Location
  • Costa Rica
    • San José
Length
150 hours
Training Type
Classroom

Program Details

Teaching Practicum
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Certifications
TEFL TESOL
Housing
Apartment Host Family Hotel

Pricing

Starting Price
$1,799 USD
Price Details
There is a $600 deposit to reserve your spot in one of our Costa Rica TEFL courses. Then a balance of $1,199 is due at least 30 days before your course start date.
Jan 04, 2021
Sep 27, 2018

About Program

Want to get paid to live in a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and the legendary Pure Vida vibe of its people? Get TEFL certified & teach English abroad in Costa Rica!

The job market for teaching English in Costa Rica is currently one of the largest and strongest in Latin America. Costa Rica is also an ideal option if you don’t have a 4-year university degree or prior teaching experience. It is also a great place to work on your Spanish language skills.

You can teach English in Costa Rica by taking ITA’s Online TEFL class or by taking your class in person in the historic town of Heredia, Costa Rica.

Armed with your International TEFL Academy TEFL certification & lifetime job search guidance, you'll be able to finding professional teaching positions in Costa Rica & in more than 80 countries worldwide.

Video and Photos

Get TEFL certified with International TEFL Academy!

Located in the historical town of Heredia just outside the capital of San Jose, our Costa Rica TEFL class offers a combination of world-class TEFL training; top notch support; and comprehensive job placement assistance both in Costa Rica & worldwide. Our professors and support staff in Costa Rica possess years of experience in both training TEFL students and in linking our graduates with job opportunities throughout the region. In fact, local language schools actually seek out graduates from our Costa Rica TEFL course to work as teachers in their institutes.

In addition, International TEFL Academy offers state-of-the-art accredited TEFL classes online and 25 locations world. We certify more than 3,500 people a year to teach English overseas and our graduates are teaching English abroad in 80 countries worldwide. In addition, to earning and internationally accredited qualification that is recognized by thousands of schools and language institutes worldwide, all ITA students receive lifetime job search guidance and access to a full array of alumni services and networking opportunities.

Why does International TEFL Academy offer the Top TEFL Classes in Costa Rica?

  • State-of-the-art curriculum incorporating the latest in teaching methodologies and practices including classroom management & lesson planning;
  • Comprehensive Pre-Enrollment Guidance & Advice: Work with a personal advisor to answer all of your questions about TEFL certification & English teaching jobs in Costa Rica & around the world;
  • Top tier support from an experienced staff both in Costa Rica & in our Chicago headquarters.
  • Highly qualified professors possessing advanced degrees & experience;
  • Live practice teaching (Practicum) to gain hands-on teaching experience with local ESL students in Costa Rica;
  • Hands-on job placement assistance in Costa Rica, in addition worldwide lifetime job search guidance that includes personal assistance from expert advisors and referrals to top schools and recruiters;
  • Alumni Network: Exclusive opportunities to network, connect & correspond with thousands of ITA alumni teaching English in Costa Rica and in 80 countries worldwide;
  • Internationally Accredited: All TEFL courses, including our Costa Rica TEFL Course, meet or exceed international standards and are externally monitored & accredited by internationally recognized bodies.

How Do I Learn More?

  • Contact International TEFL Academy for a Free Brochure.
  • You will also be assigned a personal admissions advisor to answer all of your questions about teaching abroad and TEFL certification.
  • You will also receive access to the most comprehensive information available anywhere about Teaching English Abroad, including hundreds of articles & FAQs, country profiles, eBooks & guides, firsthand stories, videos & live webcasts!
  • From hiring requirements and salaries, to TEFL certification & job placement assistance we are available to help you with all of your questions about teaching English abroad. This information is available free of charge, so just get in touch!

Location: Heredia, Costa Rica

Length: 4 weeks

Requirements: Students must be native English speakers.

Type of Training: TEFL Certification for teaching English abroad in Costa Rica & more than 80 countries worldwide

Job Placement Services: All graduates receive personal job placement assistance in Costa Rica (virtually all graduates are able to gain employment). In addition, International TEFL Academy offers lifetime worldwide job placement. Services include personalized assistance from experienced advisors, 400 page job guidance manual; contact information for more than 30,000 schools & recruiters; access to hundreds of job boards; alumni network with over 10,000 ITA graduates teaching worldwide & much more.

Housing: Options & costs may vary depending on availability, but typically include homestay arrangements, local hostels & guesthouses, & shared apartments. Request a brochure or speak to an advisor to learn more about specific options. Housing costs are not included in tuition, but our staff will assist enrolled students with making arrangements.

Cost Description:Tuition: $1799 USD (not including housing, food or travel)

Application: Contact International TEFL Academy for a Free brochure to speak with an advisor and to learn more about the course & enrollment, in addition to teaching jobs in Costa Rica & job placement assistance.

