Teaching Jobs in Santo Domingo

[michelleh]

Hello everyone, I'm new here.

I signed up today because I seem to be getting varying reports about how easy it is to find teaching work in the Dominican Republic. I'm planning a move to Santo Domingo in March. I've been scouring the Internet for the past few weeks, and while there are some promising reports that it is easy to pick up a teaching job, there are others that say it is very difficult.

I have three years of ESL teaching experience and a TEFL certificate, so I'm hoping that will improve my chances. If anyone could point me in the right direction or offer some help, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you.

[**Venus**]

I think couple weeks ago I saw an add about a teaching job at Dominico-Americano. This is their employment section link: Instituto Cultural Dominico Americano

I don´t know about a job in the education area, but unless you like telemarketing or call centers, it´s pretty hard to find a decent paying job, at least in my experience.

Best of lucks!
V

[mountainannie]

Is usually hiring- they have a pretty rapid turn over of teachers. Although they do pay a decent wage (30k) it is still tight to live on that alone in SD.

If you really want to come here and get a top job, it is better to contact the school from offshore. Use this board to get the info on the best foreign schools - for instance there is a new English school in Puna Cana which might offer a more attractive package. You are simply going to look better if you are "recruited" from the US as a teacher rather than someone who just coming down and hopes to find one. Best case scenario is that you find one or two schools, perhaps in different areas, and you can chose on interviewing them. Take note though, that the best schools require that you have a regular teachers' degree or certification and/or good solid work experience.

hope that helps?

[michelleh]

Thank you very much for the advice. I found the website for Dominico Americano yesterday, and I'm definitely planning on looking into it now.

To be honest, I am not concerned with finding a job for the money. I understand that I won't be making a lot this year. I'm moving to Santo Domingo because I'm interested in the Dominican Republic, and I want to experience another new country. I'm not naive about what I'm getting into, and I've saved enough money to live on for about four months.

Again, thank you so much... your responses are helpful.

[mountainannie]

Originally Posted by michelleh

Thank you very much for the advice. I found the website for Dominico Americano yesterday, and I'm definitely planning on looking into it now.

To be honest, I am not concerned with finding a job for the money. I understand that I won't be making a lot this year. I'm moving to Santo Domingo because I'm interested in the Dominican Republic, and I want to experience another new country. I'm not naive about what I'm getting into, and I've saved enough money to live on for about four months.

Again, thank you so much... your responses are helpful.

Good attitude and welcome- You should check out the other English schools in the country as well - because really you appear to have just the right attitude and the country will be blessed to have you - St Michael's, The American School, -- I am sure that there is a thread here.

[CanadianDana]

Originally Posted by mountainannie

Is usually hiring- they have a pretty rapid turn over of teachers. Although they do pay a decent wage (30k) it is still tight to live on that alone in SD.

If you really want to come here and get a top job, it is better to contact the school from offshore. Use this board to get the info on the best foreign schools - for instance there is a new English school in Puna Cana which might offer a more attractive package. You are simply going to look better if you are "recruited" from the US as a teacher rather than someone who just coming down and hopes to find one. Best case scenario is that you find one or two schools, perhaps in different areas, and you can chose on interviewing them. Take note though, that the best schools require that you have a regular teachers' degree or certification and/or good solid work experience.

hope that helps?

Can anyone tell me the name of the new English school in Punta Cana?

[Chirimoya]

Cap Cana Heritage School - it's in its second year now.

Heritage School At Cap Cana

[Sanation]

Originally Posted by michelleh

I'm moving to Santo Domingo because I'm interested in the Dominican Republic, and I want to experience another new country. I'm not naive about what I'm getting into, and I've saved enough money to live on for about four months.

Michelleh, I implore you to read every post on this board regarding living in this country before making the decision to come here. Although you say money isn't a major factor, I can tell you now, the cost of living here is rising at a rate of knots. The difference between having a positive experience and hating this country can come down to $$$$. You need to ensure you have a comfortable home, money to buy little luxuries and to take weekend escapes.

I would not recommend you coming here under your 'own steam' to find a job. Take the advice of other posters and secure a role offshore. You will receive better benefits.

The culture of this country makes the work environment extremely challenging. The more support you have, the more likely you are to enjoy your experience here.

[michelleh]

Mountainannie, thank you very much for the compliment about my attitude. It is always nice to hear something like that, and encouraging. Also, thank you for the names of the other schools.

Sanation, duly noted. I have been reading these forums carefully for the past few weeks. I want as much information as I can gather before I make the move. That is why I am starting the process of applying to schools now. I read about the rising cost of living in another thread, and I realise that I must carefully plan my budget. Could you please elaborate about the culture of the country making the work environment challenging? I am curious because I am under the impression that the Dominican Republic is a very laid back place to be. I also understand that long working hours are to be expected.

The Dominican Republic will be the third country, aside from my native one, in which I will live. Moving to a new country is always a challenge, and I find that the people who are 'fresh off the boat', so to speak, survive better if they come under less misapprehensions. Any advice is welcome, because I will only move to a country if I am as well informed as is possible.

[Mason3000]

I have a friend teaching at Dominico Americano and he's very happy there. He's met a lot of cool people and all around had a great experience. They don't just take anyone though, you must be qualified.

Hey Venus!!!! Long time, I'll be in touch soon.