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TEFL Courses & Certification in Central America

Central America is an ideal location for future TEFL teachers who want to experience countries with larger-than-life personalities, astounding flora and fauna, and of course, to learn Spanish. If there is one thing that connects all seven Central American countries, it’s perhaps the people's’ love of talking, anytime and anywhere. By getting your TEFL certificate in Central America, you will be ideally placed to find the best teaching jobs, as most schools and institutions will only interview in person. Additionally, many TEFL courses will prepare you specifically for life in your new country, giving you an edge over online-only certificate holders.
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Featured TEFL Provider of the Month

21 TEFL Courses in Central America

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? Earn your accredited TEFL certification & receive lifetime job search guidance with International TEFL Academy & begin your journey today! Click on the link to learn more about ITA's award-winning TEFL course in Heredia, Costa Rica, as well as our new Guaranteed Job Placement Program for teaching English in Costa Rica. In addition, all ITA students receive lifetime job search guidance to get hired to teach English in Costa Rica and 80 countries worldwide. In addition, you will be able to tap into our exclusive network of 50,000 alumni around the globe. Access your free Guide to Teaching English in Costa Rica! ITA has been named Top TEFL Online Program & Top Rated TEFL Organization by GoAbroad.com 4 years in a row and has also won the prestigious GoAbroad.com People's Choice Award 4 out of the last 6 years—the only TEFL school to do so.

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Top Rated Program TEFL Courses in Costa Rica 2025

MAXIMO NIVEL

9.71

324

TEFL/TESOL Costa Rica with Job Placement Guarantee!

Certified English teachers are in heavy demand all over the world. This rewarding career will help you develop new skills, plus travel! Our institute in Costa Rica offers a fun, intensive, internationally accredited TEFL/TESOL Certification program. It is 4 weeks/150 hours long, including 15+ hours of practical English teaching and observation of experienced teachers. We offer a small and personal atmosphere with groups ranging from only 2 to 14 people. The TEFL/TESOL Certification program comes with 12 modules that provide you with an important set of competencies required to effectively teach English in foreign countries, including: - Learning and Teaching Theory - Lesson Planning - Class Management - English Grammar Review, Part 1 - English Grammar Review, Part 2 - Teaching Grammar - Teaching Vocabulary - Teaching Speaking - Teaching Writing - Teaching Reading - Teaching Listening - Assessing Learners Our program also includes a special introduction to international English exams including the TOEFL, Cambridge, and IELTS.

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The TEFL Institute

9.51

39

World Class - Government-Regulated Level 5 TEFL Diploma

Earn a Globally Respected Level 5 TEFL Qualification! If you’re searching for a top-tier qualification that’s recognized and valued by employers worldwide, you’ve found it! The Level 5 TEFL Certification is your passport to teaching English wherever and whenever you choose. Why Choose This Level 5 Certification? • International Recognition: This prestigious qualification is required by schools in native English-speaking countries, select EU nations, and the UAE. With it, you’ll stand out to employers and open doors to exciting destinations. • Limitless Possibilities: Whether you dream of teaching abroad or online, this certification gives you the flexibility and credibility to pursue your goals on your terms. • Rigorous, Government-Regulated Standards: Our Level 5 course adheres to strict government guidelines, ensuring you acquire the knowledge and practical skills necessary to become an outstanding ESL teacher. It’s equivalent to a CELTA or TrinityTESOL—two of the most respected names in the industry. • Preferred by Employers: Schools and language centers worldwide actively seek Level 5-qualified teachers, giving you a competitive edge in the job market.

The TEFL Institute of Ireland

9.33

9

Fast-Track Your Future with the 120-Hour Accredited Course

Fast-track your teaching career with the TEFL Institute of Ireland’s accredited fast-track 120-hour TEFL course, your passport to teaching English worldwide. This flexible, self-paced online programme is internationally recognised and meets the global standard for entry-level TEFL jobs, both abroad and online. Designed by experienced educators, the course covers essential teaching skills, lesson planning, classroom management, and practical techniques for engaging learners of all ages. Benefit from personalised tutor support, lifetime job assistance, and certification verification, ensuring your qualification is trusted by employers everywhere. You’ll also gain exclusive access to an AI-powered career platform, providing real-time global job opportunities and tailored career guidance. No previous teaching experience or degree required, just fluent English and a passion for helping others learn. Complete the course in as little as four weeks and unlock a world of exciting opportunities. (2-4 weeks) completion time

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TEFL Heaven

9.91

11

Paid Teaching in Costa Rica & Lifetime Placement Guarantee

Teach English abroad in Costa Rica and experience firsthand the locals’ simple, positive outlook on life—“pura vida.” Included is a guaranteed job placement at one of our trusted partner schools, with a salary ranging from $700 to $1,500. We provide extensive support before your departure, round-the-clock assistance in Costa Rica during your teaching placement, and the chance to earn your TESOL/TEFL certification in San Ramon or online. This makes our program the top choice for those looking to teach in Costa Rica! Already have a TEFL/TESOL certification? We have a program designed for you that comes with guaranteed job placement, full support, and a 1-week group orientation filled with cultural activities and outings! Feeling ready? Apply now, but hurry as spaces are being snapped up fast: 12th February 2024 - FULL 8th April 2024- spaces available 3rd June 2024 - spaces available 15th July 2024 - spaces available 19th August 2024 - spaces available 25th November 2024 - spaces available We recommend booking at least three months before your preferred start date. Inquire now to chat with one of our Abroad Advisors—who all have also taught abroad!