Program Highlights

  • State-of-the-art curriculum incorporating the latest in teaching methodologies and practices including classroom management & lesson planning;

Program Reviews

9.61 Rating
based on 18 reviews
  • 9-10 rating 94.44%
  • 7-8 rating 5.56%
  • 5-6 rating 0%
  • 3-4 rating 0%
  • 1-2 rating 0%
  • Benefits 9.2
  • Support 9.5
  • Fun 8
  • Facilities 7.5
  • Safety 9
  • Instruction 9.9
  • Support 9.6
  • Value 9.3
  • Academic Rigor 8.1
  • Job Assistance 9.9
Showing 1 - 8 of 18 reviews
Default avatar
Shardae
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

My path is clearer now

I have been trying to figure out which direction I wanted to take my life. I was close to the end of getting my degree in school and I was desperately trying to figure out what I wanted to do next. I knew that I wanted to travel and see the world, but I wasn't sure how. Then I kept hearing people talking about teaching English abroad. It was something I've always heard people talk about, but it never really crossed my mind as something I would do. I put in my information and received a call from Chelsea, my admissions advisor. I had PLENTY of questions to ask Chelsea had an answer for every single one of them. She was very nice and patient and I appreciate her being so clear.

So after months of deciding, I finally got on board and signed up for the online course. I really enjoyed it. It was an active class, where you had a chance to create your own lesson plans, and learned about different teaching methods for students. Emily, the online instructor, gave very informative and great constructive criticism which helped me improve weekly. Erika, my Student Affairs advisor is awesome! She helped me narrow down which place I should go, and she helped me polish my resume and my cover letter.

Now I currently teach English online and I absolutely love it! I finally feel like I am heading down my destined path and I can't wait to continue this journey and move to Costa Rica summer of 2019. I think that this is a great school to attend because not only do you get a lot of information on countries, they prepare you for it. When I found out that the advisors I've been assigned to will always be my advisors as long as they are there, I knew this was a good decision. It brings the opportunity to build a great rapport.

What would you improve about this program?
I honestly can't think of anything that really sticks out, but maybe the price? It may be expensive in comparison of other programs, but you are paying for more than just your certification. You get a large community of support and resources behind it. Plus,they have opportunities to gain discounts and you can also do a payment plan.
14 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
JoAnna
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

If it's on your mind... DO IT!!!

I have been thinking about teaching abroad for so many years. I finally decided to go through with up because... why not!? I found ITA Costa Rica in Barva, Heredia, through searching ESL teaching programs abroad. ITA Costa Rica was the one I found the most positive reviews about. While reading about the program I had the best feeling about the program. It was a sense of comfort and I felt like it was a true educational program that would prepare me the best for teaching English as a Second Language. Once choosing ITA Costa Rica I had a sense of peace and I felt like I was about to make the greatest move of my life.

* Reasons why you SHOULD take this course:
- The course instructors, Luke and Melanie are absolutely amazing. You are given so much guidance throughout the whole process. They are both experts in TESOL and give you so many helpful resources & tools throughout the course.
- Starting with the first day of class, your mind will be put at ease with what you'll have to do and what is expected of you throughout the course. Everything is organized very nicely day by day. You are shown how to navigate the calendars, teaching schedule, moodle (where all course info will be available online), and where all the essential things are in Barva to help you be successful throughout the month.
- Without a doubt you are able to walk into this course with out any teaching experience and walk out feeling confident about how to be a teacher in the TESOL world. So don't be intimidated!!!
- It is not overwhelming if you stay on top of the work and if you have good time management skills - you will be fine!
- It is a very affordable program!
- You have the opportunity to stay with a homestay family - and you should definitely do it!! It gives you such a sense of security to have a family and they truly do care about you. They are supportive, extremely nice and cook amazing food! It's an easy way to experience the culture and practice Spanish.
- You are living in a beautiful country - obviously :)

What would you improve about this program?
Honestly, nothing. You will need to be open to new opportunities and different cultural approaches.
15 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Morgan
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

This class is AMAZING

My expectations were very high coming into this course, and still they were exceeded. I met some of the best people in this course & they have prepared me amazingly to be a teacher. They introduced us to many people who are directors of language academies. Most of them personally know Luke and Melanie & they trust that the class prepares us well. I was even hired before the course finished because they knew that I would be able to teach efficiently if I made it though the course. That being said, the course is so doable. It’s all very practical and the instructors help you every step of the way. Overall this course was so fun and helped me not only be a fantastic teacher, but it helped me be familiar with Costa Rican culture!

12 people found this review helpful.
Johanna
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Taught to fish

I took this course in 2016, and I found that I felt very ready to teach. They taught me how to teach English, I was assisted in finding a job, housing and making local friends even. Although they provided me with a lot of material, they also taught me how to create and seek out material on my own (teaching me to fish instead of simply giving me the fish). I feel that this course prepared me very well to go out and teach, as well as preparing me well for life in Costa Rica, with culture shock courses and information about local culture. Luke and Melanie are the absolute best.

