TEFL jobs in Costa Rica
A complete guide for TEFL teachers on teaching English in Costa Rica
Overview
There is so much on offer for English teachers in Costa Rica. It is a stunning landscape that combines white sandy beaches, lively cities and the most amazing rainforests. You will find that there are lots of vacancies for English teachers in Costa Rica, giving you a great experience and the chance to earn money while following your passion.
Because tourism is one of the largest industries in Costa Rica, English teachers are required to help locals improve their skills and get jobs. The higher the English skills, the more they will be able to earn, so they are committed and keen to learn. Comparatively, the salaries on offer for English teachers in Costa Rica are lower than you may be used to, but this is all relative, and your cost of living is much cheaper, so you can easily afford to live and work and have a small amount left over to spoil yourself.
It is likely that an English teaching job in Costa Rica will be in one of the cities, but there is still plenty of scopes to get out and explore places like Corcovado National Park or head to the Pacific coast to surf. The public transport system of Costa Rica is very cheap to use, if not the most modern. Costa Rica is also doing incredibly well at managing environmental issues, with 25% of the country being protected.
In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about starting a career as an English teacher in Costa Rica. Learn where to find work, the cost of living, the culture and etiquette, and plenty more so you can decide whether it’s time to head on your next English teaching adventure abroad.
Types of teaching jobs
Private Language Schools
There are plenty of vacancies on offer in private language schools for English teachers in Costa Rica. Generally, this will be working with adults who are seeking to better their English speaking skills however, occasionally, you will get younger pupils after school hours. It’s the most flexible way to work, as they are generally open during the day, weekends and evenings, so hopefully, you can set up a schedule that works for you. Depending on how many hours you are offered, it is common for English teachers in Costa Rica private language schools to have more than one contract and change venue during the week.
Private Bilingual & International Schools
Higher paying opportunities are on offer at private bilingual and international schools however you must also have a certain level of qualification in order to apply. You will be required to have your bachelor’s degree, demonstrate previous experience as a teacher, your TEFL qualification and, in some cases, a teaching license in your home country. These prestigious establishments will also offer extra benefits to their teachers, including a living stipend. You may well find these jobs advertised on the Internet and start the application process before travelling out to the country. It is not possible to get one of these high-paying jobs if you do not meet the qualification criteria.
Private Tutoring
If you have secured work but do not feel that the income will be enough, you can look into private tutoring. Most language schools are happy for you to take this on as a second income. It will take some time for you to get your name known in the area, and you may also be competing with other English teachers in Costa Rica who have the same idea. Another alternative is to teach English online, and the Internet connection tends to be good enough for you to be able to do this however, while you may be able to work at some of the language schools on a tourist visa, you cannot teach privately without the correct work visa. The process for obtaining a work visa is quite arduous if you are planning to stay in Costa Rica as an English teacher for any length of time, it is advisable.
Living costs
Out of all the countries in Central America, Costa Rica is the wealthiest. However, this does not necessarily equate with high pay, and English teachers in Costa Rica may find the pay less than they hoped. If you live in the capital city, then you will be facing the highest living costs, but of course, relatively, this is also where you can earn the most money. Generally, living and working in Costa Rica is a balancing out that works out fine for most people.
There are two distinct seasons in Costa Rica, and during the rainy season, you may want to join the locals in spending time on indoor pursuits. There are plenty of museums, craft beer and local brewery tours, spa days, or just hanging around chatting with friends in coffee shops. One thing that is worth getting wet for is spotting turtles who like to come out during the rainy season. Public transport links are very good, so you can get pretty much anywhere, and they don’t cost much money. It is always cheaper to use buses, not taxis.
When the weather dries up, the outside becomes much more accessible, and beaches are very popular with ex-pats and locals alike. It’s also a great place to try out some local cuisine with famous dishes including rice beans, onions, red peppers, and cilantro known as Gallo Pinto, a slow-cooked stew called olla de carne, rice and pork topped with avocado, chimichurri and lime, which is known as chiifijo and many other amazing local delicacies.
In order to provide the most accurate cost of living figures, we use numbeo.com, the world’s largest cost of living database, updated regularly.
Key facts
Language: Spanish
Population: 5.15 Million
Currency: Costa Rican colón
Capital: San José
TEFL job demand: High
Our TEFL rating: 3.5
Popular locations for TEFL jobs
Heredia, Cartago, San Jose, Alajuela, Puntarenas, and Limon
The average salary for EFL teachers
The basic monthly salary for full-time positions is likely to be in the region of 300,00-615,000 colones (€345-€810) per month. Positions are often advertised with an hourly wage, around 4,000–5,500 colones (€7–€9) per hour.
TEFL qualification requirements
A 120-hour TEFL qualification will be required for most positions
Prerequisite university degree
Required for most positions
Term times
March 1st–December 1st
Teaching programmes
Voluntary, Language Schools, Business English, and International Schools
Age restrictions
None
Previous teaching experience
Required for most positions but not impossible without.
Key Points
Award-Winning Online Courses & Diplomas
Accredited TEFL Course 120-Hour Advanced International Standard
Ideal for beginners, an entry-level qualification to teach English online or abroad.
Widely recognised as the international entry-level standard, this is one of the most budget-friendly TEFL courses available online. Ideal for teaching in countries with minimal entry requirements, such as parts of Asia and Latin America.
✨26hrs of Weekly TEFL Mentorship (Online)
✨ 6 Hours Job Coaching Sessions
✨ 6 Months Access + Mobile Learning App
Level 5 TEFL Diploma 180-Hour Comprehensive Ofqual Regulated
CELTA-equivalent, Level 5 TEFL for better global job opportunities.
A government-regulated qualification level equivalent to CELTA/Trinity Cert TESOL. It is ideal for aspiring teachers seeking higher-paying roles and increased international recognition.
✨ 29hrs of Weekly TEFL Mentorship (Online)
✨ 6 Hours Job Coaching Sessions
✨ 6 Months Access + Mobile Learning App
Level 5 TEFL Diploma 300-Hour (Advanced) Ofqual Regulated
Advanced TEFL for higher-paying teaching careers.
The top course is for the highest pay scale and better opportunities. Gain the expertise to teach anywhere in the world and stand out by mastering in-demand specialisms, including teaching English for Exams and online teaching.
✨ 29hrs of Weekly TEFL Mentorship (Online)
✨ 6 Hours Job Coaching Sessions
✨ 6 Months Access + Mobile Learning App
Find the Right Destination For You
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Got Questions?
Get clear answers about TEFL courses, certification, teaching jobs, and everything in between.
Living and working as an English teacher in Costa Rica means you should be earning in the region of €345-€810 per month.
Out of all the countries in Central America, Costa Rica is the wealthiest. However, this does not necessarily equate with high pay, and English teachers in Costa Rica may find the pay less than they hoped.
Yes, you can teach English in Costa Rica without a bachelor’s degree. A TEFL certification is mandated, and for some positions, a degree will be necessary however you can find plenty of work without it.