Teaching in Curaçao
Options for teaching in Curaçao
Teachers in Curaçao will find the majority of teaching jobs in the capital city of Willemstad, which is home to most of the country’s population and schools.
Salary and benefits while teaching in Curaçao
Teaching Benefit Type | Teaching Benefit Details |
---|---|
Yearly Salary | $800 – 1200 USD/month for public language school teachers, teaching salaries may be higher for teachers at private international schools. |
Working Hours | 7 hours/day, Monday to Friday |
Relocation Allowance | Not provided. |
Vacation | Late June to early August. |
Health Insurance | Not provided. |
Contract Duration | One year. |
Teach in Curaçao
Teaching in Curaçao – Hiring
The school year in Curaçao runs from early August to late June, with peak hiring times being from January to February and June to July. It is common for secondary interviews for teaching positions to be conducted in person in Curaçao.
Qualifications to teach in Curaçao
To teach in Curaçao, it is recommended that teachers hold a Bachelor’s degree in order to teach at a primary and secondary level, although it is not necessarily a requirement. A relevant English teaching qualification such as the University of Toronto’s TEFL Online certificate is usually the required minimum and can equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to land a job teaching English in Curaçao. For teaching in private international schools, an advanced education degree may be required.
English and Dutch are the main languages of instruction in Curaçao at both primary and secondary school levels. Students learn school curricula in both languages, giving countless opportunities for ESL and native English-speaking teachers to work with Curaçao students.
Visas for teachers in Curaçao
Teachers not native to Curaçao will need a work permit to teach in the country. A teacher’s school will need to sponsor the work permit and application. In addition to a work permit, a teacher will need a residence permit to live in Curaçao during the duration of their contract.
Living in Curaçao
Curaçao is part of the island group called the Lesser Antilles – a group of islands in the Caribbean sea that also includes Aruba, Bonaire and Sint Maarten. Like its neighboring islands, Curaçao has a quintessential Caribbean vibe, but also a lively culture that is all its own.
Things to do for teachers in Curaçao
Curaçao has many beautiful beaches to explore. Most beachside land in Willemstad is private hotel property, but a quick drive outside the city gives you countless options for public beaches that are not nearly as populated with tourists.
Due to Curaçao’s small size, car rental is the recommended method of transportation. The island has tons of natural beauty to explore, and guided tours can bring you to Curaçao’s best historical sites, rock climbing, and snorkeling areas. With perfect weather all year round, there is plenty of time to explore all parts of the island.
Curaçao’s capital city of Willemstad has a unique combination of the Caribbean and Dutch culture. The city is home to world-class art galleries, shopping centers, and a vibrant entertainment scene. It is easy to feel at home in Willemstad and across all areas of the island, as Curaçao natives are known for their warm hospitality, with a majority of the population speaking fluent English.
Experience teaching in Curaçao
None at a glance
Country information
Capital: Willemstad
Language: Dutch, Papiamento and English
Population: 160,000
Currency: Currency - Netherlands Antillean guilder, US dollar
Government: A constituent country of the Netherlands, under a parliamentary rep
Major religion: Roman Catholic
Climate: Tropical
Quick facts
Curaçao is the most industrialized island in the Netherlands Antilles chain.
Iguana soup is a popular local dish found in many restaurants on the island and includes real iguana as one of its ingredients.
The tap water in Curaçao is purified sea water and is completely safe to drink.
Curaçao is home to the oldest Sephardic-Jewish synagogue in the western hemisphere that is still in use.
There is free Wifi throughout the entire capital city of Willemstad.
Curaçao is located outside the hurricane belt, so tropical storms are rarely a threat to the island.
The island itself is one of the only places to buy authentic Curaçao liqueur.