Moving to Panama

[OnTheMove]

Hello members,

I am a Training Manager in the call center business and am looking into moving to Panama. I am sure I could find a job there but I am worried about schooling, health and housing.

Does anyone have tips?

Thanks!

[Stoves12]

Hello, OnTheMove. Did you make your move to Panama? I have never been to Panama, but I will share from my background. Then I have a question for you.

I am an English teacher certified in English and Spanish in TX and GA. I have spent the last 12 years living in Latin America or working with Latin Americans. I have lived and worked in Venezuela, Mexico, and in Texas on the Mexico border. I also worked in a call center for the Whirlpool Corporation in TN on a bilingual customer service team. I have researched Panama extensively for some of the reasons you have. I currently reside in GA, but my love for Latin America has me looking at opportunities in Panama.

First, the private schools I have looked at seem terrific. Your kids won't deal with the horrible pressures of secondary schools as you find in the states. It exists, but education is still a priviledge in Latin America.

Second, you will find general healthcare to be better in Latin America. All of the doctors I have dealt with in Venezuela and Mexico have been attentive, concerned, and knowledgeable. There are always some cultural differences in how certain things should be treated. Some of these things might seem weird, but I have learned a lot from Hispanic medical professionals. Cost is great too. Medical assistance in Panama is very affordable. For extreme needs, I have always thought it would be best to be treated in the US, but I have read that many American doctors live in Panama.

Third, housing can be expensive if you search as a foreigner. If you go to the right places, and you are willing to live in the regular neighborhoods, housing can be quite affordable.

I can send you some links if you would like.

I personally love the family aspect of Latin America. I am American, but I prefer the relationship first mentality in LA. I don't like the ambitious, successful, me-first mentality in America. I also have a strong desire to assist with church growth in LA.

Now for my question. As I mentioned, I too am looking at Panama. My professional experiences have been in a call-center and teaching. I have found lots of info on the call center boom in Panama. I am researching in an effort to find out what companies need in the area of language and culture training in call center environments. I think it is a huge need as companies are outsourcing call centers to other countries. The standards for English are often low. Humble foreigners often don't know how to handle and win over demanding, hurried Americans in the span of a short phone call. I understand this is not your area, but I am asking this question to everyone I can ask so I can get back to Latin America and not have to teach for $7/hr. What opportunities do you know of in this area? If you don't know of any yet, respond when you get to Panama.

Thanks!