Teach English in Costa Rica (General Information)

With its breathtaking beaches and areas of outstanding natural beauty, Costa Rica is fast becoming a major destination for English teachers. Costa Ricans are known to be very friendly people and, with their rich Latin culture, it is hard not to fall in love with the country. With quite a number of schools in the major cities, English jobs are plentiful. Jobs are advertised online through TEFL websites or online versions of their local newspapers.
Most employers prefer to hire teachers that are already in Costa Rica, rather than hiring from overseas and going through the hassle of processing application papers. If you plan to teach in Costa Rica, you will likely have to visit the country to look for work. Employers prefer to see applicants face to face. It is not necessary to have any certifications or even experience to teach English in Costa Rica. You are only required to a have a 3 or 4 year diploma or degree from a college or university, and a good command of English.
Costa Ricans place strong emphasis on appearance when applying for jobs. It is important to make a good first impression and teachers are expected to dress professionally. The best time to find a teaching job in Costa Rica is from October to December. These months are usually the time when contracts end and schools start to hire people.