Explore Our In-Class TEFL Course in Costa Rica

– At least 18 years of age
– Academically prepared for university-level work
– Proficient at speaking and writing English
– Able to use computers, internet, MS Office, or G-Suite
– 2 academic papers required during course
– Final portfolio at the end of program

Can I teach English without a Bachelor’s degree?

Yes, qualified TEFL graduates can find teaching opportunities without a Bachelor’s degree. While a degree can improve your employment prospects and is preferred or required by some employers, it is not essential for every teaching position.

Our local partner has successfully helped graduates without degrees find teaching work. Available opportunities depend on the employer, destination and your qualifications.

Applicants for a teaching position must provide proof of a completely clear criminal record, including the highest level of background check and verification against the sex offender register, in order to confirm their eligibility to work with vulnerable groups such as minors.

In addition, local requirements specify that:

• Federal Level check, with full name (all names exactly as in passport)
• No older than 6 month at the time of visa application (about 1-2 months before they arrive)
• USA – FBI Identity Summary Check
• UK – Basic DBS Check
• Australia – NPC – National Police Check Criminal Records Check
• Canada – RCMP – Royal Canadian Mounted Police
• Ireland – An Garda Vetting
• New Zealand – CRC – Criminal Record Check
• South Africa – PCC – Police Clearance Certificate
  

For further information regarding the criminal record check procedure in your country of origin, please consult the official resources below:

• State level check or FBI check for US: FBI
• UK applicants: DBS check
• Australian applicants: AFP National Police Check
• New Zealand: Ministry of Justice Criminal Record Check
• Irish Applicants: Garda Vetting
• Canadian Applicants: Royal Canadian Mounted Police checks

Our local partner guarantees a paid job placement in a local school. Please note that recruitment and school hiring are subject to seasonal demand. Consequently, the signing of an employment contract and the commencement of teaching duties may take longer than 30 days if the completion of the TEFL/TESOL course, orientation, and/or the participant’s arrival coincides with a school break period.
As a consequence, specific job placement timelines cannot be guaranteed, and clients are advised to budget accordingly.

TEFL graduates find opportunities working with all age groups in both private institutes and public school settings. Private institutes hire year-round. K-12 schools, following the Latin American school year, tend to hire between January and February, whereas schools following the North American school year tend to hire between June and July. The Costa Rican culture places high importance on appearance and friendliness, and you should be prepared to meet employers and teach classes in professional attire.

If a teacher applying to a position offered by our local partner fails three interviews or declines a high-quality placement opportunity, Angloville and its local partner shall be deemed to have fully discharged their obligation with respect to the guaranteed placement.

When can I expect to find a teaching position?

For degree holders, the typical timeframe for finding a teaching position is 0–30 days across our destinations. This is an expected placement timeframe, rather than a guaranteed job start date.

To remain eligible for the placement guarantee, you must accept and begin a position offered to you within this 30-day period. If you choose not to accept or start the offered position, another placement cannot be guaranteed within a specific timeframe.

Lifetime job-placement support continues beyond the 30-day period. Our partner in the host country will continue helping you find a suitable position, although the 0–30-day placement guarantee will no longer apply.

For further information, you shall refer to and be bound by the Terms and Conditions issued by our local partner.

Costa Rica offers a variety of English teaching opportunities, whether you’re looking to work in a K–12 school or a private language institute.

Hiring Seasons
K–12 schools typically recruit during January–February and June–July, while private institutes hire year-round.

Working Hours
Teaching hours generally range from 30–35 hours per week in K–12 schools and 20–30 hours per week in private institutes.

Contract Length
K–12 positions typically require a 1–2 year commitment, while private institutes generally offer 6–12 month contracts.

Students
You may teach a diverse range of learners, including business and tourism professionals, university students, children, and teenagers.

Cost of Living
The estimated cost of living is around $700–$850 per month, depending on your lifestyle and location.

Average Salary
Teachers can expect to earn approximately $750–$1,000 per month, depending on the type of school, position, and experience.

