Teaching English in Santa Ana, El Salvador
Report submitted on 27 January, 2021 by Tammie
Teaching English in Santa Ana, El Salvador:
How can teachers find teaching jobs in Santa Ana, El Salvador?
I do not know. I teach ESL as part of our preparation for our new Christian School that is completely bilingual. I am not a paid staff. All of my work is pro bono.
The main English teaching jobs available are:
Private teaching (not through a school, agency, etc.).
What are the minimum teaching requirements?
Need to be certified by the ministry of education and need to pass an English test
What are the levels of payment?
From what I have heard…$1,25 USD an hour. Pretty terrible.
How many teaching days a week is normal?
5 days per week.
How many face-to-face teaching hours a week is normal?
25 hours per week.
What is the normal arrangement for holidays?
It depends in the school.
What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Santa Ana, El Salvador to teach English?
Don’t do it. There are too many English teachers hence the low wages.
What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Santa Ana, El Salvador?
There is a lot of demand but people cannot afford to pay a good salary. Those who can, go to the universities that offer side classes for young kids, pre teens and high school students.
What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Santa Ana, El Salvador?
No good salaries.
Living in Santa Ana, El Salvador:
Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in El Salvador?
Need a work permit visa.
What is the cost of living like in El Salvador?
Around $1000 USD a month.
What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?
I have lived here for 21 years. I rent a house.
Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Santa Ana, El Salvador?
People are friendly, inquisitive, the country is beautiful and there are a lot of tourist attractions you can enjoy if you like outside living and exploring.
Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in Santa Ana, El Salvador?
Personal safety is a great concern. You must live in a safe environment and be on guard at all times. Best to live in an exclusive gated community or if you are open to it, a recommended hostel.
What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Santa Ana, El Salvador?
Research well. Make arrangements for where you will live, work , eat, etc., prior to full commitment of moving here. Notify your embassy that you are here and how they can reach you in case of emergency. Make sure you have an active cell phone and good internet connectivity.
Make sure you have optimal health and acquire good health insurance that is useful in private hospitals here. Inform yourself as to where to go for medical care before it is a need. Prepare contingency plan.
What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?
Freedom to go anywhere without fear of personal harm or being assaulted, caught in cross fire, or my children being harmed.
What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave El Salvador?
The people I work with. the laid back, non rushed life.
What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country?
Pre-fabricated teaching aids, bulletin board supplies, flashcards.
About Me and My Work:
My Name: Tammie
Nationality: USA
Students I’ve taught in El Salvador: Toddlers (2-4 years), pre-school / kindergarten (4-6 years), elementary (6-12 years), junior high school (12-15 years).
Where I teach: Santa Ana Baptist School. Working here for 2 years.
My school facilities: Good – good building structure, tech access good, sufficient classroom space.
Do you teach English in El Salvador?
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