About Costa Rica
Costa Rica is by far one of the most exotic places on Earth. The country offers unparalleled natural beauty, active volcanoes, rainforests, and a wide range of national parks and eco-tourism. Costa Rica is located in Central America and borders Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. A chain of volcanoes and mountains, part of the Andean-Sierra Madre chain, runs the length of the country and separates the Caribbean Sea on the east coast from the Pacific Ocean on the west coast. Our school is located in Manuel Antonio, Quepos, a beach town located just 3 hours west of San José. Classrooms overlook the blue waters of the Pacific coast. Participants study amidst the natural beauty of the rainforest and ocean views of Costa Rica. The beach is just minutes away via bus or on foot.
How to get it all started
The best way is to do a TEFL course in Costa Rica. After applying for a TEFL course, you can start organizing your accommodation and travel.
Visa and other paperwork
Generally most people arrive to take the TEFL and get settled with a 90-day tourist visa. From there, it depends on the job you get whether you receive a work visa or simply step out for a few days every 3 months to renew your tourist visa.
Costs of living versus how much a teacher can make
Average salary for English teachers in Costa Rica varies, but you can generally expect to make enough to live on and do a little traveling. During your resume workshop in the course, you will be taken through some of the differences in teaching English positions throughout the country (peak hiring times, general salary, benefits such as housing, etc).
Getting around Costa Rica – Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio and the pueblo of Quepos are connected by a single road just 6 kilometers long (3.75 miles). There is easy bus service between Quepos and Manuel Antonio every 15 minutes and costs less than $1.00 (USD), and there’s a bus stop right in front of the school. Taxis are also very easy to find in both Quepos and Manuel Antonio. For trips and tours around the country, there are various transportation options including buses, semi-private shuttles, and Nature Air or Sansa (small passenger planes).
Cultural differences (people, language, challenges, etc.)
Costa Rica is a fairly conservative country, but at the same time very cosmopolitan. “Ticos” are very friendly and love to welcome visitors to their country. If this is your first time traveling abroad, you can easily adapt to the culture. While in San José, dress like you are in the capital city. In Manuel Antonio, shorts, bathing suits, and sandals are the norm.
Travelling around America from Costa Rica
Travelling to any country in Central America is very cheap and easy, by bus or by plane. Costa Rica is also well connected to North and South America from the international airport of San José Juan Santamaria.