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.

Greenheart Travel

10

1

TEFL/TESOL Certificate in Costa Rica with Greenheart Travel

The Costa Rica TESOL Certificate course is an intensive, in-person 190-hour ESL/EFL teacher training course that provides participants with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the English language classroom Known as the province of flowers, Heredia gives you the best of all worlds: wonderful nightlife, a safe environment, a true cultural experience, and tons of places to explore while getting a fully accredited TEFL/TESOL certification. Over 90% of our graduates can stay and find paid work in Costa Rica. Course overview: - 190-hour TESOL Certification Course - Intensive 4-week in-person training - Fully accredited and internationally recognized - Highly qualified, passionate professors - Limited class sizes (12 students per class) - Course start dates are monthly. Please check out our website for application deadlines to register.

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 somewhere,” this is what they are talking about. Whether you need a change or want to experience a new culture and live like a local, this trip to Costa Rica is for you! Settle into your new life in paradise, starting with a 4-week intensive TESOL course that lets you gain an internationally recognized qualification to teach English. Upon successful completion, you can earn enough money to live and travel while changing lives. You’ll have the option to take on a paid teaching placement that could take you anywhere across Costa Rica, whether on a pristine beach somewhere or next to one of the country’s famed jungles! You can also take your certification to other countries instead of teaching and traveling worldwide. Global will take care of everything you need to get started so you can focus on sliding into this new chapter of your life!

TEFLPros

9.73

175

120-Hour Accredited TEFL Certification with Live Support

The TEFLPros 120-Hour Online TEFL Course offers top-tier instruction, full accreditation, and practical skill development, including over 50 hours of actual classroom experience and instructional videos. Enjoy the best of both worlds: classroom training with a schedule that suits your needs. Perks of learning with TEFLPros: - High-Quality Instruction - Live Weekly Coaching Calls - Accreditation - Practical Skill-Building - Time Flexibility - Location Independence Why is TEFLPros the right choice? - Take our Free 2-day trial to "try before you buy". - Get personalized support via our twice-weekly coaching calls with certified TEFL trainers. - Gain practical skill-building in lesson planning for reading, writing, speaking, and listening lessons. - Gain experience preparing your classroom materials and learn to manage difficult classroom situations. - Earn an internationally recognized certification, with your certificate mailed to you upon graduation. - Gain access to more video content than any other online course, including discussion, video slide decks, step-by-step lesson planning, and 17+ hours of EFL classes.

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.

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SIT TESOL Certificate - World Learning

10

1

SIT TESOL Certificate in Costa Rica - I4CL

Aspiring to teach English abroad? Increase your chances of landing a highly rewarding placement anywhere in the world through the SIT TESOL Certificate, which is respected and recognized by many institutions and educators worldwide! This 180-hour English teaching accreditation introduces you to fundamental topics, including teaching methodology and classroom management. It boasts a 1:6 teacher-to-student ratio, ensuring you obtain the guidance and experience necessary to become effective in the classroom. It also comes with observed practice teaching, wherein you work with actual students and receive feedback from expert trainers. The SIT TESOL Certificate guarantees quality associated with SIT Graduate Institute, an accredited institution, and an industry leader. After graduating, you will join a network of educators and get the chance to teach English in universities, language training centers, and other institutions. Qualifications: Students must have a high school degree and show a capacity for college-level education including a good understanding of the English language and solid writing skills.

A Guide to TEFL Courses in Central America

Locations

While TEFL courses are available throughout Central America, the most popular locations to earn TEFL Certification in Central America are Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. 

Offering the most TEFL courses in the region, Costa Rica is considered by many to be the most advanced country in Central America. It is also home to the greatest number of available TEFL jobs, making it a top pick destination for TEFL teachers. As a hugely popular tourist destination, most Costa Ricans are eager to learn English, so English courses and TEFL jobs are widely available in the capital city of San Jose, as well as in more rural areas, which are perfect for those who enjoy the idea of TEFL courses with a side of surf and sand.

In contrast, Guatemala has a more volatile past, and as a result, fewer resources; but, this also means the demand for English teachers is great, making it an excellent choice for the intrepid teacher. Popular places for TEFL courses in Guatemala include picturesque Antigua, peaceful Lake Atitlan, Panajachel, and the capital, Guatemala City, where the majority of ESL teaching jobs can be found.

Nicaragua is still flying a little under the radar in terms of travel destinations, but it is precisely the lack of tourists that makes it a perfect place to get immersed in the local culture while completing your TEFL certification in Central America. Add to that the low cost of living and being its rank as the safest country in the region, and Nicaragua won’t remain a secret for long! The best places to get TEFL certified in Nicaragua include the capital Managua, Leon, Granada, and San Juan del Sur.

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Latest Program Reviews

TEFLPros is a well-structured and genuinely supportive TEFL program

December 11, 2025by: Karl Otto Kristoffersen - NorwayProgram: 120-Hour Accredited TEFL Certification with Live Support
10

The 120-hour digital course offers excellent video lessons, clear guidance on lesson planning and classroom management, and practical tools that build real confidence. The weekly coaching calls and one-on-one support made a huge difference, and their job assistance prepared me well for interviews abroad. A high-quality course that truly equips you to start teaching. Highly recommended.

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