COUNTRY GUIDES: COSTA RICA

Costa Rica lives up to its name of the ‘rich coast’ in more ways than one. As the most affluent country in Central America, it also boasts amazing bio-diversity across its beach, rainforest and volcanic landscapes. It is revered for its stability and serenity - having abolished its army in 1948 - and its concentrated efforts in raising levels of literacy, healthcare and quality of life. Meanwhile, proactive conservation has made it a top eco-tourist destination.

The capital city of San Jose is the country’s engine room. It may lack the visual allure of the rest of the country but it does exude a uniquely cosmopolitan air; and it is ultimately the springboard from which to explore the nation’s treasures. From the cloud forest of Monteverde to the nesting turtles on the Nicoya Peninsula, a comprehensive network of buses and airplanes will take you anywhere you want to go.

TEFL in Costa Rica (Contracts, Salary, Work)

Demand for teachers

High

With such close ties to the US, the ability to speak English is an important skill.

Main TEFL regions

San José, Manuel Antonio, Heredia, Cartago, Alajuela.

Busiest TEFL periods

You can get a job year-round, but most schools recruit between October and December

Contract lengths

3-24 months

Types of teaching

• ESL private language institutes: General English, Business English, TOEFL, ECCE

• University language programs: General English, TOEFL, English for Specific Purposes

• Summer camps: General English

Accommodation

It’s not usual for your employer to supply accommodation, but they will often help you find somewhere yourself.

Expect to pay between €110 - €250 per month for a place to stay, depending on whether you want a basic studio or a spacious 2-bedroom apartment. If you’re feeling adventurous, look on the supermarket notice boards for home stays with local families.

Flight reimbursement

The benefit package varies between schools, though some will reimburse your flights.

Currency

Costa Rican Colones (CRC)

Symbol: ₡

Salary

Expect to make between €320 and €710 per month.

Pay is commensurate with a teacher's qualifications and experience.

Taxes

Income tax rates are reasonable here, so expect to pay around 15% of your total income in tax.

Cost of living

Once you’ve paid your rent, the other living costs are low: you can get a big meal for only €1.50 or make a 4 hour bus journey for just €3.50. The only worry is inflation, which hit 23% in 1995 and still regularly tops 9%.

Potential to save money

If you’re earning more than €390 per month and don’t spend like a Hollywood star, you should be able to put some money in the bank.

How much TEFL training is recommended?

Although you don’t need a TEFL qualification to work here (a bachelor’s degree will do), it will boost your salary and make you more confident in the classroom. Many good jobs require some sort of certification - such as that offered by us - or teaching experience.

Common teaching conditions

It’s not usual to teach more than 25 hours per week, but with that schedule you’ll spend a lot of extra time preparing classes and marking.

How do I find work?

Have a look on websites such as eslemployment.com or use a search engine to hunt for individual schools.

Can I find work while in-country?

This is probably the easiest way to find a job, especially if you don’t have many qualifications or much experience.

Simply look in local English-language newspapers or contact schools directly.

What is the usual hiring process?

If you apply from home, you’ll usually send off your resume and a covering letter before having an interview over the phone. In-country, you’ll have a face-to-face interview instead.

Is a work visa required to find paid work in Costa Rica?

Yes. You must first enter on a tourist visa and arrange a Business Visa in-country. The Business Visa is only valid for up to 90 days, so if you want to stay longer you’ll need an Employment Temporary Residence Permit.

Most good schools will organize this for you and pay the fees themselves.

Work Visa requirements:

• Passport valid for 6 months

• Bachelor’s degree

• Proof of employment

Why Choose Costa Rica?

• Small country that’s easy to travel around

• Lots to see and do

• Friendly, hospitable people

• Plenty of TEFL jobs

• Opportunity to save money

Be Aware…

If you see a painting of a broken heart by the side of the road, drive or walk carefully, as it signifies a place where someone was killed in an accident.

Depending on your employer, you could spend hours a week travelling between classes on the bus. Check the location of your lessons before you agree to a job

Before you go

Read this…

The Ticos by Mavis and Richard Biesanz – excellent book about the Costa Rican people, with good insights into the Tico character.

A Few Fun Facts

• Costa Rica has over 300,000 species of insects!

• From the capital, San Jose, it is only a 2-hour bus ride to either the Pacific or Caribbean coasts.

• It’s a country of stunning natural beauty, with almost a quarter of the land being protected forests and reserves.

• Costa Ricans are coffee lovers, so much so that you’ll sometimes even see babies drinking it from their bottles!