With the current economic situation in the States right now many are looking at moving southward. For those who aren’t yet retired, or don’t have sufficient savings to stop working, what options are there for living and working in Panama?

For many the best option is to telecommute to their current job. As picture perfect as it sounds, this isn’t always possible. The braver souls might look into investing in a current business (which you have to have the cash for) or starting up their own business. But what about the ones who just want to find work in Panama?

Teaching English is definitely a viable option. Schools often jump at the chance to employ native speakers, and there is no end to the number of people who want to learn English. Spanish is helpful, but not necessary. In fact, most schools require that teachers only speak in English with their students.

I have friends who like to fool their students by pretending they don’t speak any Spanish. It is quite devious and sneaky, but makes for a good surprise when you finally give yourself away!

Most language institutes have afternoon, night and weekend classes designed for a variety of teen to adult students. Some of the teachers have certification, but many of the foreigners working in these language schools do not. Some private schools offer English classes as part of the curriculum, or teach certain subjects in English, but they almost always require the teacher to be licensed. These jobs pay about $800 a month.

For language institutes, the pay often depends on the number of courses you are teaching. An average 8 week class would meet 2–3 times a week for anywhere from 1 1/2 to 3 hours. The going rate is between $14–$16 dollars an hour.

The trickiest part about working in Panama is that you are doing it on the sly, under the guise of your tourist visa (which is valid for 90 days and renewable for another 90 days at the immigration office for $16). After the 180 days, jump over to Costa Rica and enjoy another 180 days in Panama.

Working legally is a bit more of a process. A work visa costs $100 dollars and to get one you need a copy of your work contract, a criminal background check from your country of origin, a Certificado de Buena Salud (doctor consult and HIV test approx $10), a letter to immigration requesting a work visa for a visiting expert, and a letter to the Labor Ministry for a work permit. The letters must show why a Panamanian company needs to hire you over a Panamanian citizen (for your skills). The letters must be drawn up by a lawyer, and those fees can be pretty expensive. (Many teachers never go through this, they just work on their tourist visa and pay the extra taxes.)

I recommended e-mailing the school and arranging an interview or employment before arrival in Panama.

Here is a list of several language schools in Panama:

• Berlitz (www.berlitz.com)
• Wall Street Institute (www.wallstreetinstitute.com)
• Centro Especializado de Lenguas, Edith Espino (eespino@utp.ac.pa)
• American English Overseas Center, Italia Vergara Arenas (aeocpa@cwp.net.pa)
• Educational Institute for English Learning, Ricardo de la Cruz, (eifelsa@cwpanama.net)
• Kaplan (www.kaptest.com, edutech@pty.com)
• The Oxford School (www.ois.edu.pa/engl/mainfs.html, oxford.ois.edu.pa)
• International School of Panama (www.isp.edu.pa, isp@isp.edu.pa)
• English Learning Centers (elcpa@uinteramericana.edu)

Another option is of course to teach privately. Private English tutors can charge anywhere from $15–25 an hour. Private lessons are more productive and they pay better, but they are difficult due to reliability. It is best to try to get a student to commit to two weeks or a month in order to stabilize your schedule a bit. Any longer than that may be difficult, as many Panamanian live paycheck to paycheck.