Teach English in Costa Rica

Why Teach English in Costa Rica?

Travel Opportunities Teaching English in Costa Rica

Our Teach English in Costa Rica program is an excellent starting point for travelling in Latin America.

And while earning potential in Costa Rica and the rest of Latin America isn’t as high as in Asia, with some careful budgeting you’ll be able to put your monthly salary of $800 to $2000 USD* to good use travelling and exploring this exquisite country in your free time.    * May fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility.

Costa Rica just so happens to be one of the most diverse travel destinations in the world with so much to experience when it comes to culture, food, and when it comes to the scenery and adventure opportunities may find yourself indecisive with all the options available – from white to sand beaches, to tropical rainforests, to volcanoes, to coffee plantations – but that’s always a good problem to have!

Most teaching placements are in the capital city of San José, which boasts historic monuments and easy access to national parks, volcanoes and beaches. We highly recommend taking full advantage of your time off to explore the country.

Full-service Placement Process

It can be scary and intimidating traveling to a foreign country and the complex documentation and requirements can be overwhelming and confusing.

We know. We’ve all taught abroad before.

That’s why we don’t just find you an oversees teaching placement, we support you throughout our entire teach abroad experience!

With TravelBud, you’ll always be talking to someone who has taught or volunteered abroad before, so you’ll get informed, first-hand advice to guide and prepare you for your experience.

Do I Qualify To Teach English in Costa Rica?

You don’t need to have any teaching experience to teach English in Costa Rica.

You do need:

How long is the teaching contract for?

What if I don’t have a TEFL/TESOL certificate?

We offer both in-class and online Internationally Accredited TEFL/TESOL courses to prepare you for your adventure abroad. Read about our TEFL/TESOL courses below to learn more.

If you’re unsure about any of your qualifications, chat to us! We’ll answer all your questions and do our best to accommodate you.

Teach English in Costa Rica TEFL/TESOL Course

Many TEFL/TESOL courses are not accredited and do not provide adequate preparation for teaching, while others are accredited but aren’t tailored to the actual country you’ll be teaching in.

That’s why we require completing our 120-hour in-class TEFL/TESOL in Costa Rica. It will give you the best possible preparation, both for the classroom and for a successful immersion into day-to-day life and culture in Costa Rica and ensures that your students get the best education.

You’ll even get the opportunity to gain 16 hours of practical teaching experience at a local Costa Rican school during the course, after which you’ll receive invaluable feedback from your TEFL/TESOL instructor to ensure you head off to your placement as confident and prepared as possible for the life-changing experience ahead of you.

Please note: Due to COVID-19, this practical may be subject to change and is most likely to take place online.

The TEFL/TESOL Course is a 4 week course and takes place in the town of San Ramon a quaint city set in the lush and mountainous central valley of Costa Rica. Known as the city of presidents and poets, San Ramon has a significant history with many influential people hailing from here.

We find that too many TEFL/TESOL courses are generalised to every country and do not account for the significant differences that exist in terms of the cultural and professional environments that comes with teaching in different countries.

The course is tailored specifically for those preparing to teach English in Costa Rica.

It consists of a 1 week in-depth cultural immersion course followed by 3 weeks of theory and practical learning, and 16 hours of real practical teaching in a local Costa Rican school under the supervision of your TEFL/TESOL instructor. 

You’ll head off to your placement feeling as prepared and confident to step into the classroom as you possibly can. 

You’ll also meet fellow teachers from all corners of the world who will form a part of your community of companions throughout the cultural adventure of teaching English in Costa Rica.

Our in-class TESOL course gives you the confidence to thrive in the Costa Rican classroom environment.

Costa Rican Cultural Immersion Course

TravelBud’s in-depth week long cultural orientation is designed to acclimate you into Costa Rican culture through a combination of theoretical and practical learning in the form of educational lessons and cultural activities and excursions.

If you choose to do TravelBud’s in-class TEFL/TESOL course in Costa Rica, your first week will include the following:

Costs

What Will I Earn?

As an English teacher in Costa Rica, you’ll earn $800 to $2000 per month *. This will comfortably cover your living expenses and weekend adventures.
* May fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility.

