Teach English in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

TEFL trainees stay in Quepos, which is a small village next to Manuel Antonio Beach. It’s population is around 22,000 residents. There are lots of shops and local restaurants to enjoy. A central bus station, a great marina, and an open-air market every Saturday. 

Manuel Antonio National Park is nearby – Costa Rica’s largest protected rainforest. The National Park boasts incredible flora and fauna, monkeys galore, lizards, more species of birds than you could count, and many more animals. The park is wonderful for short walks, full-day hikes, and snorkeling.

Manuel Antonio is hot all year round. Average temperatures are approximately 33°C (92°F) and humidity is always high. ‘Green season’ lasts from May to October with the wettest months being September and October. ‘Dry season’ is from November to April.

Costa Rica is widely considered one of the planet’s most sustainable destinations. It is also a safe country – so peaceful a nation, the government disbanded the Army way back in 1948. 

There is plenty to see and do in Manuel Antonio, and Costa Rica too! The location is ‘Pura Vida’ in every sense of the word. You can experience the natural wonders of both the rainforest and white sandy coastline that Costa Rica has.

There are local shops and restaurants to visit, nightlife, open air markets, and of course, Manuel Antonio National Park. The cost of living in Costa Rica averages $750-$1150 per month. Meaning you’ll always have enough to live on through your teaching salary, but it’s more of a break-even country to live and work in pay wise, as with all locations in Latin America.

It’s recommended to have savings of approx $2000 – $2500 USD before you begin your program, to live comfortably until you’re paid by your employer, which is usually at the end of your first month teaching.

OPTIONS DURING THE COURSE

• Host Family shared room: $740 for four weeks
• Host family private room $855 for four weeks
• Private Apartment: $795 for four weeks

Family-stays are with approved host families who have been working with the team for many years. Family-stays include a shared room with a shared bathroom. You will be sharing with people of the same gender and approximate age if you choose this option.

Private rooms and bathrooms are also available. Host families offer comfortable beds, hot showers, and WiFi, although internet service can sometimes be slow. Guests are free to come and go as they please, but you should always respect the basic rules of living with a host-family.

Family-stays include breakfast and dinner 7 days per week. Families are very accustomed to hosting international guests and are happy to cook vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free meals.

Private apartments are fully furnished, include WiFi, and are very comfortable. Apartments come with equipped kitchens including plates and utensils required to live comfortably and cook for yourself. Private apartments are a great option for individuals who prefer their privacy and also for couples. Apartments are centrally located and are within easy walking distance of the TEFL training centre.

OPTIONS AFTER THE COURSE

Since the main jobs are in the bigger cities, expat TEFL teachers tend to share accommodation. Rent comes between $300 – $400 USD per month depending on the type you choose. It’s much easier on the wallet to share an apartment than it is to rent a house alone. Most rentals are found locally, you’ll have the support of the training team and your employer to secure housing ready for your arrival at your new work place.

• Course format

You’ll study for 150 hours over the 4 week training period. You will also complete 12 hours of teaching practises with real students. It’s a full time, Monday to Friday program, with weekends off.

• Teaching practices

You’ll teach local Costa Rican residents during your practical sessions, usually in groups of 6-8 students. All classes are with local learners, who are keen to expand upon their English knowledge.

• Type of assessment

You will complete 2 academic papers, a final portfolio, along with your observed teaching practises during the program. 

• Course location and centre

The school overlooks Manuel Antonio beach, which is just minutes away on foot. All classrooms are air conditioned for your comfort, complete with indoor and outdoor break areas, an onsite snack bar and computer suite.

• Requirements

To complete the TEFL course you need to be at least 18 years old (although each applicant is considered on a case by case basis). You can also be a non-native speaker of English as long as you have a level C1 or above, which will be tested during the interview. A Bachelors degree (in any discipline) is preferred, however there are plenty of TEFL jobs for non degree holders.

• Job market and employment possibility

You have lifelong job assistance from the team in Manuel Antonio. There are plenty of TEFL jobs, mainly located in the Central Valley region of the country, around San Jose and Heredia. Private institutes hire year-round. K-12 schools, following the Latin American school year, tend to hire in January and February, whereas schools following the North American school year tend to hire in June and July.

• Visa Requirements

You’ll enter Costa Rica on a 90 day, visa on arrival. Following the course, your employer will assist you with renewing your visa.

There are mainly 2 types of TEFL teaching jobs in Costa Rica. You can work with private TEFL schools and academies teaching in a classroom environment. There are also positions at K-12 schools for those wanting to commit to a minimum of 1 year school contract. Most TEFL teachers work 20-30 hours per week, with salaries ranging from $750-$1,000 per month