14 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Catherine
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Exceeding Expectations

The course is 100% worth it. In 4 weeks you are able to gain so much knowledge and practice teaching ESL. The program gives you options of housing and lets you fill out a form with your preferences (definitely recommend staying with a host family). My host family was everything I could have hoped for and I still go and see them even after moving out when the course ended. They set up transportation at the airport for you, making your journey a lot less stressful upon arrival. It is definitely an intense and challenging course, but it is absolutely worth it. The first week can feel a bit overwhelming, but you get used to the work load and pace of the course. The practicum teaching and feedback sessions are super helpful. Melanie and Luke break down lesson planning for vocabulary, grammar and skills lessons so you are fully prepared when the course ends. They are very helpful through the job search process. They also provide information about other countries if you are looking to move somewhere else after the course ends. Between your classmates, instructors and alumni you are able to have such a helpful support system. This course completely exceeded my expectation and I recommend it to anyone considering getting their TEFL certification.

What would you improve about this program?
I think the program can be improved by providing more information about the course before starting. The first day was very overwhelming and I think some of that stress could have been decreased if I knew what to expect in terms of course load and how practicum teaching is structured into the schedule.
16 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
samuel
9/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Britabroad

This course was absolutely fantastic. The material and instruction was extremely comprehensive. The tutors were always there to assist with any issues during the course. The marking/grading time frame from the tutors was extremely admirable. The assignments were always returned back with extensive feedback in a short period of time. This in turn made it easier to progress on the course as it meant we were able to make improvements in time for the next assignment.
The course was extremely intense, more so than was expected. However, I saw this as a positive as it meant we were more prepared to go into teaching ESL after the course. The program provided by the tutors was known throughout the local ESL community. This became evident during my interviews for work at various institutes, they shared the same view that the tutors were doing a successful job of preparing ESL Teachers for the field.
I am extremely happy that I took this course instead of one off the internet. I feel that it simply would not have been enough to be able to successful teach ESL. Whereas the course at TESOL COSTA RICA provided week on week practical sessions that were reviewed and developed upon. Due to the practical side of the course and constant feedback provided from this, the course simply could not be beat for preparing a teacher in my opinion.
If you want to take the most comprehensive TEFL course and be prepared for the ESL market then I would highly recommend taking this one!
Pura Vida!

What would you improve about this program?
I think that the program could of provided more information before the start date of the course. For example, information about the homestay and course schedule was a little vague. Also, it was extremely difficult to find low cost accommodation after the course.

13 people found this review helpful.
Response from International TEFL Academy

Thanks for sharing your feedback, Samuel. Your photos clearly prove Costa Rica is an amazing setting to get TEFL certified. And the staff down there undoubtedly contributes to the unforgettable experience.
We're sorry you experienced issues with your housing budget. All of our start-up cost info is kept up-to-date on our website. Costa Rica is one of the most expensive countries in Latin America, so it is the reason why we recommend bringing almost double of what you would bring to most other Latin American countries.
We look forward to hearing how your adventures unfold down south!

Default avatar
Mitchell
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

The best for your money

This course was absolutely amazing!! Your in-class time is split between two incredible teachers, with different teaching styles that only work to create a diversified learning experience. There is a lot of hands-on and practical teaching experience you will not find in an online class, that is crucial to becoming familiar with real life teaching. You will learn everything you need to know about correct English grammar, and how to teach it. Luke and Melanie (the 2 teachers), and other staff are with every step of the way. Do not go into this class thinking it will be a vacation, it is not. During the month of class there is not as much time to travel around Costa Rica as you might expect. There is a lot of work, but it is very manageable. After graduating this course, I not only feel very prepared to be a successful English teacher, but based on the strong reputation this school has in the ESL world here in Costa Rica, I feel like I have an advantage over other TEFL students. After graduating this course, I took a little vacation to Nicaragua, but now I am back here teaching at a local English school and can't wait to see what my future has in store for me!!

What would you improve about this program?
The only thing I can think of to improve this program would be to offer more support in housing after graduation for people who want to stay local and teach. The job search guidance is very good, and effective, and it makes it easy to find a job teaching english. But it is stressful going from a structured month of living, with a homestay, food, and attending school everyday, to being on your own and needing to find a place to live and a job to support the rent. So make sure if you plan to stay and teach to have money saved for at least a month rent after graduation.
14 people found this review helpful.
Jacob
10/10
Yes, I recommend this program

Costa Rica TESOL from a suburban New Yorker

This was an amazing experience and continues to be even after graduation! Everyone on staff was more than helpful, direct and upfront. All of the assignments were clearly outlined and although the work load challenging it certainly was doable. I think what I appreciated most was how enthusiastic the staff was about training us and their ability to give helpful advice at the right time and with one-on-one interactions if we had a question, problem, or were just feeling overwhelmed.

What would you improve about this program?
The biggest problem I had was actually before the course even started a lot of the info was a little vague leading up to the course.

I was expecting an email at least a few days before the start of the course just as an introduction and there really wasn't any sent out. They said we could ask whatever questions we had but it was just a lot to take in so I wish they had a frequently asked questions page more available.
14 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers

The amount of money to start up should be at least 2 months living expenses as it takes a few weeks to get a job and start, then you get paid typically once a month. It's always wise to bring more than you think, many people spend more during their first month than average going out to dinner, traveling etc. Here's a link to the Costa Rica country information as this is updated each year with cost...