker, though preference is most often given to them. Split shifts are common at language institutes and working in business EFL. It is not easy to arrange a job beforehand. Most hiring is done face-to-face or via recruitment fairs.
A tourist visa is automatically the maximum 180 days. They are no extensions. One needs to leave the country and return for a new visa. There is no minimum time limit for being out of Mexico to get a new visa in this way. It is illegal to work on a tourist visa. That said, it is quite common to find people working on a tourist visa. Some regions of Mexico are notorious for having strict immigration agents who will visit language schools to check on visas. Mexico City seems the most lax in this respect.
To get a working visa (FM3) you are usually sponsored by your employer. You will most often need an apostilled 4 year degree, your passport, and some documentation provided by the employer. It is common to substitute the degree with a TEFL certificate. There is also the independent FM3 visa.
Basically, you need your passport, to pay the fee, a degree and/or TEFL certificate, the application, and a letter written in Spanish outlining what you plan to do and why you are qualified to do it. Later, you'll need to get a tax number to be able to write up receipts for students or companies if you plan to go that route.
Jobs in Mexico are not frequently advertised online. The top private primary, secondary, and post-secondary schools will use recruitment fairs abroad and in Mexico, and often advertise positions on their own websites. The most popular destinations for foreign ELTs are Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Queretaro, San Luis Potosi, Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, Leon, Guanajuato, Aguascalientes, Oaxaca, Puebla, Pachuca, Toluca, Torreon, and San Miguel de Allende. There are dozens more of smaller towns as well.
An unfurnished, one-bedroom apartment in Mexico City can go between 3000 and 10,000 pesos per month. Location in town is the biggest factor. I find it more common that visiting foreign teachers seek a furnished room or a furnished apartment, within about the same range as an unfurnished one. An unfurnished, one-bedroom apartment in other areas of Mexico can go between 3500 and 6,000 pesos per month. Beach resort areas for 4,000 to 25,000 pesos per month. Some toiletries are more expensive as imports, especially shaving cream, perfume, and feminine hygiene products. Electronics can also be expensive, such as laptops and cameras.The bare minimum to cover monthly costs in most places is 6,000 or 7,000 pesos per month. More in beach resort areas.
Due to the low cost of living, more and more people are retiring in Mexico and you don't have to be 65 to do so either. There are people in their 30s and 40s who have retired in Mexico. For more info, take a look at
Panama
18 January 2012
Lived in Panama in 2007 and then again from October 2008 to October 2009
Marjorie
Updated 17 October 2012. It's now easy to get permanent residency in Panama. Please read
Overseas Exile for more info.
With the exception of one or two extremely prestigious private schools, there is NO chance of getting a job if you aren't in country. Getting a job to sponsor a work visa is NOT likely and you will have to make visa runs every three months. Thankfully, you only have to stay out a weekend to be able to return again for another 90 days. Just keep in mind that if you get busted, you'll be on your own, and in all likelihood your school will disavow you. The Panama school year runs from March to December. Any school that has openings will be looking in January, and it is often easier to access the schools during this time.
Getting a job at a private school is challenging. Discrimination, in particular, racism, while not stated, is prevalent in Panama. White people will have an easier time locating a good paying job than someone of a darker skin color. Men should be clean-shaven, short hair, semi-formal attire, and look like they could hold their own. Women should be well-groomed with moderate make-up and wearing a pant-suit or longer than the knees dress with at least short sleeves. This may seem counter-intuitive to the climate, but appearances are EXTREMELY important to the Panamanians. You will NOT get a job if you drop off your resume in street clothes! Spanish skill, while not necessary, will make you more approachable, and more likely to secure jobs. Many places will ask A LOT of questions to double check against possible lies, prevent anyone using drugs from getting a job, and to get a better feel or the individual. Expect questions about your family as well.
Public schools do not often teach English at any level, therefore searching for "government" school work will be nearly useless. As far a living expenses: housing in the city is EXPENSIVE. While buses are available and they run a semi-regular route, they are privately operated by each driver and the condition of a bus isn't guaranteed. A bus may come every five minutes and then nothing for over an hour. Taxis are cheap, they can pick up multiple fares, and often WILL, especially during rush hours.
