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Teaching Jobs in Costa Rica

Pura Vida! Teach English abroad in one of the oldest democracies in the world, and the most peaceful and stable nation in Central America. With tourism driving the economy, Costa Ricans are eager to boost their English skills. Finding teaching jobs in Costa Rica is not a problem! From ziplining through rainforests to hiking volcanoes, adventure awaits on your weekends off.
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12 Teaching Jobs in Costa Rica

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Arenal volcano in Costa Rica
International TEFL Academy logo

International TEFL Academy

9.63

124

Get TEFL Certified & Teach English in Costa Rica!

Do you want to get paid to live and teach English in Costa Rica? ...

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Maximo Nivel in Costa Rica
MAXIMO NIVEL logo

MAXIMO NIVEL

9.71

324

TEFL/TESOL Costa Rica with Job Placement Guarantee!

Certified English teachers are in heavy demand all over the world...

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Teachers in Costa Rica -  Global Work & Travel
Global Work & Travel logo

Global Work & Travel

0

0

TEFL/TESOL in Costa Rica | Teach & Travel in the Americas

When people talk about “running away and living on a beach somewh...

TEFL heaven

TEFL Heaven

9.91

11

Paid Teaching in Costa Rica & Lifetime Placement Guarantee

Teach English abroad in Costa Rica and experience firsthand the l...

Greenheart Travel

9

1

Teach English in Costa Rica with Greenheart Travel

We are excited to assist the Costa Rican Government’s “English Training for Employability” initiative, which provides intensive English education and life skills training to local communities. The goal of this program is to empower at-risk young adults so they can gain employment at local businesses that require basic to intermediate levels of English. Program at a glance: • 4-month volunteer English teaching placement • Housing and meals with a local Costa Rican host family • Placements throughout Costa Rica • Extensive 4-day group orientation upon arrival in San Jose Qualifications: Native English speaker Ages 21-45 TEFL/TESOL Certification

Top Rated Program Teach Abroad in Costa Rica 2025

Teach Explore Asia (XploreAsia)

9.17

36

Xplore Costa Rica TEFL Program with Guaranteed Placement

Join Xplore’s In-Country TEFL/TESOL + Placement Program for expert support, a guaranteed teaching job in Costa Rica, and lifetime placement opportunities. Whether you have a degree or not, we can place you in a teaching position! Earn a globally recognized 120-hour Level 5 TEFL/TESOL certification and start your teaching career with confidence. Our Teach in Costa Rica program is based in San Ramón, a charming town famous for its rich history, vibrant local cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere. Costa Rica is a top destination for teaching in the Americas, offering stunning natural beauty, a warm culture, and one of the safest environments for foreigners in Central and South America. With a supportive expat infrastructure, it’s the perfect setting for professional growth and personal adventure. The demand for native English speakers is high, and the Costa Rican government invests heavily in education, creating abundant opportunities for teachers. Take advantage of this growing demand and immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most captivating countries.

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

9.55

794

Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

TravelBud

8

1

Paid Teaching Program in Costa Rica with TravelBud

Experience life the Pura Vida way with our Paid Teaching Program in Costa Rica! One of the most sought-after paid teaching placements, Costa Rica offers a laid-back Tico culture and a low cost of living. The first of its kind, our program includes everything – a job placement with 100% guaranteed earnings of up to $1500 (USD) per month, 24/7 dedicated pre-departure and in-country support, and an internationally accredited TESOL/TEFL certification. Plus, complete a full week of cultural orientation in Costa Rica before you start teaching. Teaching Abroad with TravelBud gives you the building blocks for a successful experience. We vet our partner schools against strict criteria and tailor your TESOL course specifically to the classroom climate in the country. We're ready to get you started in 2025! See our website for a full list of intake dates.

OnTESOL

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Teach English Abroad with OnTESOL

There’s no better way to earn income, make an impact on others, and discover the world than by teaching English abroad! This is exactly what we offer at OnTESOL—the opportunity to take on a teaching job at your desired location in Asia, Europe, Central and South America, and the Middle East. Traveling and teaching in another country is perfect for recent university graduates interested in taking a gap year, professionals looking for a career change, and individuals who simply want to experience a new environment. Generally, teaching English requires the following: - University degree - Accredited TESOL, TESL, or TEFL Certification (at least 120 hours) - Native and non-native English speakers OnTESOL can connect you with a broad range of positions across diverse placements: entry-level, professional, IELTS preparation, and Business English. Teach in language academies, private and public schools, and educational institutions. Talk to us today and we’ll help you find a truly rewarding English teaching job abroad!

Teacher's Friend

9.6

5

Teach abroad with personalised support at every stage!

