• American Samoa Year
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• Chile Pat Sur Year
• China Hunan Year
• Colombia Year
• Costa Rica Year
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• India Year
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• Panama Year
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• Chile Semester
• Namibia Semester
• Tanzania Semester
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• China Summer
• Costa Rica Summer
• Ecuador Summer
• Namibia Summer
• Poland Summer
• South Africa Summer

Program Profile

WorldTeach is proud to partner with the Ministry of Education, the National Secretariat of Science, Technology, and Innovation (SENACYT), and the Technological University of Panama (UTP) to assist in the country’s efforts to improve English language attainment.  Panama is rapidly becoming not only a tourist destination, but also a target for foreign investment as it continues its democratic and stable political conditions.  As such, the need for Panamanians to communicate in English is ever-increasing and WorldTeach volunteers have been invited to assist in this process.

The second year of the program will place volunteers in Panama City, Santiago, David, and Colon.

Volunteer Role

Upon completion of Orientation, volunteers begin their teaching assignments. Volunteers placed at the University level will run evening and weekend English classes in addition to participating in weekday activities. Volunteers teaching at the Ministry of Education schools in Panama City and Santiago will focus on spoken English; volunteers who feel comfortable will also be asked to instruct students in pedagogy, particularly implementing student-centered educational practices. 

All teaching responsibilities will include teaching classes, attending faculty meetings, and developing lesson plans and assessments.  Throughout the year, many WorldTeach volunteers start or contribute to community projects in addition to their regular teaching responsibilities. Such projects may include teaching adult English classes, starting afterschool clubs and/or becoming involved with a local community organization.   Volunteers often find that there is a wealth of service opportunities outside the classroom and that the host community welcomes their involvement.

Volunteers in Panama will be eligible to receive WorldTeach TEFL certification. Please note that for all departures leaving on or after July 1, 2012, an additional $50 is required by volunteers to participate in the TEFL Certification program.

Placements & Housing

Placements will be split between the cities of Santiago, Panama City, David, and Colon. Panama City is arguably the 'most cosmopolitan' capital in Central America, with sky and coastlines reminiscent of Miami.  Santiago is a commercial hub for the surrounding rural areas halfway between the capital and the Costa Rican border, Santiago is home to over 60,000 residents.  While a tourist destination, Santiago has all basic amenities, including grocery stores, banks, internet cafes, restaurants and hotels.

Check out the placement sites for the 2012 academic year!

All volunteers will live with host families, mostly teachers at the schools at which they will be working. Host families will provide meals to their volunteers.  Typical breakfast, as per Panamanian norms, is eggs and bread; chicken and rice are typically lunch and dinner options.  All rooms have electricity, fans, beds and closets.  In addition, volunteers will receive a stipend to supplement other living expenses, such as additional food, transport and supplies.   

The Panama Field Director will work with all sites to arrange suitable schedules, trying best to accommodate schools’ as well as volunteers’ needs and preferences. 

Financial Information

$3,990. This includes pre-departure information and preparation, round-trip international airfare, health insurance, in-country orientation, transportation to your site, meals and housing during orientation and throughout your teaching service, and 24-hour field support. 

WorldTeach Panama volunteers receive a monthly stipend from the Ministry of Education, channeled through the WorldTeach Field Office, once they begin teaching.  This stipend is more than ample to cover the costs of food, local travel and utilities. 

Many volunteers are able to successfully fundraise all or a significant portion of their volunteer commitment. Please refer to our fundraising guide for more information about fundraising possibilities.

Read more about costs and services here. 

Requirements

Volunteers must:

• Be a native or native-level English speaker
• Have a Bachelor's degree (in any subject)
• Be flexible, open-minded, patient and actively engaged in shaping this new program
• No older than 65 years old at departure
• Possess a desire to teach in Panama