Job Discussion Forums

RachelATejas · Joined: 12 Oct 2005 Posts: 15 Location: Austin, Texas

I'm about to graduate with a degree in English in May 06, and all I really want to do is teach in my favorite country, Costa Rica....

I know this question has been asked 1,000 times on here probably, but what certification is best for CR, and where exactly should I go to get it if I live in Texas? Or should I get it while in CR?

I have read some of the posts in this forum, but I'm getting kinda confused... any and all input will help. Thanks yall- Rachel

jimmy44 · Joined: 11 Apr 2005 Posts: 7 Location: San Jose Costa Rica

This might help answer your question about getting certified. http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=18857. I am leaving for C.R. in a few weeks and am looking to teach english as well. I just completed 1/2 of my Masters in Secondary Education and got certified in Social Studies. I believe getting the TEFL certification is the best way to go. I figure, if I am going to spend a year or two teaching english I might as well have some certification to go along with it. Also, it will look great in my portfolio. I have stayed in C.R. for 2 month stints and found Manual Antonio esta muy bueno. If I am going to live in C.R. you will find me close to the surf. Cool

I will keep you posted on how my experience goes...
Jim

"Drink and be merry, for tomorrow we may die." Dave Matthews

doreenp · Joined: 13 Oct 2003 Posts: 147

definitely get a TEFL certificate, here or there, i don�t think where is important as long as it�s at least 100 hours of schooling and 20 hours practicum.

<just because we can speak the language doesn�t mean we can teach it!

cheers
d

RachelATejas · Joined: 12 Oct 2005 Posts: 15 Location: Austin, Texas

I have been reading that some places require "intermediate spanish"- has anyone run across this while applying for jobs in the central valley?

doreenp · Joined: 13 Oct 2003 Posts: 147

I�ve never heard of any uni�s requesting it and all interviews and classes are in English only.

I would imagine that jobs in remote areas and some eco/tourism jobs might require some Spanish to make living in those areas easier?

I have seen the occasional job posting requesting it in the Central valley by some language agencies but you�d have to email them and ask them why unless there�s someone else out there who can answer this.

I came here with very basic tourist Spanish and have survived for 2 years now!

cheers
d

JAppleby · Joined: 03 Oct 2006 Posts: 32

I was just reading this post and wondering about my own degree situation. I have a Bachelor's in Spanish and Math, and when I go down to Costa Rica in February I will have a Master of Arts in Education and certification to teach Spanish. I have done two semester-long teaching internships for high school Spanish. I'd like to teach for around a year, and I just want to get in there and teach. I don't have any TEFL background.

Anyone out there teaching with similar background?

Thanks!