Embrace your dream of living abroad! Unsure about which TEFL course is perfect for you? Let me be your friend, helping your choose based on your unique circumstances. Worried about course content? My pre-course modules are here to help. I'll help you build a strong foundation in basic grammar and TEFL essentials, ensuring you step into the classroom with confidence. PLUS, I provide assistance with assignments and homework throughout the course. Say goodbye to job-search anxiety. My post-course support includes job placement assistance, a CV review, and contract guidance, all geared to help you secure your dream job on this island paradise. Feeling nervous about making friends, navigating another country, and being far from home? There's no need to stress about work permits, logistics, or packing – I'm that reliable friend you need and trust. You'll never have to go it alone with my ongoing support. Expect weekly check-ins, monthly calls, and access to a vibrant alumni community filled with previous graduates who are more than happy to show you the ropes and help you settle in.

A Guide to Teaching Abroad in Costa Rica

Prepare to Teach Abroad

Set goals

You’ll be teaching in a new environment, so it’s important not to get overwhelmed by everything on your to-do list. Setting goals can help you stay focused. While your goals will depend on your personal purpose and intentions, here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Working in a different country means you'll need to adapt. Take the time to understand and embrace the local culture, pick up some basic Spanish phrases, and learn about common practices. This will help you connect better with your students and colleagues.
  • Make sure to set clear boundaries between work and personal time. It’s key to staying refreshed and avoiding burnout, so you can enjoy your time teaching and exploring.
  • Surround yourself with friends and colleagues who can help you settle in and feel at home. Having a good support system makes adjusting to your new environment much easier and more enjoyable.

Understand the benefits

Being in Costa Rica is more than just a feast for the eyes; it also comes with a host of benefits, especially when you’re teaching there.

  • Adventure at your doorstep: Costa Rica is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re surfing on the coast, hiking through rainforests, or visiting active volcanoes, your weekends will be packed with amazing adventures.
  • Competitive salary and benefits: You’ll enjoy a salary that lets you live comfortably in Costa Rica, plus extra perks like housing assistance or health insurance.
  • Language skills: While you’ll be teaching English, you’ll also have the chance to learn Spanish through everyday interactions and classes. It’s a great way to add a valuable skill to your professional toolkit.

Things to know

Who wouldn’t be excited about living and working in Costa Rica? To really enjoy your time in this amazing country, it’s a good idea to get familiar with some key details before you go.

  • Teaching environment - Most teaching jobs focus on adults in private language schools or institutes, with university roles for experienced teachers. Classes usually run from early morning to noon and late afternoon to evening, with a midday break to avoid the heat.
  • Salaries and costs - Teaching provides a salary that supports a comfortable lifestyle, though living costs are higher than in other Central American countries. Budgeting wisely helps manage expenses.
  • Accommodation and visas - Some organizations assist with housing, while others expect you to arrange it yourself. Rent varies, with city apartments costing more. Secure accommodation early. Work visas often aren’t sponsored right away, so renewing a tourist visa and taking short trips to nearby countries may be needed.
  • Cultural tips - Health insurance is usually not included, so ensure you have coverage through travel insurance or a home plan. Be prepared for “Tico time” (a relaxed approach to punctuality) and common affectionate greetings like hugs or kisses.

Popular Providers

Frequently Asked Questions

Although it is not a requirement, it is assumed that applicants for teaching positions speak English fluently and at a native level. The ultimate goal of teaching English in a fully immersive setting is to encourage active learning in your students.

To teach English in the majority of Latin American nations, no degree is even necessary. But having a TEFL certification may lead to a wide range of employment possibilities, from helping in the classroom to actually teaching English.

TEFL/TESOL certified native English speakers with university degrees are frequently required for the majority of English teaching careers in Costa Rica. If you don't have the certification yet, you can consider completing a course in Costa Rica.

The pay for formal teaching positions ranges from $8 to $10 per hour and may expect to earn between $500 to $1,000 per month. This provides enough money for a living while teaching English in Costa Rica, depending on the situation.

Latest Program Reviews

A Creative Adventure!

December 05, 2025by: Alex Torres - United StatesProgram: Xplore Costa Rica TEFL Program with Guaranteed Placement
9

This was truly a beautiful experience—one I’d recommend to anyone, whether you’re an aspiring teacher, healer, artist, or any other walk of life. It may terrify you, intimidate you and possibly make you question your life choices, but I assure you, you will not regret it. To have the ability to step out of your comfort zone is in itself a blessing and what better way to learn more about yourself than by being an English Teacher. I had a 6 month contract at Colegio Victoria in Costa Rica where I covered for another teacher who was on a maternity leave. I've already had experience as a teacher but this type of role was completely new to me for 2 main reasons. I found myself teaching an older age group, despite having little experience with that level, and a subject I wasn’t very versed in: American Literature. It pushed me well beyond my comfort zone! So I decided to dig deep as I usually do. With my background in Art as a 2D animator I connected the dots and realized the similarities between literature and 2D animation. The concept of creating fiction in any medium has always been innate to me and the appreciation of a well-written story has always been present with me. When my workload felt overwhelming I used Ai tools to assist me in the Literature Analysis as well. I felt accepted by the students and staff because I was upfront about my learning curve and although I faced challenges, I decided to make the best of it. Currently, I am still in Costa Rica living with my girlfriend (a fellow teacher) and may even consider becoming a resident here.

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