With more educators than ever before seeking a new, more exciting way of life overseas, it isn’t surprising that so many are considering heading to Costa Rica to put their skills to good use.
Thanks to its gorgeous landscapes, friendly locals, and stable economy, Costa Rica has plenty to offer English language teachers, especially due to the high demand for qualified professionals. With no need to have previous experience in the field or a degree, this Central American country could be the ideal choice for those with a TEFL qualification who are seeking a laidback way of life in a stunning setting.
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Costa Rica – Attracting Expats From All Walks Of Life
Costa Rica has long been one of the top destinations worldwide for retirees to head to, thanks to its affordable cost of living and friendly locals. However, in recent years, it has begun to see the arrival of a broader spectrum of expats, all seeking out the country’s welcoming lifestyle. Digital nomads have been flocking to towns like Santa Teresa, attracted by the gorgeous surroundings and enviable outdoor way of life. But if you’re thinking of relocating to this part of Central America as an education professional, you may still be asking why you should teach English in Costa Rica rather than in any other spot around the globe.
Plentiful Opportunities For Teachers
Many people wish to learn English in Costa Rica, and thanks to the country’s strong economy, there are plentiful opportunities for teachers. This news is especially good for older professionals since experience, both professional and personal, is highly valued here. Teachers can choose from a raft of options, including in-person classes, business English teaching, speciality lessons, and online language schools.
Perfect For Those Who Want To Teach Adults
While there are opportunities for those who want to teach children and young people English, many teaching positions in Costa Rica involve working with adults. This makes it an ideal place for those interested in teaching business English or in private tutoring roles.
Stunning Surroundings
If you love wildlife and all things nature-related, you’ll love Costa Rica. This small yet stunning country contains almost 6% of the planet’s biodiversity, from beaches and hot springs to waterfalls and volcanoes. Even better, it’s quick and easy to travel and explore every corner of the nation since virtually all regions are accessible in under three hours.
A Pleasant Year-Round Climate
Many people describe the climate in Costa Rica as comfortable all year round, with no need for either heating or air conditioning. Temperatures are generally between 70 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year, so you’ll never need to put on an extra sweater during the winter or suffer in sweltering heat during the summer months.
An Affordable Lifestyle
The cost of living in Costa Rica is far lower than in many other countries, including Canada, the UK and the United States. Working as a teacher will enable you to make enough money to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle and allow you to really make the most of everything this wonderful nation can offer. With much lower rents, cheaper groceries and less costly transportation, it’s possible to enjoy more disposable income than you would at home.
Fabulous Outdoor Living
If you are a fan of the outdoor lifestyle, there’ll always be something to enjoy in Costa Rica. From swimming in the sea to surfing and hiking to bungee jumping, there are activities to satisfy even the most demanding thrill seeker!
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
If you’re eager to live more sustainably and reduce your carbon footprint, there are few better places on the planet to do this than in Costa Rica. To start, you won’t need a car here as you can easily take a bus virtually anywhere you want to go. The mild climate means there’s no need to have central heating or air conditioning, and even hot water isn’t usually necessary. Over 98% of Costa Rica’s energy comes from renewable sources, too, so you can feel confident that you’re doing your bit to help protect the planet’s resources.
Friendly Locals
Costa Rica is well-known for its friendly and welcoming people. From the moment you arrive, you’ll become part of the local community. You’ll likely receive invitations to parties and social events, and if you need some help with your Spanish, you can rest assured that you’ll find plenty of people willing to assist.
Where To Live And Work In Costa Rica
While many teachers are eager to find a job along Costa Rica’s coast, they often find that there’s a shortage of positions in these regions. The Central Valley of the country is a better option when it comes to finding teaching positions.
The capital, San Jose, has the majority of teaching vacancies, but while there are more options here, the cost of living is also higher than in other areas, so that should be borne in mind before seeking a post here.
The smaller cities of Heredia and San Pedro, just outside the capital, are university towns that offer English teachers plentiful opportunities for private tutoring. Private language schools in these locations also offer positions to qualified teachers.
Costa Rica’s other major cities, including Alajuela, Puerto Limon, and Cartago, also have numerous teaching opportunities in private language academies.
Is Costa Rica The Right Choice For Me?
If you have a TEFL qualification and are keen to relocate overseas to teach English, Costa Rica could be the ideal choice, especially if you’re eager to enjoy a sustainable, outdoor lifestyle with an affordable cost of living and a mild year-round climate. With so much to see and do and a wealth of opportunities available for those with the right teaching credentials, this Central American country represents an excellent option for professional educators with a sense of adventure.Â
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Whether she is researching the latest trends in home decor, life-changing destination getaways, or the best way to maintain your finances, Dewey takes pride in leaving no stone unturned. She is passionate about distilling and delivering high-quality information that you can use to upgrade your life.