How much does it cost?

The following costs make up the program fee and are payable to TravelBud before you head over to Teach English in Costa Rica.

We offer two program options:

• Option 1 (includes TEFL/TESOL certification)
  In-class TEFL/TESOL Certification and Guaranteed Job Placement, Orientation and Support (Highly Recommended)
• Option 2 (excludes TEFL/TESOL certification)
  Guaranteed Job Placement and Support

OPTION 1

In-class TEFL/TESOL, Guaranteed Job Placement, Orientation and Support (Highly Recommended)

The in-class TEFL/TESOL course is tailored specifically to teaching English in Costa Rica and will give you valuable insight into Costa Rican culture and the specifics of teaching in a Costa Rican classroom and language center.

OPTION 2

Already have a TEFL/TESOL Certificate?

Guaranteed Job Placement and 24/7 Support

What is included in the TravelBud enrollment fee?

Pre-departure Support

As soon as you pay your deposit, your pre-departure support kicks off. From that moment on, TravelBud will be on call to answer all your questions and provide all the support and guidance you need.

24/7 Dedicated Ongoing In-country Support

Lifetime of job placement opportunities

Teaching Resources and Support from local teachers

What is included in the TravelBud Program fee?

Once you’ve paid your enrollment fee, you’ll unlock all the benefits of your pre-departure support and placement process. The last thing you’ll need to pay is your final fee, this is the remainder of the cost for the program you’re signed up for. Here’s what’s included in that:

Budgets

What are the other costs involved prior to departing?

The above tables detail costs you’ll need to pay TravelBud in order to join the program.

You’ll also need to budget for various other expenses, not payable to TravelBud, which allow you to legally teach abroad plus the cost of travel to your destination and insurance for your trip.

Our support team will walk you through everything prior to you departing to ensure you have exactly what you need by when you need to have it. The following is what you’ll need to budget for:

What do I need to budget for?

Bear in mind that you will be spending at least 2 months in Costa Rica before you receive your first paycheck. You will therefore need to budget enough money to see you through the 1 month TEFL/TESOL course and your first month of teaching.

Of course, the amount of money you need depends on your spending habits and Costa Rica is generally an affordable place to travel and live in.

As in most travel destinations, the more touristy activities, restaurants, and transport options will be a lot more expensive but we will guide you on how to live and budget like a local to get the most out of your paycheck.

Take a look through our budget guidelines to see what budget suits your spending habits:

Budget for 1 month during the in-class TESOL course in San Ramon, Costa Rica

Budget for your first month teaching in Costa Rica

You will also need to take over enough spending money to cover living expenses during your first month of teaching.

Budget Totals

Chat to us if you have questions about budget and spending.

Once you start earning a salary, your living costs will be comfortably covered, you’ll start to learn how to cut down on your monthly expenses (for example, eating out less and finding the most affordable grocery store in your placement town) and you will be able to enjoy your time teaching and traveling in Costa Rica.

When can I start Teaching English in Costa Rica?

In-Class TEFL/TESOL Course in San Ramon, Costa Rica

How long is the teaching contract for?

Arrival & Orientation

Pre-departure Support

As you prepare for your trip, TravelBud’s support managers will guide you through:

Arriving in Costa Rica

When you arrive in San José, you can count on:

When you arrive in San Ramon:

Week 1 (Cultural Immersion Course)

Weeks 2 – 4 (TEFL/TESOL Training)

Teaching Environment

Upon acceptance onto the program, your teaching job is 100% guaranteed with TravelBud. We work with select schools which we have carefully vetted to ensure they meet our high standards. 

We discuss your preferences and then carefully select and guarantee your teaching position at reputable school in Costa Rica. You’ll head off to your new job as soon as you’ve completed our 120-hour in-class TEFL/TESOL certification course.

Where will I be teaching?

We can place teachers in urban or rural areas throughout Costa Rica, but most placements will be in the capital city of San José.

You can expect to teach: 

While we do our best to meet placement preferences, this cannot be guaranteed. Keep in mind that placements depend on what jobs are available and the schools ultimately  make the hiring decisions at the end of the day.

We will always do our best to accommodate your preferences though and you will receive our full 24/7 ongoing support throughout your placement.

