Job Discussion Forums

cynthiae · Posted: Sun Oct 29, 2006 7:49 am Post subject: Working in Costa Rica

Hi, I am thinking about moving to CR in January. I have heard that teachers don't make enough money to live comfortably. Is this true? Also is it possible to find work outside of San Jose, maybe close to the beach? One more thing...I don't speak Spanish, will this be a problem? Thanks for your help!

thombo · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Posts: 38 Location: Winston-Salem, NC

Hi Cynthia,

I won't lie to you, teachers don't make a whole lot of money, by USA standards. Usually you will be doing rather well if you make somewhere in the $6-$8 /hr range, but this, so long as you have a few classes, is more than enough to live on comfortably. You will want to reserve some savings to hold you over when you first get here, start looking for jobs, and begin to build up your hours, but it is definitely a livable wage (look to make $400-$500 per month).

It is possible to find work out of SJ, but it is very difficult from what i hear. There are benefits to living in or around the city though; such as access to busses that will take you just about anywhere you'd want to go in Costa Rica. Also, knowing spanish definitely helps, but is not necessary. For teaching most places require that you NOT speak spanish in class, and you can get by without spanish out of class as well.

Read more about moving to CR to teach at my blog: Costa Rica Classroom - ESL Blog[/url]

lbennett14 · Joined: 20 Sep 2006 Posts: 12

There are jobs outside of San Jose. I worked in Liberia for 8 months and there were several schools. I had friends who worked in San Carlos, and in Tamarindo. You might have to search a little more, but jobs exist outside of San Jose, and quite frankly I recommend getting out of San Jose.

CRA123 · Joined: 05 Oct 2006 Posts: 3 Location: San Jose, Costa Rica

How did you like working in Liberia? What was life like there?

I am in San Jose right now, where I have been for three months. It's good- I like it, sorta. But my goal is to be working in a beach town, or somewhere close to one sooner or later.

I would like to hear about Liberia, and other places outside of the central valley.

lbennett14 · Joined: 20 Sep 2006 Posts: 12

Get out of San Jose while you can. I was there for a couple of weeks, and couldn't stand it. I think because I had a couple of dangerous experiences. Plenty of people do fine there, but if you're looking for a beach town, Liberia is the closest "big town" you can go where there are plenty of places to teach English. I taught at Universidad Central, and really liked it. Although I will say that everyplace in Liberia to teach English is not entirely perfect. My friends and I all taught at various places. I found a job right away, and a place in Barrio Capulin. Liberia is nice because it's close to the beaches, and very safe, but damn is it hot! Be prepared for that. If you need anything else, my very good Costa Rican friend has lived there his whole life, and will introduce you to all of our friends. It's a great town, despite the heat. We went to the beach every weekend, even though the bath water of the Pacific never seemed to cool us off. Good luck!

kparsons · Joined: 30 Jun 2005 Posts: 63 Location: Hanoi, Vietnam

What's the pay like in Liberia? Is it the same as in San Jose?

lbennett14 · Joined: 20 Sep 2006 Posts: 12

I honestly don't remember what the pay was like. It's less than San Jose, probably like 4 dollars an hour. I remember my room in my house was only $100 a month, and that was on the cheaper side. I walked to work, and took cab rides home at night, but shared with other people, so I didn't spend the money on transport. that you might in San Jose.

CRA123 · Joined: 05 Oct 2006 Posts: 3 Location: San Jose, Costa Rica

How is the social life in Liberia? Not that it's all THAT important, but...

Are there many expats living there? I would just be afraid of moving there, then not having any amigos Sad

I see now that there are a lot of job opportunities in Liberia and I'm really considering the switch out of San Jose.

Is the heat really that bad??? I'm guessing they don't have many places with A.C.- haha.

lbennett14 · Joined: 20 Sep 2006 Posts: 12

I was fortunate to have two American girls with me. Not that it would have been bad without them, but it always helps. However, all of our friends were local. The social life can be a little dull, but there a few great bars in town. We used to go to La Piscina (this was our favorite watering hole), and it was right down the street from my house so we always walked there. There's a mall in town with a movie theatre, and there are two huge fiestas during the year. You're very close to Nicaragua and the beaches so this is a huge plus! It's very hot there. I'm the kind of person who hates the heat, but my American friend thought it was great, so it all depends on you. So, yah in short we had a great social life, as long as you meet people, which you will because it's a small town, and you're bound to find a gringo or two teaching. Liberia is growing so I think more and more ESL teachers are moving there. Good luck!

LaRoche · Joined: 13 Feb 2007 Posts: 9 Location: Illinois, USA

I'm delighted to hear that there are plenty of places to teach English in Liberia. I will check out the 2 that you mentioned. I would be grateful if you could share the contact info for any of the schools you know in this area.

Muchas gracias!

gringowannabe · Joined: 25 May 2006 Posts: 2 Location: USA

It appears many job postings I have seen in Costa Rica require a Bachelor's. Is that the norm?