Job Discussion Forums

[Meliska]

I am moving to San Jose in mid-January to take the CELTA, and then I'll look for work there afterwards. I am not ready to take on an apartment lease yet because I need to be flexible in where I'll be living...plus, if the worst case scenario comes true (i.e. I can't find a job), then I'll have to go back home anyway. Soo....I'd like to find more temporary accommodations at first. I have heard of a couple of hostels, and I wanted to find out if anyone has stayed at either or knows anything about them beyond the glowing information posted on their websites. The first, Hostel Bekuo, looks very new. The second, Casa Yoses, is older from what I can tell, but has a very nice look. Any input on either, or on any other hostels in San Jose, would be welcome!

Also, speaking more generally, do any of you who have stayed in a hostel have advice regarding what it's like to live in one?

Thanks for any help with this!

[IreneM]

hi,

im also planning to go down to teach in cr and thought about staying in a hostel at first, but not sure if it would be a good idea. i dont know how the hostels are there but the ones i have been to have been cramped with backpackers, and it would be really difficult to stay focused as a teacher... id suggest staying in one to have fun but not job hunting or anything like that, just some thoughts...

when you looking to go down?
irene

[Guy Courchesne]

Hostels are a great place to network for teaching jobs...a lot of language schools will seek traveling staff by posting a job ad there, rather than go over the net. You'll probably meet other people doing the same and get some tips.

[Meliska]

Thanks for your input. I'll be arriving in San Jose on Jan. 23rd. I was hoping to stay at a place called Agua Buena, but they have changed their rental policy, and I'd have to rent from the beginning of January even though I won't be there yet...eats up a bit of money.

My concern with staying in a hostel is that I had always considered them a place to stay for a few nights, or maybe a week at most... the rowdiness of the other people who would be staying there never even occurred to me. Definitely not a plus. However, with being new to this field and having no experience, I need all the networking activity I can get. Another plus to the hostel is that there will be plenty of people that I can get to know-- I am going to Costa Rica by myself, and I will not know anyone at the beginning. That is another reason why I don't want to just get an apartment by myself.

Still conflicted on whether a hostel is a good idea or not...

[nesec]

I've stayed in several hostels in several countries. (Though I must concede that I've never stayed in one in Central America.) However, in my experience, the majority of people you'll encounter in hostels are young adults partying all night, every night.

Having taken the CELTA course I can tell you that you are most definately going to need a quiet place to study and rest. I would strongly advise against living in a hostel while taking this course! The CELTA, as you've probably already heard, is a very intensive course and when they say that they mean it! I spent 12-13 hours a day in work and study during the time I was doing my CELTA. I would never have made it in a hostel atmosphere - NEVER!

Most CELTA programs offer some sort of accomodation arragement included in the fee. I'm surprised - assuming, due to the nature of your post - that the program you have chosen does not?

On the other hand, yes, they are a good place to network and you may very well meet other persons seeking to teach English.

Bottom line. If you're going to San Jos� to do the CELTA, you had better look for some place other than a hostel to live, at least until you've completed the course. Otherwise, I'm afraid you may find yourself in a veritable hell trying to study with a dozen drunken travellers smoking hash in the hallway right outside your (most likely) shared room.

Sorry to be the one to cast a shadow. This is just my experience and I hope anything I've said is of some use to you.

Good Luck!!

[nesec]