ESL research in Dominican Republic

[Patty's Mother]

Can anyone help me locate information related to adults in the Dominican Republic wanting and/or needing English lessons? Possibly starting a language school there? Who takes English lessons? Do you need english to get a good tourism industry job?

 

[Charlie]

Yes, being bi-lingual is an important key to landing a job at resort. When I stayed at the Renaissance Jaragua in July, an employee told me that it was requirement for all staff that have verbal contact with guests, to be able to speak English. Sames goes for the Hispaniola, InterContinental, Santo Domingo Hotel and other major resorts.

 

[Hillbilly]

This would not be my first career choice.

There are two large Bi-National Centers (Sto Dgo and Stgo), there are ELS schools in every major city with hotels and a lot of provincial capitols also have ELS schools.

It would take a good bit of capital to get started from zero, but I imagine that the market can still hold another school or two...if there is quality, of course....

HB

 

[Dee DeMusis]

Re: This would not be my first career choice.

Ms. B.-- a few thoughts on your ESL question.

English language schools ARE just about everywhere in the DR. They can be rather large"institutes," church-based programs [I taught in one of these in La Romana while on mission assignment], and private enterprises on varying sizes and scales.

One thing I noticed was a high percentageof/preference for AMERICAN English and American-born teachers to conduct the classes. I was considering a position at Casa de Campo and was asked if I were "really" American and where I was born!!!

There will always be a "market" for the language school. I heard it told to me over and over again that"to speak English is to have a profession." ALL AGES and interests want classes. I taught everyone from grammar school children to young adults in the business community. Like baseball, English skills are a passport out of mediocrity and /or poverty.

Depending on the scale you want to mount, you will need some$$$. If you're mounting a business, consult the local DR consulate for info on necessary papers/legalities.

Good luck/ bueno suerte.

Dee

 

[Canadian Bob]

Re: This would not be my first career choice.

Several years ago, we held a "yard-sale" in Costambar. My wife Sylvia spent a lot of time putting price stickers on everything. We were swamped with prospective buyers, but they always asked the price. Of course we pointed to the tags, which had the prices clearly marked. It came as a sad realization that only the children could read. It is interesting to visit a Dominican school and see how dedicated the students are, even when school supplies are in very short supply, as are qualified teachers. We often take so many things for granted, including education. Now, even the Dominican children realize how important schooling is, and are truly grateful when they can get it. Canadian Bob.