Teaching English in Costa Rica: At a Glance

ESL teachers here spend their off-time hiking volcanoes, zipping through the misty canopy of Cloud Forest, and mingling with the myriad wildlife that call Costa Rica home. All of this excitement, combined with the variety of ESL opportunities available here, make Costa Rica an excellent destination of choice.

Monthly Salary*: 300,000 - 600,000 CRC Accommodations: Rarely included Airfare: Rarely included Health Care: Rarely included Holidays: Sometimes paid Teaching Hours per Week: 20 - 25 Typical Contract Length: One year or less Typical Start Month(s): Year round Application Timeline: 2 - 3 months Private Tutoring per Hour: 10,000 - 17,500 CRC Income Tax††: 10 - 15% Cost of Living**: Cost of a Big Mac = 1,200 CRC Exchange Rate†: As of 06-18-2013 1000.00 CRC = 1.99 USD 1.00 USD = 501.85 CRC Ability to Save: Low Visa: Employer sometimes sponsors Minimum Requirements: Oxford Seminars TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certificate and Bachelor's Degree Additional Notes: Candidates are encouraged to apply in person; minimum requirements are generally higher for those applying from out-of-country

Living and Teaching in Costa Rica Costa Rica: At a Glance Costa Rica: Living in Costa Rica Costa Rica: Teaching ESL in Costa Rica Costa Rica: Financial Snapshot

Next: Living in Costa Rica

Other Latin America Countries:

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In Costa Rica, enjoy the Monteverde Cloud Forest, the quiet black sand beaches of Puerto Viejo, and the exotic wildlife of the Corcovado National Park. ESL teachers in Costa Rica enjoy the exotic and natural beauty of Costa Rica while teaching ESL. Experience the colorful markets, warm climate, and fabulous food offered in San Jose. The country of Costa Rica is partially made up of tropical islands and is one of the world's largest tourist destinations, including many visitors from the United States and Canada. Costa Rica may be a small country, but it is known for its biodiversity and its large portion of protected wilderness.

The combination of Oxford Seminars' internationally recognized TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certification and the Graduate Placement Service included with the course makes teaching English abroad a reality.  Learn more about teaching English in Costa Rica and other opportunities teaching English abroad by calling 1-800-779-1779, or by attending an upcoming free Information Session in your area.

* Wages vary depending on the economy of the country.
** The Big Mac Index is a credible, reliable, third-party cost-of-living index created by The Economist. For comparison purposes, it lists the cost of an American Big Mac at $4.07.
† Exchange rates are subject to change. Check www.xe.com for current rates.
†† Income tax rate is based on the amount of yearly income. Most TESOL/TESL/TEFL instructors will be charged no more than the minimum percentage.

Oxford Seminars makes every effort to keep our information as up-to-date and accurate as possible. However, individual teaching positions and experiences may vary with job market conditions. Specific information listed cannot be guaranteed to be applicable when you are seeking employment teaching ESL in a specific country.

Note that certain positions require additional qualifications and credentials that are not negotiable due to specific country legislation.