You’ll be teaching in private language schools to eager young adults

A teacher with her student in a private language center

Can I be placed with my friend or partner?

Yes, we can place you in the same town as your friend or partner. You might be teaching in the same school or in nearby schools, depending on the availability of jobs.

What are the working hours?

What type of school will I teach English in Costa Rica at?

Most available job placements are in private language centers with the most common student age being young adults.

Placements at government K-12 schools are rare as they unfortunately don’t have the resources to employ foreign English language teachers. There are government schools which do but teachers will receive a small living stipend rather than the salary range available at private language schools.

What if I am unhappy with my job? Can I be placed somewhere else?

If you are unhappy and there are clear reasons why the job is not working out for you, TravelBud will place you in a different job within our vetted school network.

That being said, we have strong relationships with our partner schools and our applicants are generally very happy with their placements.

We are also available 24/7 to fully support you and will check in with you throughout your teaching adventure in Costa Rica.

What is the dress code for teaching English in Costa Rica?

The dress code for English teachers in Costa Rica is smart-casual. You are expected to look professional at all times when you are in the classroom baring in mind that some schools may expect smarter clothing than others, so come prepared.

Living Environment

Your first night in Costa Rica

When you arrive in Costa Rica, you’ll be picked up from the airport and transported from San José to San Ramon (about 45 minutes away). 

Teacher Placement Accommodation – What accommodation can I expect to have?

Teachers will be given guidance on finding accommodation in accessible areas.

Options range from homestays to sharing apartments with homestays being the most affordable option.  

Accommodation will vary from place to place. One bedroom apartments for single occupants or two bedroom units for sharing are usually comfortable and modern, with everything you need in terms of bedroom and bathroom amenities.

How much will rent cost?

Rent will vary depending on where you are living, but our in-country team and your school will help you find an affordable option based on what you will be earning. 

If you opt to share a 2-bedroom apartment, you can expect to spend $200 – $300 on rent.

If you prefer not to share an apartment, a homestay is another affordable option, at roughly $100 per week, often with meals included, and providing an authentic culturally immersive experience.

Will I be living with someone?

If you are placed with a friend or partner, you will be able to live together. Otherwise, you might be living alone or sharing with another ESL teacher.

Let us know what your needs are in terms of accommodation and we’ll assist with finding the best living environment for you.

We’re here to walk you through the whole process!

Why Teach English in Costa Rica with TravelBud?

It can be scary and intimidating traveling to a foreign country and the complex documentation and requirements can be overwhelming and confusing.

We know. We’ve all taught abroad before.

Safety

Moving to another country to live and work is a big step and we realise that safety can be a concern.

What do TravelBud staff and teachers say about safety in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica has a low crime rate and plenty of infrastructure to support foreigners. In fact, Costa Rica is ranked the safest country in Central America to live and travel in.

How are the authorities?

There is no military in Costa Rica and law enforcement is carried out by national police. The police are generally very helpful towards foreigners. Drug-related offences are taken very seriously by Costa Rican police, due to the high incidence of drug trafficking in Latin America.

Teach English in Costa Rica FAQ

How much does it pay to teach English in Costa Rica?

You’ll earn around $650 – $1150 USD* per month. Living expenses are not too high in Costa Rica, so you can live comfortably on your salary, especially if you adopt a local style of living which we always recommend. * May fluctuate due to exchange rate volatility.

Is English spoken in Costa Rica?

Basic English is quite widely spoken, but not everyone you meet will speak English. But with the help of English language education provided by you and other teachers, the English literacy rate is consistently improving.

Do you need a degree to teach English in Costa Rica?

Nope! We accept Degree and non-degree holders.

How many days off do I get? When are the Costa Rican school holidays?

You’ll get at least 8 official national holidays (if they fall on work days) and you can generally request vacation leave as well, depending on your contract. It will also depend on your contract whether vacation days are paid or unpaid.

As the majority of teaching placements available in Costa Rica are at private language schools which operate year-round, you won’t receive school holidays.

Can participants choose part or full time?

Our Placements are for 1 year and can be renewed if you’d like to stay and continue to teach English in Costa Rica for longer.

