If you are looking for an opportunity to teach English abroad, then Costa Rica should be at the top of your list. Costa Rica is a beautiful country located in Central America that boasts one of the highest literacy rates in the region. The demand for English teachers in Costa Rica is growing, and with TEFL certification, you can land a job teaching English in this amazing country. In this blog post, we will explore the opportunities that exist for Costa Rica TEFL.

1) TEFL Certification in Costa Rica

TEFL certification stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language certification. It is a qualification that enables native English speakers to teach English abroad. Costa Rica offers a variety of TEFL programs, including in-person and online courses. The in-person courses provide hours of classroom study with experienced teachers, while online courses offer interactive lessons and a flexible schedule. You can find TEFL certification courses from reputable institutions such as International TEFL and TESOL Training, ITTT, and TEFL International.

2) Finding a Job

Once you’ve obtained TEFL certification, finding a job in Costa Rica is relatively easy. The demand for English teachers is high, with private language schools, universities, and public schools all seeking qualified English teachers. Some schools require a bachelor's degree, but many schools are willing to hire teachers with only TEFL certification. You can occasionally find positions on job boards like Glassdoor, Dave’s ESL Cafe, or Craigslist, but your best bet is to conduct a job search in Costa Rica once you’re there.

3) Cost of Living

The cost of living is relatively low in Costa Rica compared to other countries in the region. Your monthly budget depends on where you live and your spending habits. In San Jose, the capital city, you can expect to spend around $1,200 a month on rent, utilities, food and entertainment. If you opt to rent a room from a host family, you can expect to spend around $500 a month. The cost of living outside of the city is much lower.

4) Culture and Lifestyle

Costa Rica has a rich Latin American culture with a laid-back lifestyle famous for Pura Vida (pure life or simple life). Costa Rican people are friendly, hospitable, and appreciate a strong work-life balance. The country has lush landscapes, beautiful beaches, rainforests, and diverse flora/fauna. Costa Rica offers residents endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.

5) Benefits of Teaching in Costa Rica

Teaching in Costa Rica has many benefits, including competitive salaries, flexible schedules, and opportunities to travel and explore. Native English speakers with decent levels of education are sought after in the country. Towards the end of school seasons, there are often opportunities to take on adult learners or teach online classes.  Opportunities for promotion and salary increases are also typically available.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, TEFL certification in Costa Rica offers numerous benefits that make it an attractive and feasible option for teaching English abroad. With a low cost of living, high demand for English teachers, competitive salaries, and endless opportunities for exploration and adventure, Costa Rica is a unique opportunity that shouldn't be missed. So, if you're looking for a new adventure and are passionate about teaching, consider TEFL certification in Costa Rica.