Accredited TESOL Certification Program in Costa Rica

  Costa Rica

• San Jose: 
San Jose
• North Western Region: 
Alajuela,  Heredia
• Central Pacific Coast: 
Quepos,  Guadalupe,  Cartago,  Manuel Antonio,  Coronado,  Escazu,  San Isidro del General,  Puriscal,  Tibas,  Santa Ana,  Punta Banco
• Eastern Lowlands: 
San Pedro Montes de Oca

Length of Position: Usually 10-12 months

Description: Interested in living in, working in, and learning about a new culture?

As a LanguageCorps English Teacher, you receive an internationally accredited TESOL certification, empowering you to thrive as a professional abroad. Learn and apply new skills while developing a wider perspective about the diversity of cultures and populations around the world all within the security of a supportive community.

LanguageCorps offers an accredited TESOL Certification Program in San Pedro: a four-week training course that include 120+ hours of classroom time and the most important part of any quality TESOL certificate course, at least 6 hours of Observed Teaching Practice with local EFL students.

Highlights: Costa Rica has long been renowned for stunning natural beauty, enlightened environmental policies, democratic government, dense and diverse wildlife, and warm, welcoming people.

Columbus landed in Costa Rica in 1502, but it wasn't until 1838 that this nation of mountains and beaches became an independent republic. Having grown relatively wealthy from coffee and banana exports, Costa Rica is now a haven for tourists and travelers, as well as a proud democracy with a growing industrial sector (Intel accounts for about 20% of the country's exports).

Costa Rica's tropical climate is characterized by a rainy season (May into November) and a dry season (mid-November through April). Temperatures vary based on altitude, from year-round beach weather on the coasts to the consistently temperate mountain valleys.

The TESOL Certification Program prepares graduates to teach English effectively in any classroom in the world. Designed for those with or without previous teaching experience, this intensive training program includes instruction from experienced trainers, classroom observation of professional teachers, and teaching practice with language learners. Participants learn how to lead classes using the communicative approach, teaching students to use real-world language for real-world situations. Upon completion of the program, participants will be able to teach adult ESL/EFL classes of different levels, feel comfortable choosing the right material to teach a given class, and complement their classes with audio-visual aids.

During the training program you will receive job search assistance, and most people who are serious about finding a paid teaching position in Costa Rica are able to do so.
An optional week or two at a Spanish language institute is also available in San Pedro before or after the four week TESOL program. This includes small group Spanish lessons appropriate to the individual students language skill level, home stay accommodations including two meals per day, and various cultural programs, such as Salsa dance lessons and local cooking lessons. The cost of this option is US$425 for one week, and $800 for two weeks.

Qualifications: Successful LanguageCorps Teachers are true global citizens. They are comfortable with, and excited about, genuine intercultural exchange. They embrace opportunities to share their own cultural identity with others, and to immerse themselves in new and different worlds. While neither previous teaching experience nor foreign language skills are required, all LanguageCorps Teachers must possess excellent native-level English, some college experience, a valid passport; and must complete an application, interview, and background check. Bachelors' degrees are preferred, but not required. In addition, you will receive lifetime job search assistance if you decide to teach again in Costa Rica, or in other locations in the future.

Minimum Education: Bachelors

Cost in US$: US$1,995

Salary / Pay: Wages for Teachers in Costa Rica are normally between $250 and $400 per month.

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European and Kiwi Participants.

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad

LanguageCorps's Mission Statement: LanguageCorps' mission is to offer participants a rewarding experience living in, working in, and learning about a new culture; affording them a unique opportunity to learn and apply new skills and challenging them to develop a wider perspective about the diversity of cultures and populations around the world.

Year Founded: 2002