Working In Santo Domingo

[Tina]

Hi, all. I tried searching the DR1 archives for the answer to this question, but couldn't find the info I seek. So, can anyone tell me if there are any jobs in the DR (specifically around Santo Domingo) that are available to someone who does not speak Spanish? If there are jobs, I would appreciate any suggestions as to what kind of jobs they might be and what companies might be offering them.

 

[martin]

Well, it's gonna be hard... Why don't you take advantage of the situation and learn spanish ?

 

[Tina]

Yeah, I thought it'd be tough to get a job without knowing Spanish! Actually, though, I am working on learning Spanish, and I do find it quite fun! I just was hoping to get a job right away but I guess that's not gonna happen. Well, thanks for your input

 

[Chris]

TRY THE FREE ZONES

well, i use to own a business in santo domingos free zone, and i didn't not speak any spanish. obviously, as time went along i learned to speak it. but my advise is to definately check the free zones. the majority of the companies are american. it was hard for me to find people who spoke perfect english, that why in time i leared it. but your english is definate asset in the free zone, good luck!

 

[diane pellerin]

Would you be interested to work in Puerto Plata. Let me know, I have lived here for 16 years and can help.
Diane Pellerin

 

[RW]

There are plenty jobs available teaching English. You could even just get out the old phone book and call up English institutes. They seem to be always looking for native speakers.

 

[catherine]

OK i have some questions. What kind of jobs are found in the free zone areas what kind of job titles or companies are there like clothing etc? Also are there any requierments to teach english in the institutes. I know spanish and engish very well and I'm an elementary school teacher in NY. How much on the average do those institutes pay anyway. I'm asking becuase Im moving to DR in september and I plan to work out there

 

[RW]

I have heard that there are job opps in the free zones for people who are fluent in English and are computer literate, but this is from hear say and not from personal experience. As far as teaching English, I would say that you would be set if you wanted to do that. They aren't too strict on education requirments here and teaching English. And, I assume that you have a Bachelor's degree or higher and that would make you a competitive hire to many English institutes here. I would say the average pay is about 150-250 pesos an hour ($9.00-15.00/hr.) However, much of this work is part-time. Also, have you ever thought about teaching elementary school here? If so, the best salary would be if you were hired in the States and then came here. There is a huge and unjust wage gab between Americans hired outside the country and inside the country to teach (nonresident and resident wages). See the post by Hillbilly for teacher hiring services.