Power is expensive. Maids are cheap, but be wary of hidden laws concerning their employment. If you shop at the markets food will be fairly cheap. Restaurants aren't too pricy if you aren't asking for American food. Beef can still be expensive. I'd say, for the first person you'd need at least $1500 a month and a minimum of 500.00 a month for each additional person. Gambling places exist for tourists. Tourist neighborhoods tend to harbor pickpockets, especially at night. DUI/DWI is VERY serious. You might also want to read what Panama Gringo has. He wrote
this and
this.
Here are some places to look for work:
Chad Ingram from
Future Business Learning
15 October 2012
Panama continues to be one of the fastest growing economies in the Americas and the demand for the learning English is ever increasing. There are a few options for teaching in Panama: private schools, language centers, and private tuition - most of the positions are concentrated in the capital but there are sometimes opportunities in other parts of the country. Panama is a small country so even if you are based in the city exploring the country on weekends and holidays is surprisingly easy: accessible beaches and mountains are a few hours away, by bus or car, from the capital.
The best way to find a job in Panama is to be in the country and available for interview. You do need a work visa but this can be expensive and time consuming - although technically illegal, most teachers work on tourist visas and make a visa run every six months, for 72 hours, to Costa Rica. Although some places do not hire teachers without a work visa or permanent residence, many do.
In the capital, and to a lesser extent the city of David, there are a growing number of language centers that cater to, as the demand for English learning increases, the business industry. Jobs advertisements for language centers can be found on craigslist, on notice boards in Cafés and by word of mouth or you can approach the centers directly. Most employers require that you have a TEFL/CELTA or teaching experience. Typical hourly rate is $10-$20 per hour teaching groups and individuals, and some centers pay a travel stipend as well. Classes are usually in the mornings, evenings and on Saturdays. Most of the students are adults and group sizes depend on the center but are usually small to medium, and the level ranges from the beginner to the advanced. You are expected to teach either at the center or the client’s place of business or home.
Teaching private lessons is a good way to supplement your income. To find students, you can put up notices in cafes and in the street, and once you are established, word of mouth and personal recommendations are common. The standard rate is $15-$25 dollars per hour depending on travel and what materials you are providing. However, student reliability is sometimes an issue and many teachers ask that students pay for block lessons in advance.
There are jobs available in private secondary and primary schools. The Panama school year runs from March to December and often has openings January. Getting a job at a private school can be tricky if you don’t have a professional teaching degree or a work visa/permanent residency.
Speaking Spanish is not a perquisite to getting a job and in fact most places insist that you only speak English in the classroom. However, learning Spanish will enhance your experience of the country and is useful when dealing with students who speak little or no English. Some schools/centers may offer free or reduced Spanish classes to their teachers.
Panamanians place a lot of value on appearance, therefore looking smart, well groomed, and professional when teaching is recommended and many schools insist upon it.
Transport in Panama is improving and the city has just gone through a process of phasing out the old style ‘diablo rojos ’, which were overcrowded and uncomfortable, with new metro buses. The new buses are modern, air conditioned, and comfortable. You need to purchase a card and keep it topped up. Cards are available from most supermarkets, big pharmacies and other outlets. Fares cost 0.25, except if you go the Corredor Norte and Corredor Sur, which costs $1.25. Taxi fares vary, but journeys within the city should be no more than a few dollars. However overcharging is an issue. Panama is currently building its first metro line which is due to be operational by the end of 2013.
Cost of living in Panama, especially in the city, is high. A monthly allowance of $1000-$1500 can be comfortable, but this very much depends on the cost of your accommodation and how often you go out. Housing is expensive and not always great value, however you can still find good deals, often through word of mouth. Renting a room in a comfortable part of town ranges from $300- $600 and apartments $600-$1500 plus a month and some landlords include gas and water in the rent. The cost of power is fairly high, especially if you have air-conditioning. The cost of eating out can vary - typical Panamanian cafes offer cheap lunch options, $3-$5 dollars for ‘menu del dia’ whilst western style restaurant on average costs $7-$15 for a main. Alcohol is cheap, especially the national beer, but as with food and other goods, you will always pay more for imports.
Big city rules apply in the capital, there are good and bad neighborhoods. Use common sense, especially at night and if you are a lone woman. Crime in other parts of the Panama is not a major issue for foreigners, but again it is important to use due caution whenever travelling.
