From Teach Away

This laid-back Caribbean nation is an ideal location for teachers looking for a quieter lifestyle abroad surrounded by turquoise sea and colorful wildlife.

TEACHING JOBS IN THE CAYMAN ISLANDS

With a large number of international prep schools, and a high percentage of public school teaching jobs being held by foreign expatriates, opportunities to teach in the Caymans abound. In particular, the Cayman Islands are home to a number of private international schools looking for teachers who have experience teaching national curriculum in England or Wales, or teaching in the US. Familiarity with IB curriculum is an asset for many international school teaching jobs.

SALARY AND BENEFITS WHEN TEACHING IN THE CAYMAN ISLANDS

Salary and benefits can vary significantly by employer. Many will provide a partial contribution to pension funds and their health insurance plan. The average teacher salary is equivalent to approximately $40,000-50,000 USD. The cost of food and housing can be high compared to some other countries, so teachers will want to be mindful of their budget when they first move to the Caymans. Most educators, however, find that they are able to live comfortably and enjoy the lifestyle.

VISAS FOR TEACHERS IN THE CAYMAN ISLANDS

Teach Away placement coordinators provide assistance through the visa application process, although teachers are ultimately responsible for their own visa application. Note that if you are not a national of an English-speaking country, you will be required by the government to take an English exam before you can be issued a work permit.

TEACHING IN THE CAYMAN ISLANDS – HIRING

Because many people apply to work abroad in the Cayman Islands, many employers prefer to work with teacher recruitment agencies when hiring teachers. The school year in the Cayman Islands lasts from approximately September – June, with recruitment usually taking place around February or March for the upcoming school year. To apply for the chance to teach in the Cayman Islands, please register with Teach Away.

QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED TO TEACH IN THE CAYMAN ISLANDS

Teachings jobs can be competitive, and educators in the private or public school system will need a teaching license in their home state or country, and will usually need several years of experience in addition to their qualification.

LIVING IN THE CAYMAN ISLANDS

Living in the Caribbean tropics, teachers will enjoy the islands’ abundant sunshine and a relaxed lifestyle. The Caymans consist of three islands: Grand Cayman (the largest and most populated), Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac. The majority of teaching jobs are located on Grand Cayman.

COST OF LIVING IN THE CAYMAN ISLANDS

The Cayman Islands Dollar has a fixed exchange rate to the US dollar, with 1 CID = 1.25 USD. US currency is generally accepted everywhere on the islands. The cost of food and accommodation can be high, but teachers with average spending habits are usually able to live comfortably on their salaries.

HOUSING FOR TEACHERS IN THE CAYMAN ISLANDS

Housing is usually not included as part of a teaching benefits package, although most schools will provide assistance in helping teachers find an apartment before arrival.

THINGS TO DO FOR TEACHERS IN THE CAYMAN ISLANDS

Cayman culture emphasizes relaxation, and residents have fantastic opportunities for recreation. While there is plenty of nightlife in the Caymans, it is quieter than that of some other Caribbean nations. Instead of all-night partying, people in the Cayman Islands spend leisurely days on the beach followed by long, relaxing dinners. The diving and snorkeling on the islands is legendary, and the islands have beautiful hiking spots as well.

One of the most popular tourist destinations on Grand Cayman is Seven Mile Beach, with coral sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The nearby Stingray City provides travelers with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pet friendly stingrays while swimming in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea. With colorful wildlife, tropical beaches, and a warm and welcoming environment, teaching in the Cayman Islands is the perfect opportunity to travel to paradise and stay there.

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