Come explore all Costa Rica has to offer as an English teacher. No teaching experience or degree is required for this amazing opportunity.
All you need is a TEFL certificate, a positive attitude and a plane ticket to start a career in one of the world’s most biodiverse countries.
With this course, you will have the chance to study for 4 weeks in Manuel Antonio, located on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica.
You will receive jobs placement assistance from the team in Costa Rica for the duration of your stay and also for the rest of your English teaching career abroad!
Teaching English in Costa Rica is a dream many people have but are too afraid to take the first step into making that dream a reality.
Let me help make the process as simple as possible! I will help you through the entire process from the best ways to get to Costa Rica, to finding job placements and accommodation. I will show you why teaching English abroad is the best career in the world!
Making the jump to this awesome new life isn’t as hard as you think, especially when you have someone there to help every step of the way.
So get in touch today and this can be the first page of your new story!
Cost Rica TEFL Course Requirements
- Must be fluent in the English language
- Positive attitude
- Over the age of 18
- Bachelor’s Degree preferred but not required
- Must complete the course and pass the assessments
What this course will give you
- 150 hours of TEFL / TESOL training over 4 weeks
- When you complete the course, you get your accredited TEFL certification
- You get to practice teaching with local ESL students
- Refresher in English grammar and punctuation
- Classroom management
- Job placement assistance in local TEFL schools
- Access to jobs in schools worldwide
- How to teach private lessons
- Education theory
Plus much, much more!
3 STEPS TO TEACHING ENGLISH ABROAD
1
CHOOSE A COURSE
When you have enough of living at home and working the same job and want a new life abroad.
2
SCHEDULE A CALL
Tell me what your goals are, where you dream of living and how long you want to travel the world.
3
LIVE THE DREAM
Start your plans to begin your new adventure overseas. It's time to get out there and live again.
The cost of the TEFL Certification in Costa Rica is only $1800
- $600 Deposit + $1200 Balance
- + $150 for textbooks
(Deposit to be paid to secure your spot on the TEFL course in Manuel Antonio. The balance must be paid in full before the course begins)
Refer a friend and they get a $50 discount and you get $100 sent straight to you with love!
Start Dates 2022
- May 18, 2022 – June 14, 2022
- June 20 2022 – July 15, 2022
- July 20, 2022 – August 16, 2022
- August 22, 2022 – September 16, 2022
- September 19, 2022 – October 14, 2022
- October 19, 2022 – November 15, 2022
- November 21, 2022 – December 16, 2022
Skip to a Costa Rica TEFL FAQ
- What are the requirements to teach English in Costa Rica?
- Do you need a degree to teach English in Costa Rica?
- Are English teachers in demand in Costa Rica?
- How much do TEFL teachers make in Costa Rica?
- Do you need to know Spanish to teach in Costa Rica?
- Will I be able to learn Spanish during the course?
- Can you save money while teaching English in Costa Rica?
- Can you live on $1000 a month in Costa Rica?
- What is the quality of life in Costa Rica?
- What is the job market like in Costa Rica?
- Hiring season and process for English teachers in Costa Rica
- How do I get a work visa for Costa Rica?
- How to Find a Job in Costa Rica?
- Where to Teach English in Costa Rica?
What are the requirements to teach English in Costa Rica?
You are required to have a TEFL or CELTA certificate and be fluent in the English language. All countries in Central America do not require a third level degree or previous teaching experience for foreigners to teach English as a second language.
Here are some requirements you do not need to teach English in Costa Rica:
- Speak Spanish (many TEFL teachers that come to Costa Rica cannot speak Spanish but we can offer Spanish lessons for those looking to learn)
- Previous teaching experience (if this is your first time teaching do not worry, we will train you on all the skills you will need for the classroom!)
- College or university degree (all native English speakers are invited to train with us and teach English in Costa Rica)
A college or university degree is not required to teach English as a second language in Costa Rica. You must simply be a native English speaker and have completed TEFL or CELTA training.
This is a great opportunity for those who have not completed a college course to find an amazing job working abroad.
Taking a TEFL course will give you the skills needed to teach ESL students. We will also be by your side to make sure you find a teaching job at the end of the course.
Palo Seco Beach in Costa Rica by Daniel Solís
Are English teachers in demand in Costa Rica?
The demand for English teachers is very high in Costa Rica and has grown even more due to the travel bans of the past two years. Costa Rica’s tourism sector relies heavily on travellers from the US and Australia which means English is essential for many businesses to thrive.
As many people move to work online, and English being the dominant language of the online world of commerce, many parents are choosing to have their children educated in English.
Many adults are also looking to reskill by learning another language.
Costa Rica has always had a massive demand for TEFL teachers but we are now seeing it begin to skyrocket, not just in Costa Rica but all over Central America.
How much do TEFL teachers make in Costa Rica?
English teachers in Costa Rica earn between $615 – $1,190 per month. You will not become rich from teaching English but you will easily cover the cost of your accommodation, bills, entertainment, food and transport.