Here are some places to look for work:
Peru
20 February 2009
naturegirl321@yahoo.com
Time spent in country: 6 years, 2004-2010 in Piura and Lima
Sharon
Institutes pay about $6-10 usd in Lima and about $3-5 usd in the provinces. You can charge about $10-20 an hour in Lima and $5-10 an hour in the provinces for
private classes. Here is a list of the better paying employers in
Peru.Tourist visas can be given for up to 183 days. You can either border hop or pay the $1 a day fine. You can find schools in
teaching English in Peru and
schools in Peru. Most people work on tourist visas. The majority of institues won't get you a work visa. Britanico used to, but I'm not sure if they do anymore. To get a work visa you'll need a legalised copy and translation of your degree. Bilingual and international schools will get you a visa and some universities outside of Lima will as well.
Expat Peru and
Living in Peru are good places to look for jobs. It's practically impossible to arrange a job at an institute before you arrive. Be persistent, people don't return emails. At the end of January and February, schools always have last minute openings. Places with "College" or "Colegio" usually require teachers to have a teaching license and 2 years experience.
In the richer districts in Lima expect to pay at least $250 for an apartment. You'll need at least $500 per month. Contact solution, sunblock, tampons, perscription medicine, large shoes or clothing are expensive.
Lima, Trujillo, Piura, Chiclayo, Arequipa, and Cusco are popular cities to live in. You don't need to be a native speaker. A degree isn't necessary for institutes, but it is for universities and school. TEFL certs aren't required, but they'll help. Split shits are common. the best institutes to teach at are English Life, Business Links, Fulbright, PARI, Camelot, Summit Education, and World Comm, Excel, and Maximo Nivel. The best schools to teach at are FDR, San Silvestre, Colegio Peruano Britanico, Markham, Cambridge, Leonardo DaVinci, Hiram Bingham, Newton, Prescott, Fleming, and Davy. More info can be found at
schools in Peru and
top institutes in Lima.
More info can be found in the
Ultimate Peru List and
TESOL Zone.
Uruguay
5 September 2010
patla01@gmail.com
Time in country: March 2009 to December 2010
Caractacus from Dave's ESL Cafe
Updated 17 October 2012. Here info on
how to get permanent residency in Uruguay from Overseas Exile.
Institutes pay about 200 pesos an hour. You can charge about 300 pesos for
private lessons. Tourist visas are given for 90 days and you can extend them once for 90 days. You can border hop and re-enter Uruguay the same day. You don't need to be a native speaker, have a TEFL cert, or a degree to get a teaching job at an institute. Split shifts are common and you can work in more than one institute - travel all over the city in one day.Eureka, Anglo, Focus, 4D, Langland, and Alianza are good institutes to work at. Uruguayan-American School, British School, and Jewish School are good schools to work at. It's very difficult to arrange jobs beforehand.
It's common to get work on tourist visas. Most institutes won't help with work visas. To get a work visa you'll need a police check from home verified by the Uruguayan embassy and a sponsorship letter from employer. Montevideo is the most popular place to teach English and most people find jobs by knocking on doors. Everything is expensive but not hard to find. Furnished studios are around 10,000 pesos in Montevideo. You'll need about 22,000 pesos a month.
Venezuela
This information was compiled from posts by Canadian-86 and Pennypacker1 from Dave's ESL Cafe.
The average salary per month is about $600 for TEFL teachers. If you want to live comfortably you should earn at least $1000 a month. This many mean that you need to work at more than one institute or
teach private lessons as well. You get 90 days for a tourist visa. Most institutes don't get work visas, however, the British Council does. Some places such as
CVA or
VENUSAwill get you student visas that allow you to work in Venezuela. They are for intern-like situations so you will not be teaching full time. It's not necessary to be a native speaker, have a TEFL cert, or a degree to get a teaching job. Split shifts are common. Caracas, Barcelona, Merida, and Maracay are popular cities to live in. Wall Street, VENUSA, and the British Council are good places to work at.
Venezuela is quite expensive to live in. Housing is expensive and most people live at home until they get married. You could live in a hotel or try to organise a homestay. If you do decide to do a homestay realise that you will probably be paying about $120 a month and will not be allowed to have visitors, smoke, drink, or come home late. Shared housing is more difficult to find but you might be able to work something out with other foreigners. Some apartments may ask for up to six months' deposit. There is a severe lack of accomodations since many landlords prefer to have their apartment empty rather than risk renting it out. In the classified ads section you'll probably only see a dozen adverts in Caracas, a city of 5 million. You can find more info at the
Venezuela FAQ post.
that draws people in. There's a mix of old and new. It's exotic and not many people travel there.
