Job Discussion Forums

[Sarasota]

What is the demand for English Teachers in Costa Rica? I have read articles that if you show up in Costa Rica with a Bachelor's Degree and are a native English teacher you get hired on the spot. However there is no date on these articles and things change. What is the current situation? Also is it best to wait until January to look for a job because of the school year?

[OleLarssen]

December-Jan-Feb is public holidays so avoid those. If you come, say, within the end of September and you have a decent personal presentation you will get hired pretty instantly. You probably won't get a sustainable salary instantly, though - it usually takes a while (1-2 months depending on your performance) to build up a full time schedule, that will land you anywhere between $400 and $900 depending on the school.

http://costarica.en.craigslist.org/edu/

[Sarasota]

Thank You OleLarssen that is great information. I am guessing you are referring to private English schools. What about jobs in the public schools? Are those jobs hard to get? Do those jobs start start with the new school year? Do you enjoy what you do?

[OleLarssen]

To work in public schools you need a residency, fluent Spanish, probably a teaching degree and a whole lot of crazy to work the hours for the wages they offer, with no resources to speak of and an uncaring administration around you.

I've enjoyed my time as an English teacher a lot.