Costa Rica: TEFL Training & Teaching

Introduction

A Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) qualification will open doors to you globally and it is a great way to see the world. Take the chance to earn your certificate in a jungle paradise setting, a fantastic start to teaching in Costa Rica! This accredited course is offered by a local non-profit organisation, which provides English classes for local adult learners and pupils in Costa Rican elementary schools that cannot afford to hire full-time English teachers. By earning your certificate in the community you will not only gain a valuable skill, but you will also help create a brighter future for local school children and adults striving to learn English.

The methodology of this course promotes an innovative training philosophy that focuses on hands-on experience. As you go through your training you will get plenty of classroom confidence by teaching more than 60 hours in nearby preschools, elementary and high schools as well as by teaching adult learners in the area.

Once you have completed the course, you will be given assistance in finding the perfect placement. Graduates of this program are currently teaching around the world! Whilst we cannot 100% guarantee a paid placement after completion of the training, it is very likely we will be able to place you either in Costa Rica, or in one of the many other schools we work with in Latin America and the USA.

Training

The program will prepare you to teach listening, speaking, reading, writing and grammar while using only English in the classroom. You will master the art of teaching English by completing the following learning modules:

Module 1- Second Language Acquisition
Module 2-The Specialized Brain
Module 3- Language Aptitude and Motivation
Module 4- Learning Styles and Multiple Intelligences
Module 5- The Four Skills
Module 6- Instructional Methodologies
Module 7- Lesson Planning
Module 8- Classroom Management
Portfolio, Practice Teaching, and Feedback

You will have the chance to apply your new skills in your practice teaching sessions with real ESL students in local schools, preparing you for your new life as an English teacher abroad!

The benefits of this novel TEFL location becomes apparent after you have finished training for the day and head to the beach to relax in the hammocks facing stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. If you are looking for a more adrenaline-filled pastime, join the Surf School for an exhilarating surf lesson, zip over the lush forest on the Canopy tour, go for a horseback riding tour along the beaches or check out the world beneath the surface on a Scuba diving course.

Start dates for 2018 are Jan 8, Feb 5, March 5, April 9, May 7, June 4, July, 9 Aug 6, Sept 3, Oct 8, Nov 5.

Working

The School Placement

Upon completion of the training course, we will do everything we can to find you a paid placement at one of the many private and public schools that we work with throughout Costa Rica. Schools are always looking for English teachers (as well as other subjects) and it is very likely we will be able to place you either in Costa Rica or further afield. However we cannot 100% guarantee a placement as it depends entirely upon the requirements of the school and whether you are suitable to them. Full assistance will however be provided throughout the entire process.

July, November, and December are the best times to secure jobs in the school system, for the school year in Costa Rica ends in December and begins in late January. While most schools are finishing the year in November, this is when known openings for the upcoming school year became available. Meaning, you have a better chance of being hired during November and December, but won’t start working until the end of January. There is also a break in July, when many positions also become available. There are year-round opportunities in institutions and organizations that offer classes year-round all the time.

The Schools

The schools are a mixture of private schools and government schools.

• Schools offer many after-school activities for students
• Class sizes will vary and may be up to 50 students
• Schools generally have good equipment and resources, even though English resources are limited.
• Buildings are generally modern
• Recreation facilities are generally of a high standard
• Foreign teachers are not always common in schools

There are two semesters in each academic year. Each term is approximately 5 months in duration

Travel & Accommodation

Accommodation is not included with your training, but most participants add-on lodging at our oceanfront lodge. The onsite course director will assist you with finding and booking your accommodation for the duration of your training if you are not interested in staying at the lodge. The lodge is a hostel type accommodation with dorms and private rooms available. Typical area lodging options include (availability & prices subject to change):

Hostels, Hotels & Rental Houses – We will provide you with assistance in finding & booking accommodation in a variety of local hotels & hostels based on your travel style. Services & amenities (WiFi, private bath, etc.) will vary based on your preferences. Pricier options will include private studios and houses. Price: $550-$1000/month.

Pricing is subject to change at any time. You are free to make your own housing arrangements as long as you are able to attend class on time each day.

During your paid placement, you will be given full assistance in finding a nearby apartment to rent, within walking distance of the school. There are many affordable options available for food and accommodation in Costa Rica.

Your arrival shuttle is included and the onsite course director will send your arrival details directly to you.