You need to commit to at least 12 months.  Although the position is full time, you’ll only be teaching an average of 4-5 hours per day and typically in the mornings or evenings, which allows you to live a fairly flexible lifestyle compared to more rigorous work hours required by schools in other countries.

When is peak hiring time for English teachers in Costa Rica?

Peak hiring time for English teachers in Costa Rica is in December and June. That being said, we have an extensive school network and can facilitate placements throughout the year in Costa Rica.

What is the main religion in Costa Rica?

The dominant religion in Costa Rica is Christianity, mostly Catholicism.

Are teachers in high demand in Costa Rica? Why?

Yes, teachers are in high demand in Costa Rica. The Costa Rican government places great emphasis on education and Costa Rican people are highly motivated to learn English because of the employment opportunities it can unlock for them. English language education also unlocks a lot of growth opportunities for the country’s economy as a whole.

Do students have to learn English in Costa Rica?

English is not offered as a school subject in all government schools in Costa Rica. Although literacy rates are high, resources are limited and as a result most schools don’t yet have the facilities to offer English education.

Many young adults however choose to learn English at language centers after their school years, who will most likely be the students you will teach.

Do schools in Costa Rica accept Online TEFL/TESOL certificates?

Yes they do, provided your online TEFL/TESOL certificate meets the standards of our partner schools. Read more about our online TEFL/TESOL course option.

How long does it take to get TEFL/TESOL Certified in Costa Rica?

It takes approximately 4 weeks to complete our TEFL/TESOL course in Costa Rica. This includes our one-week cultural immersion course part, 16 hours of observed practical teaching in a local school (Please note: Due to COVID-19, this practical may be subject to change and is most likely to take place online.), and a guaranteed job placement at one of our strictly vetted schools at the end of the course.

What are the benefits of completing the 120-hour In-class TEFL/TESOL Course?

TravelBud’s in-class TEFL certification course in Costa Rica is customized to ensure that our TEFL graduates are as prepared as possible for both the classroom environment they will be teaching in as well as the cultural environment they will be living in.

Through multiple in-depth lessons led by experts in the field on Costa Rican culture, history, and politics, 6 hours of Spanish language lessons, and cultural excursions and activities, there is no other TEFL/TESOL course geared to helping you immerse responsibly in Costa Rican culture and society better than TravelBud’s TEFL certification in Costa Rica. You can expect to visit a traditional local coffee plantation, historical museums, enjoy a welcome dinner, an authentic cooking class, and more.

You will also receive the benefit of practical in-person training which includes 16 hours of real-life teaching practice in a local Costa Rican school, after which you will receive invaluable feedback from your instructor before heading off to your placement. Please note: Due to COVID-19, this practical may be subject to change and is most likely to take place online.

Not only will you gain a strong foundation on Costa Rican culture but you will make life-long friends with people from all walks of life who are embarking on the same adventure as you.

I have already completed a TEFL/TESOL course elsewhere. Do I still need to complete TravelBud’s course in Costa Rica?

This may be possible for degree holders. With many courses out there not being accredited and providing the necessary training, our placement team will first need to review your certificate before accepting you for our placement only option.

Can you guarantee me a job once the TEFL/TESOL Course course has ended?

Granted we have confirmed that you are eligible to teach English in Costa Rica after reviewing your application, meet the other minimal requirements, and you pass the in-class TEFL/TESOL course, we can 100% guarantee you a job placement at one of our vetted school partners at the end of our TEFL course.

Do schools pay you a fee/portion of my salary?

No, TravelBud and our partners DO NOT receive a portion of the teacher’s monthly salary.

Can my friend or partner come with me to Teach English in Costa Rica?

Yes! We provide friends and couples with placements in the same areas and sometimes even at the same schools.

What are traveling costs like in Costa Rica?

It is possible to travel affordably in Costa Rica, but it depends how you want to do it. Budget travelling, using public transport, will take longer but save you money. Taxis will be more expensive.

Because it is a popular tourist destination with a large expat community, travel costs are rising, but if you budget effectively, you can still travel around at relatively low cost. Our in-country and pre-departure support teams will give you the best advice possible to help you budget carefully.

