Teaching English in Costa Rica
La Costa Rica – or the Rich Coast is the ultimate TEFL destination. It is a traveller’s paradise, with its coastal beaches, small islands, lush jungles, mountains, volcanoes, and lakes. It is also the ‘Happiest Country in the World’ according to National Geographic! Let myTEFL find you that dream TEFL job so you can enjoy the ‘Pura Vida’ while earning a great income!
About life in Costa Rica:
Costa Rica is the most stable democracy in Central America, and has had no standing army since 1949! While abolishing the army, Costa Rica made a promise to replace the army with an army of teachers. Today, the country has a 97% literacy rate.
One of the most valued environmental destinations, over 25% of Costa Rican land is used as protected parks and refuges. Home to more than 5% of the world’s biodiversity, it is a nature lover’s paradise! More than 10% of the world’s butterflies live here!
Ticos and Ticas (Costa Rican men and women) enjoy the Pura Vida – a very relaxed, stress-free, happy, positive lifestyle. And are extremely fun-loving and friendly.
Many famous pirates visited Costa Rica, and buried their treasure there – or so legend claims. Hunt for buried treasure, or go check out the Dia do los Boyeros – the annual oxcart festival. Have a local bruja (witch) give you a tarot card reading, or have a simple meal at the local soda. Learn how to dance the merengue and salsa, or tickle your taste buds with hot tamales. The Pura Vida is waiting for you!
EMPLOYMENT PACKAGES
Teaching jobs in Costa Rica are available throughout the year and come with a great perks. The average teaching packages start at between $750 – $1100 USD per month and will include housing assistance, national health insurance, work permit sponsorship, and over 4 weeks paid vacation. You will have great support throughout your contract and relatively low hours. Thanks to low living costs, most teachers can afford a great lifestyle in this vibrant nation.
Costa Rica Placement FAQs
TEFL job placements in Costa Rica are offered through public or private employers in San Jose and other larger cities.
TEFL teachers in Costa Rica can expect starting salaries ranging from approximately $750 to $1100 USD per month.
A four-year degree or higher is required to obtain a work permit to teach English in Costa Rica. The subject of study can be in any field.
Non-native speakers are not eligible for this placement in Costa Rica.
Teaching experience is not required to TEFL in Costa Rica. However, it does help you stand out from other applicants.
Completing our 120 Hour or 140 Hour online TEFL course is a prerequisite for the teaching placement in Costa Rica.
A standard teaching English in Costa Rica contract is 12 months long.
Comprehensive accommodation assistance is offered. Our employers support foreign TEFL teachers by suggesting apartments, scheduling viewings, assisting with negotiations, and ensuring a smooth transition into Costa Rica.
Teachers will teach 17 - 26 hours per week in Costa Rica.
TEFL in Costa Rica mainly comprises adult students, approximately 70%. About 30% of English learners in Costa Rica may be classified as young learners.
All of our partner employers in Costa Rica provide hands-on initial training and ongoing professional development.
The biggest challenges TEFL teachers in Costa Rica face are language barriers, cultural adaptation, and homesickness. Studying a bit of the language and the culture before flying out can make the transition easier. It is a good idea to be socially open and start to build your network with other new TEFL teachers, old teachers, colleagues, and staff. Most teachers tend to build up vibrant, exciting social lives that minimize homesickness within a couple of months.
Health insurance is included.
The benefits package of a TEFL teacher in Costa Rica will cover a modest, basic living. Away from the tourist areas, Costa Rica is quite an affordable destination. If you are interested in increasing your earnings, additional hours and online tutoring can go a long way.
The majority of placements take place in San Jose.
Submit a cover letter, CV/resume, scan of your degree, your TEFL, your passport, and a recent photo. You may apply if you have completed at least 70% of your TEFL. In that case, let us know how far you are in your TEFL course when submitting an application for Costa Rica jobs.
The entire process typically takes about 3 months.
Certainly! If you renew your contract, you would be eligible for pay rate increases and additional bonuses.
Our Costa Rica TEFL placements require you to hold a passport from one of the following countries: US, CA, UK, IR, AU, NZ, or ZA.
Yes, friends and couples are welcome to apply to TEFL in Costa Rica together.
We recommend having at least US $1,250 to bring with you to cover personal and setup costs before receiving your initial salary payment.
A criminal background check is not required.
Placements mainly occur in San Jose.
Pets are strongly discouraged. The costs and logistics of bringing a pet are nearly prohibitive both monetarily and time.
Speaking Spanish is not a requirement, but learning a few phrases and words will make it much easier to transition smoothly into life in Costa Rica. It will also earn you additional respect from locals.
TEFL Schools in Costa Rica hire throughout the year.
