Job Discussion Forums

[me_gustan_enchiladas]

I'm 27 and a student, who will doing a Masters degree beginning in September. I have the summer off and I'd like to spend the next 4 months in Latin America.

I am considering Costa Rica as a good option, and I would like to teach English to pay for my living expenses. I understand that 4 months is a short stay compared to most teachers. What do you think my chances are of showing up and finding a job?

Also, I understand that many teachers work on a tourist VISA and make border runs after 90 days? What is the risk of deportation?

I have two bachelor degrees -- BA (English Literature) and BCS (Computer Science). I am considering to take a TEFL certification course before going. I have a very basic level of Spanish. I haven't practiced in a while, and I would like the chance to learn more.

I also have a friend with a BA in English who's considering to go with me, although he doesn't think he can afford to take the TEFL training, so he would be hoping to land a job without it. Any opinions on that?

If he went , we'd likely try find an apartment and split the costs, although I think it is unlikely he is going to be able to go. Incidentally, although he could teach English, he has filming and editing skills -- could skills like that be of any use in Costa Rica? He is not bound by time constraints like I am.

So, I am wondering if you have any advice for me!

Muchas gracias.

[lovehappens]

You might want to just take the 4 months and do some traveling there is so much to see and if you could even pick up a job, which you probably cannot, it would keep you bound to one place. If you get caught you lose everything and will end up paying.
Jobs in CR are low paying and there is an overload of teachers. A friend of mine teaches part time but lives off his trust. It takes months to get established and find work then it would be time for you to leave.
4
Anyway there are so many amazing places that you would miss if you stay in one spot. 27 y.o. ----travel to the incredible environmental refugees. Just keep a compass with you.

[yankeechemist]

An abundance of teachers is not a good thing to hear. Are you referringto ESL teachers or teachers in other areas?

[carrizales]

yah could you possibly explain more lovehappens? I'm taking a course for my TEFL ceritificate next month. And after I'm done with my course, which would be by July 24th, I was hoping on maybe landing a job or something. What's the market like down there?

[thebreeze]

carrizales - The market there is not so hot when compared to other spots in L.A. and Asia. The economy is in the tank and salaries weren't that great to begin with (I taught there for a year until 4/09 when I moved to the Philippines). People who teach there do so for the quality of life. Finding work can be done, especially with ESL certs and multiple B.A.'s, but it won't be consistent OR lucrative. If you're ok with finding/splitting a cheap place in San Jose and working enough to cover expenses then I think you should be able to do it. My suggestion would be to go there in person, bring some nice clothes for interviewing, and hope for the best. Just know that monetarily it is tough to work P/T, cover expenses, AND travel without dipping into savings. Salaries in CR are paid in colones but thanks to retirees and travelers the prices for things, especially in the reserves/isolated spots, can be higher than you expect.

All that said, my time there was worth it. I met many fine folks and saw many things that made my friends back home envious. Just be prepared that you may need to call mom and dad for a loan

[carrizales]

hmmm thanks.
what are some of the other spots in L.A. you mentioned?

[carrizales]

ha, i also hear that theres two prices for everything in CR, a tico price and a gringo price. do you think it will help any that im brown (son of mexican immigrants) and I speak fluent spanish?

[OleLarssen]

Two prices for everything is not true in San Jose. You will find some places, certain pulperias and pubs/bars that might try to overcharge you, but generally you will be treated very respectfully, unless you are very loud and irritating.

I don't recognize the lovehappen's description of too many teachers, but it's been nearly two years since I looked for a teaching job here in Costa Rica so things might have changed. I can't imagine there are enough teachers to fill the enormous demand here, but who knows.

[LaineK]

I haven't had issues with two prices, most people are friendly and nice if you are polite and try to speak spanish. Althought I have black hair I have blue eyes and look like an American, I haven't had an issues.

[teebar]

Hi everyone...

I'm in a similar situation where I'm thinking of spending July through October/November (about 4 mos) in Costa Rica. Are you in Costa Rica teaching now? I'd like to teach English while I'm there but am wondering if places hire you to work for just a few months or if most places require a longer contract. How long of a commitment do companies ask for? Does anyone know of places that are known to hire for short-term work?
I'm a certified teacher from the U.S. with 3 years experience, but I don't have my TEFL, as I thought it wouldn't be worth getting for now since I can't commit to a longer teaching job yet. My main goal is to get some experience teaching ESL so while I'd like to earn some money, I'd be open to volunteering if that's my only option for short-term work. Does anyone know of any good volunteer teaching opportunities in Costa Rica? If I volunteer, I'd prefer to be somewhere closer to the coast as opposed to central valley. Most of the ones I've looked at charge quite a bit to place you.

Thanks!