Job Discussion Forums

[Justapirate]

The teaching of English in CR is of such importance here in C.R. that I feel compelled to share my knowledge and experience with members of this forum. Not for your benefit as much as for the benefit of Costa Ricans.

Costa Rica is hungry for English. Period. No.....starved for English. And this hunger grows everyday. And it will not end soon. The hunger pervades all economic levels of society. From bank presidents to the people who clean floors in buildings....it is everywhere. In the city, at the beach, and in the country. The need is everywhere.

Costa Ricans learn a bit of English in high school. A bit. It is said that they spend five years learning the verb ''to be". This is no exaggeration. And it is taught to them by fellow Ticos who fail, at a 70% rate, a simple English exam. The teachers haven't the slightest idea how to pronounce the language, let alone teach it. I read an exam given to freshmen studying at a major private University....and the exam itself was full of errors.
The head of Human Resources, Intel, addressed the problem a year ago when he stated that there was no Business English available in CR, along with other problems that led to a general lack of English being accomplished by very many in Costa Rican society.

Someone mentioned in a previous posting that the pay rates here in CR don�t exceed $7 or $8 some other such nonsense. Well, go to Berlitz and you will only get $4 or $5 bucks and hour. At the Central Cultural it isn�t much better. At Interamericana it is better�a few years ago they were paying $7-$9, or so. These are the places where young teachers�.and not so young�.get started. But stick around for awhile, promote yourself, care about yourself and your profession, and earn double the numbers I have mentioned. Did I say double, well the truth is I am UNDERSTATING what you can earn per hour. No, not everyone will earn that kind of money. Not everyone is good at promoting themself. But to limit your expectations is to limit your performance. Don�t accept what others tell you CAN�T be done.

In Costa Rica, you don�t need any ESL qualifications to teach. You don�t need a College degree in English. You don�t need a College degree. Just about anyone can get a job�.and I�m afraid anyone does! You DO need resources to stick it out while the pay is low. You DO have to really want to make it. If you really want to make it, you can not only have a great experience, but one that will pay you well if you promote yourself.

I truly believe that the fastest growing business in the world today is teaching English as a second language.

A little bit about me. I have been doing it here for four years or so. I was not a teacher in the States. I have taught University, Corporate, private groups, and individual. Perhaps 600 or 700 students have met my gaze. I have taught people to speak English from scratch. This must be done on an individual level. And most say thanks after class. What a blast.

To learn more about Costa Rica subscribe, not read on-line, to the Tico Times. It has a few job listings from time to time. You can read www.amcostarica.com every morning too.

[naturegirl321]

I've heard that Costa Rica needs teachers as well. The only thing is that most teachers want a higher pay, also it's difficult to arrange a job beforehand, so you have to go and look for one. And many places won't get you a work visa.
But on the other hand, it's Costa Rica!

[quieroir]

justapirate, hi, I am new to this forum, having just joined. I will be going to CR (I love it there), in a few months, hopefully to teach and later to retire there. Thank you for your informative posting. Hope you're still there.

[Miyazaki]

Yeah, Costa Rica sounds real nice

What could I expect as a monthly salary teaching at a university there?
How many hours a week?
How many months of paid vacation?

Thanks!