How safe is it in Costa Rica?

It is relatively safe with petty theft being reported at times. Like anywhere else it is recommended that you remain alert of your belongings. Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Latin America.

What about Medical services and insurance?

Medical services are efficient in Costa Rica. If you need medical attention, you can go to either a public or private medical facility.

What does the average meal cost?

A local meal will cost $3 – $8 (USD) whereas international food catered for tourists will cost $10 – $20. Depending on your preference and budget, you can eat quite cheaply.

Where am I going to stay and how much will the accommodation cost me?

You will be guided towards the best accommodation options for you.

Homestays will be cheaper – in the region of $100 per week, with meals often included.  If you want to share an apartment with a fellow teacher, you will probably be paying $200 – $300 each per month. It’s most common for English teachers in Costa Rica to live in a shared apartment.

Our 24/7 in-country support team will be on hand to assist you with finding the best accommodation for you.

Is airport pick-up provided?

Yes, airport pick-up is provided as long as you land within 4 days prior to the start of your TEFL/TESOL course intake.

What are the age groups you will be teaching?

Most of our placements are at language centers teaching young adults.

After the contract can you still travel in the country or do you need to leave immediately?

You can stay as long as you like as you maintain a legal Visa status. You might need to leave the country soon after your contract ends and come back in on a tourist visa if you’d like to travel.

What is the possibility of acquiring a second job to make more money?

It is possible, although this depends on your job placement. If you are motivated to pick up extra work, this can probably be arranged through your language center.

What are the authorities like?

The authorities are genuinely helpful and professional. They should be treated with respect as in your own home country.

What is phone and Internet connectivity like in Costa Rica?

WiFi is very good in Costa Rica, so you will be able to use your devices as in your home country.

What if you are unhappy in a job? Can you get a new one?

Yes, but we don’t often find this to be a problem. If the teacher really dislikes their job and they have a good reason, we can move them to an alternative placement within our vetted school network. This however can take time.

What is the dress code for teaching English in Costa Rica?

Smart-casual. Typically collar shirts for men and semi-conservative dress for women. As a teacher, you need to appear professional at all times. For women, skirts and dresses are most commonly worn. And remember, there are mosquitos in Costa Rica so wearing long pants and sleeves can be desirable, even in the heat.

Must the teachers have CV’s or Resumes?

Yes, it is vital for the job placement process for people wanting to teach English in Costa Rica to submit an updated version of their resume or CV during TravelBud’s pre-enrollment application process.

Our placement team will work with you to format your CV/resume according to what the schools are looking for to increase your chances for obtaining a sought after placement.

Packing essentials? Sleeping bag, towels?

All our participants are provided with a detailed packing list before departing for Costa Rica. You can get all the essentials in the country, but it is not necessarily cheaper than back home, so it’s best to bring all your basics which we will guide you through.

Any serious laws that are very strict on in Costa Rica?

Drug possession and trafficking is taken very seriously in Costa Rica and in the rest of Central and South America.

What is the level of English and general behaviour of students?

This will vary. Literacy levels are high, so you can expect students with a good basic English proficiency but everyone is different so not everyone will be a quick learner.

Do your colleagues speak English?

You will be teaching with other first language English speakers at the language centers, most of which will come from the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

Will you work with any special needs children?

No.

What are the chances of teaching English in neighbouring countries?

TravelBud does not offer any other teaching programs in South America at the moment, but  we offer teaching programs in Myanmar, Vietnam, South Korea, Japan and Thailand.

And with our free Lifetime Placement Guarantee, you can opt to teach in any of these countries through TravelBud absolutely free of charge, once you’ve successfully completed your contract in Costa Rica and provided you meet the requirements of the program.

Are all paperwork and books supplied by the school?

Yes, most of the time. You will also have access to a database of lesson plans, printable graphics, class warmers and flash cards.

What happens if you lose your job? Can you get a new one?

If you are fired, TravelBud and our partners will no longer help with job placement. It’s important that you meet the performance requirements and contractual obligations of your school employer.

Can you drink tap water?

Yes you can, although it is not always recommended in rural parts of the country. You will advised about this during your first week on the program and the locals are always a great source of information.