At the end of the day, you are coming to Costa Rica to have an incredible new life experience, explore places you’ve never been to, meet new people and help others improve their English. You can leave Costa Rica with more than you came with if you are careful with your money or use it to make the most of your experience.
Since the best things to do in Costa Rica are free (beach, jungles, surfing) you should have no worries keeping yourself busy while keeping your wallet safe.
Do you need to know Spanish to teach in Costa Rica?
You are not required to speak Spanish to work as an English teacher in Costa Rica. Most schools and language centres have a strict English only policy while around students.
If you are interested in taking Spanish lessons while you are in Costa Rica we are more than happy to help.
Being able to speak Spanish will be helpful in your day to day activities while living in Latin America. It is good to start slow by learning how to order a meal at a restaurant or a coffee in one of the many local cafes.
Will I be able to learn Spanish during the course?
Yes, we offer an intensive Spanish immersion course if you wish to take it. If you wish to take lessons outside of the course we can recommend many local teachers that speak Spanish as their first language that would love to welcome you.
You will also pick up many words and phrases just by living in Costa Rica without even knowing it! The fastest way to learn a language is by surrounding yourself with it.
Can you save money while teaching English in Costa Rica?
It is very possible to save while teaching English in Costa Rica. The cost of living is quite low and many of the most popular activities are free such as surfing and swimming at the most amazing beaches and going on adventures and animal spotting in the jungles and nature reserves.
The biggest expense will be accommodation but even that is reasonable and there are many options available to people looking to save money.
What many savvy teachers and travellers do is rent a large house or apartment together which cuts the cost of living and often enhances the experience
Propiedad Jiménez, Costa Rica by m0ha
Can you live on $1,000 a month in Costa Rica?
You can live very comfortably in Costa Rica for $1,000 per month. This includes your accommodation, bills and food. The average salary for Costa Ricans is $500 which means you will be making far above average and have the potential to save money.
The cost of goods and services in Costa Rica is low due to the average income being low.
This means your salary will go much further and you will be able to enjoy yourself without having any money problems.
What is the quality of life like in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is often ranked very high in the world for its happiness, low cost of living, biodiversity and quality of living. This could be why over 3 million tourists flock to Costa Rica’s beautiful beaches, jungles and mountains each year.
The life expectancy in Costa Rica is also well above the global average. Maybe it has something to do with the clean air, fresh food and water produced by the well-preserved biodiversity and ecosystems.
What is the job market like in Costa Rica?
Due to Covid 19 bringing much of global travel to a halt it has created many job opportunities for TEFL teachers. Many English teachers avoided travelling and moved online to teach during Covid 19.
With travel going back to normal it is the perfect time to head to Costa Rica and fill these jobs.
Skip to this section to find out how to get a job in Costa Rica.
Hiring season and process for English teachers in Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s school term runs from February to December so the ideal time to apply for public schools is in January. Private schools often run in the evenings and weekends which means they hire all year round.
There are always teaching positions available in Costa Rica due to the demand for English rising so fast.
You should feel confident knowing you will find a teaching job after your TEFL course!
How to Find a Teaching Job in Costa Rica?
When you take a TEFL course with Once Upon A TEFL and our partners, we begin the job search before the course has finished.
We have been working with schools and teachers for many years, and we have built a strong relationship. Local schools in Costa Rica seek out TEFL teachers that come through us.
Finding you a teaching job is part of the package. We will make sure you find a job that is right for you.
How do I get a work visa for Costa Rica?
So, if you are wondering, what type of visa do you need to teach English in Costa Rica you have two options:
- Find a school or company to sponsor your visa. You will need to fill out applications and have a letter from the company stating you are entering as their employee.
- Get a 90-day tourist visa when you arrive at the airport in Costa Rica. Once you have the stamp in your passport you are allowed to enter but must do a ‘border trip’ before your 90 days are up.
Most TEFL teachers in Central America follow the tourist visa route.
Simply take a bus or plane to a neighbouring country and come back through to get a new visa in your passport each time. Schools give you a day or two off work for this and you get to explore a new country.
Where to Teach English in Costa Rica?
Some people head to the big cities:
- San José: The capital of Costa Rica and the most populated city with over 333,000 people. A bustling city and has the most job opportunities.
- Cartago: Based in Costa Rica’s Central Valley, the old capital city, sits at a staggering 4,708ft above sea level close to Irazú Volcano. Most famous for the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles where pilgrims come from all over to this gigantic church.
- Liberia: Tourism hotspot with lots to do! Volcanic hot springs, rivers, waterfalls, thinking trails and a host to amazing cafes and restaurants.
Most people prefer the quieter life by the beaches in smaller towns:
- Manuel Antonio: A small town but famously popular for tourists. Voted as one of the world’s 12 most beautiful national parks by Forbes.
- Uvita de Osa: On the Pacific Ocean known as the Costa Ballena. As you can imagine, golden beaches, surfing, jungles and festivals.
The list could go on and on forever but we suggest doing your own research and finding the place that suits you!
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