Requirements

• Min age 18
• Minimum 1 month commitment (training and classroom experience), no maximum stay
• Native speaker or equivalent English ability
• CRB Police Check to work with children
• Full travel & medical insurance
• The participant should be willing to teach minimum 20 hours a week of English
• Willing to dress and behave properly
• Necessary vaccination, flights & visas (premium support available)

Add ons

TEFL & Surf School:
Surfing is a great way to spend time in the sun and familiarize yourself with the beautiful beaches along the Nicoya Peninsula. You can learn at our Surf School and daily Surf Safaris for all levels of surfers. Daily two-hour surf lessons take place in front of the house, a perfect beach break located in the middle of a surfing paradise. In addition, we travel and search for the best waves around the peninsula on the Surf Safaris.

Students learn how to read waves, balance on the board, and paddle effectively. Surf with ISA Certified instructors who are bilingual locals who have a minimum of two years teaching experience, in addition to being active in national and international surf competitions. To ensure a safe and engaging learning environment, each surf class has a maximum of three students per instructor. When in Costa Rica you really have to get on a surfboard! This add-on includes three surf lessons each week for four weeks, and each lesson includes surfboard rental, rash guard and two hours of personalized instruction. SURF’S UP!
TEFL & SURF SCHOOL: +$540

TEFL & Spanish Immersion:
With us, you will learn to speak formal and colloquial Spanish from native speakers while earning your TEFL degree in a picturesque coastal town. This Spanish Immersion school offers two-hour classes, Monday through Friday for those wishing to gain a solid foundation in Spanish language. Each lesson is led by native Costa Rican Spanish-speaking instructors, and class sizes are kept at a maximum of five people in order to enhance learning and dialogue. Students are placed in appropriate beginner, intermediate, or advanced-level classes based on preliminary placement exams.

All Spanish teachers effectively combine conversational Spanish skills with formal grammar. This ensures students’ mastery of speaking a foreign language in diverse settings and situations. Individual students’ goals and learning objectives are taken into account as lessons are personalized to guarantee success and enjoyment. This experience is ideal for TEFL trainees, for it allows you to experience first-hand both sides of the learning process – the language teacher and the language learner.
TEFL & SPANISH: + $200/week & + $700/month

TEFL, SURF & SPANISH:
This is the dream trip! During your TEFL program you can combine Spanish classes and Surf School for the ultimate Costa Rican experience. You will have three Surf School lessons each week and Spanish classes Monday – Friday for four weeks. You will be happily busy learning the TEFL methods of language instruction while, at the same time, being immersed in Spanish language study.

In addition, you will be having some fun and releasing any lingering stress in the water on a surfboard during your down time. All levels of surfers are welcome to join! Each surf lesson includes surfboard rental, rash guard and two hours of personalized instruction and your Spanish course workbook.
TEFL & SPANISH & SURF: +$1200

Costs

$2,160* USD Project Fee for 4 weeks WITHOUT accommodation.

$2,700* USD Project Fee for 4 weeks WITH shared accommodation

Additional training months cost $600 USD / £395 GBP.

* 20% deposit required to confirm your place. The balance will be due 4 weeks prior to your departure.
** For the latest currency conversions, go to xe.com.
*** All payments incur a 5% bank transfer fee

Salary

$800 – $1000 USD per month depending upon experience. Living costs (food & drinks)  are approximately $15 per day ($400-$550 per month depending upon your tastes and how much you go out on weekends).

What’s included

Project Fee includes;

• 4 weeks training + 4 weeks classroom experience at a nearby school
• Cultural immersion
• TEFL qualification & certificate
• Airport pickup
• In-country support and full assistance in finding paid placement upon completion of the training.

What’s Not included

• Accommodation (but offered for an additional fee)
• Food
• Flights
• Insurance, visa,  and vaccinations.

Full assistance will be provided in getting all these arranged if you choose our Premium Support.

Accommodation is not included, but available with your training if you wish. Once you enroll for your course, our onsite course director will assist you with finding and booking your accommodation for the duration of your training. Typical options include our rustic lodge (availability & prices subject to change) and Hostels, Hotels & Guesthouses. We can provide you with assistance in finding & booking accommodation in a variety of local hotels & hostels. Services & amenities desired are easily accommodated.

You can expect to pay between $550-700 per month for accommodation.

Premium Support Upgrade

We understand there’s a great deal to plan and organise for your trip. When booking a Placement, many of our participants choose to purchase our Premium Support Upgrade to benefit from the expertise, knowledge and experience of our Project Coordinators.

We can provide the personal advice you need to ensure your trip is organised with excellence and planned with efficiency; ensuring the very best experience possible. Read more about how we can help you.