Teaching English in Nicaragua

The following comments are from teachers who have taught, or are currently teaching, in Nicaragua. If you are a teacher and have some advice to share, please add it here.

Claudia on 18 February 2007

quote Nicaragua is called the country of lakes and volcnoes. Its beaches, lakes and mountains make Nicaragua a special place to live. People are known for their kindness and warmth. Nicaraguan hospitality makes your teaching experience one of a kind. Its location in Central America allows you to travel around other central american countries in a short amount of time. English learning is very important for Nicaraguan citizens, since they depend economically on other countries which demand communication.

Anonymous on 22 February 2007

quote The first thing I believe is important when applying for a job overseas is finding out the culture, and if your personality is able to handle it. Another factor to evaluate is how developped the country is and if you are able to adapt to it. Teaching English has a lot to do with teaching culture, but whoever is teaching has also to adapt and understand the culture of their students.

Scott on 26 February 2007

quote I have been living and working with English schools in Granada, Nicaragua for 1 1/2 years. Very few of the English schools in Nicaragua have an Internet presence. There are a couple high-end schools in Managua that hire people with Masters in TESOL and other credentials. They can be found using Google. Most of the EFL schools only require previous experience or a TEFL certificate. Expect to earn only $2US to $3US an hour unless you are teaching in Managua. Teachers in Managua can earn $US5-10 an hour. A motivated teacher really needs to come to Nicaragua, visit the schools and interview in person. The only way to really know what the living and working conditions are, is see them first hand. The heat and humidity can be difficult for many people. Imported goods are expensive. Nicaragua is a safe country relative to other Central American countries. The people are friendly and there is an abundance of beautiful, natural environments.

Anonymous on 10 December 2010

quote I´ve been working in Managua for just over two months now. I´m really enjoying my time here. It´s true that the people are incrediably friendly, and (for the most part) my adult students are great, and really motivated to learn. I had never travelled to Central America before accepting the job and arriving here. However, I agree that it is possibly a good idea to visit first, especially for anyone that hasn´t lived in a hot climate before.

For anyone used to students who turn up on time, and always turn up for classes when they´ve confirmed; prepare to be a little more lenient! Time keeping here is lax to a level that I´ve never known anywhere else (even when teaching teenagers!) We have a relatively high level of classes cancelled, and students will often say they´re coming when they´re called in the morning, then just don´t turn up. That said, when they´re here, they´re dedicated and hardworking, and a real pleasure to work with.

I would advise anyone coming out here to work that doesn´t speak Spanish to take an intensive course first of all. Very few people speak English, and I´ve found that I´ve had to learn very quickly. People want to talk to you and know about you, although most are understanding and find it quite funny when you apologise and say you simply don´t understand them!

Overall, it´s been a fantastice experience so far. And the only minor blips have been with my rather lax employer. Students are lovely, food, scenery, culture and people are absolutely amazing.