TEFL Course and TEFL Jobs in Costa Rica

Volcanoes, rainforests, coral reefs and beautiful beaches are just a few of the elements that make up this country's incredible landscape. With coasts on both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, Costa Rica boasts a pleasant year-round climate and incomparable ecological diversity. Sea turtles, two-toed sloths, squirrel monkeys, and manatees are just a few of the creatures to be found on Costa Rica's long list of natural treasures.

Characterized by social and political stability, high educational levels, and an efficient infrastructure, Costa Rica’s society is as impressive as its scenery. Not to be overlooked are the Costa Rican people, or "Ticos," who are famous for their friendly hospitality and fun-loving attitude. In fact, the appeal of this tiny nation is such that many visitors never want to leave. The estimated 80,000 people who have moved here in recent years have found that Costa Rica is not just a great place to travel, it is a great place to live, to work and to call home.

There are a significant number of job opportunities for EFL teachers at present, and this is likely to increase in the future since there is an ever-increasing need for English language proficiency for all types of job opportunities for Costa Ricans. The majority of jobs available are in the cities of the Central Valley (San José, Heredia, Cartago and Alajuela), in various situations, including private language schools, private companies, primary and secondary schools and universities. Jobs are also available in rural and costal areas of the country.

The average pay ranges between 3,000 colones and 4,000 colones (US$5.50 to US$7.75) per hour. The number of hours per week varies according to the type of institution, and if the courses are on or off-site. Each school will have a different benefit package, some even including enrolment on the Costa Rican Social Security system for health insurance, a new arrival allowance, or rental of cell phone. The most professional schools will also offer some kind of first arrival assistance, i.e. finding a room or house for the teacher to live in for the first week or so and then a monthly stipend or overseas allowance for foreign teachers.

Teachers need a contract from a school to apply for a work permit. The responsible schools will process the required documents and pay the local fees for this. Many schools, however, hire teachers without offering work permission protection, and teachers must leave the country every ninety days (staying out 72 hours) to have their tourist visa renewed.

Any time of the year is good for looking for work. However, if teachers are looking for a full time job, applications should be received during November through December to start working in January or February (when the school year begins).

The best advice is to get some type of recognized TEFL qualification before arriving in Costa Rica or to take one of the internationally recognized courses offered in the country. Besides making the whole teaching experience more positive, a teaching qualification in hand will make the job search easier and will also allow the teacher to earn better while in the country.

La Fortuna
• La Fortuna SIT TESOL Certificate	from $1950
Courses Available: Jun Aug Nov
San Jose
• San Jose Intensive TEFL Course	from $1995
Courses Available: May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
San José
• San Jose Cambridge CELTA	from $1750
Courses Available: Jun Nov