Visa & Work Status
Teaching opportunities are generally available under a Tourist Visa with Independent Contractor Status, subject to local requirements and regulations.

How are teachers paid?

Payment methods vary by employer and country. The three most common options are:

• PayPal or a similar service: Our partner in the host country pays its teachers in US dollars through PayPal or a comparable service.
• Local bank transfer: This may be an option for teachers staying longer term who obtain legal residency and open a local bank account. Most teachers do not need a local bank account.
• Cash: Some employers pay salaries in cash. This can be a standard local practice and does not necessarily indicate an informal employment arrangement. We generally recommend a formal, documented payment method and encourage graduates to contact our partner in the host country for guidance before accepting an offer.

For most nationalities, no specific visa is required to attend the TEFL course in Costa Rica, Peru, or Guatemala, although entry requirements vary by nationality.

Visa and work-authorisation requirements for employment depend on your nationality, the country, the length of your stay, and your employer. Your local employer will advise you on the appropriate requirements and, where applicable, assist with the relevant immigration process for longer-term employment or residency.

Our local partner has extensive experience supporting TEFL teachers with longer-term residency and immigration procedures.

• Airport pick-up (upon request)
• Programme and safety orientation
• Walking tour, cooking classes and salsa dance classes
• Official TEFL Certificate
• Letter of recommendation
• Job placement guarantee and lifetime job-finding assistance
• Tandem Conversation Programme
• Office-wide WiFi and computer lab
• Free coffee and tea and on-site snack bar
• Institute is open 7 days/week
• Emergency contact number 24/7

The following expenses are not included in your TEFL programme fees:

• Accommodation
• Flights
• Meals, unless included with your chosen accommodation
• Travel and medical insurance
• Local transportation and commuting
• Travel, tours, and personal excursions
• Airport transfer
• Courier or delivery costs
• Personal spending money
• Medical check-ups and vaccinations, if required

Your overall expenses will depend on your personal preferences, accommodation choice, and how you spend your free time. You should also budget for everyday expenses such as snacks, drinks, toiletries, medication, social activities, and unexpected or emergency costs.

If you stay with a host family, breakfast and dinner are included, but snacks and other personal food expenses are not.

Credit cards are widely accepted in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru, although some small, family-run businesses and local markets may only accept cash. ATMs are widely available in all three countries.

As an internationally accredited organisation, our partner TEFL Institute must adhere to strict codes of practice and maintain the highest professional standards. Accreditation by an external educational body provides important verification that the programme is delivered by a professional and reputable organisation.

Our TEFL Institute is accredited, and our programmes are approved by the Ministries of Education in Guatemala and Peru. Reaccreditation is carried out every 3–5 years, as required.

– Accredited by the Ministry of Education in Guatemala
– Accredited by the Ministry of Education in Peru
– Global Associate member of NAFSA—the Association of International Educators
– Recognized for Bildungsurlaub in Germany
– Member of the Association of Language Travel Organizations (ALTO)
– Certifying organization for the U.S. President’s Volunteer Service Award

The Turing Scheme is a UK government initiative that provides funding for students to study and work abroad, offering a unique opportunity to gain international experience. Open to students at all levels—schools, colleges, universities, and vocational training—the scheme enables participants to enhance their skills, broaden their horizons, and boost employability.

Application Process:

1. Eligibility: Ensure you are enrolled at a UK institution. The scheme is open to students across different educational stages.
2. Contact Your Institution: Reach out to the Mobility or International Exchanges department or international office at your school, college, or university to express your interest and confirm your eligibility.
3. Prepare Your Application: Your institution will guide you through the application process, including submitting necessary documentation, such as a personal statement, academic records, and a proposed plan for your study or work abroad.
4. Funding and Support: If your application is successful, the Turing Scheme will provide funding to cover your costs, including travel, accommodation, and living expenses.
5. Start Your Journey With Angloville: Once approved, you can embark on your international experience in the host country, gaining valuable skills and cultural insights.

For more details, consult your institution’s Mobility or International Exchanges department.

For complete terms and conditions regarding our TEFL course and job placement, please click here.