A Guide to Teaching English in Costa Rica

  • Capital: San José
  • Currency: Costa Rican colón (CRC)
  • English Teacher Demand: High
  • Salary (per month): US$ 500 to US$ 1100
  • Standard of Living: Low
  • TEFL Courses in Costa Rica: Available

Would you like to become an international English teacher in a Central American country? By far, your best choice is Costa Rica. It is the most affluent country in the region due to its close relationship with the US, which means that you will be well-compensated once you take a teaching position here. Costa Rica also has a stable political scene and being the Spanish-speaking country that they are, there is a high demand for TEFL professionals.

Wages & Cost of Living in Costa Rica

Aside from the demand for TEFL teachers, you should also consider the salary and cost of living in the country where you will work as an English instructor. In Costa Rica, the average wage ranges from US $500 to $1,100 – depending on your experience, the number of hours that you teach and where you live. Your accommodations will take a big chunk out of your salary – but once you take that off, the rest of your expenses will be relatively low.

Requirements before Teaching in Costa Rica

There are plenty of cities where you can work as a TEFL teacher in Costa Rica: San Jose, Alajuela, Manuel Antonio, Playa Samara and Heredia. To get hired, you need to have already earned your TEFL certification. It is also preferred if you are a native English speaker.

Accommodation Facilities in Costa Rica

Next, what are the accommodation facilities and rates that you should expect since you will be living in Costa Rica for the entire time that you are teaching? A studio apartment costs roughly US $175 per month. You can also take your pick from any of the local hotels, hostels, shared housing units, furnished houses, furnished apartments or home-stay arrangements – with prices ranging from US $300 to $500 per month.

Getting Started: TEFL Courses in Costa Rica

So what are you waiting for? With a beautiful country to explore, lots of job opportunities, a low cost of living and an interesting culture to immerse yourself into – there’s no question that you should sign up for a TEFL certification course in Costa Rica now! It will be the ultimate stepping stone for you to start a rewarding career as an international English teacher.

Teaching Locations