Job Discussion Forums

NadineD · Joined: 05 Nov 2005 Posts: 20

I am considering moving to Costa Rica to teach ESL, but I have a lot of questions. I'm hoping that someone will be kind enough to answer them! Very Happy

1. Is is possible to get legal working visas?
2. Are most of the teaching jobs teaching adults or children?
3. What is the rate of pay?
4. What is the cost of living?
5. Are there any schools that you would recommend?
6. Any schools that you wouldn't recommend?
7. Are the teaching materials provided?
8. Are most of the jobs in the main centers or is it possible to find work elsewhere?
9. Do foreigners have to pay tax in Costa Rica as well as their home country?
10. Any tips?

Thanks in advance for any help!
~Nadine

NadineD · Joined: 05 Nov 2005 Posts: 20

I posted this message a bit ago. Over 80 of you have viewed it, but no one has reponded yet. Maybe I scared you off with too many questions, but I would really appreciate any answers that you guys have!

Thanks!
~Nadine

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

too many questions...maybe that scared people off...

lemme try...

1. Is is possible to get legal working visas?

Not very common. Perhaps if you are working at an international school or uni? Most work on the tourist visa and do border runs or pay the small overstay fine. Technically illegally, but common.

2. Are most of the teaching jobs teaching adults or children?

Mostly adults...university aged students at that.

3. What is the rate of pay?

Anywhere from not much to just a bit more. Anywhere between $400 and $1000 us, but if you are green, expect the lower end.

4. What is the cost of living?

$400 to $600, depending on your needs. Rent is manageable, transport costs are very low, as is food if you go local.

5. Are there any schools that you would recommend?

PM me

6. Any schools that you wouldn't recommend?

Can't think of any offhand.

7. Are the teaching materials provided?

Usually, yes. good idea to pick up a good grammar book to make yourself familiar.

8. Are most of the jobs in the main centers or is it possible to find work elsewhere?

Most are in San Jose or surrounding areas, but there are jobs in every town.

9. Do foreigners have to pay tax in Costa Rica as well as their home country?

If you are working illegally, then you wouldn't have to pay tax in Costa Rica. Be wary of any school that says you have to pay tax but employ you under the table. Paying tax to your government is your decision. You would have no paperwork to prove what you make.

10. Any tips?

Fly down, scout it out yourself. Be open minded, go down with about $2000 us to cover initial expenses, more if you go now during Xmas season. Work won't be available until January.

Hope that helps.

NadineD · Joined: 05 Nov 2005 Posts: 20

Thanks for being brave enough to respond! I have a teaching degree and 2 years experience teaching ESL in Asia as well as 1 year here in the public system. I am looking for a country where I can work legally. (I am Canadian) Any suggestions?

~Nadine

John Hall

An article on www.amcostarica.com today reports that as of August, 2006, it will be more difficult for companies to hire foreigners illegally. Check out the story, "New Law will help count the 'Real' Tourists", which was published on Dec. 15th, 2005.

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

NadineD · Joined: 05 Nov 2005 Posts: 20

Thanks! I enjoyed my time in Asia, but I want to see other parts of the world now. Do you have any experience with international schools?