Job Discussion Forums

[Ecrivain]

Hopefully you can help me make "dilemmanaide."

I had planned on arriving in San Jose at the end of January to take the month-long CELTA course at Instituto Britanico. Finishing in February, I figured I would have just enough time to catch the end of the peak hiring season, which I've understood to be from January to March. However, I've just been informed that the course date has changed to run from the beginning to the end of March. It's only a timeshift of about a month, but I wonder how much it will affect my plans to get a job. I could use some advice or suggestions.

Should I take the course in March and hope to find a job afterwards?
Should I arrive earlier in Costa Rica (Jan/Feb) and try to find a job ahead of time?
Should I take a different course, such as the SIT class in mid-January at El INVU?

I understand that many people get teaching jobs without any training or certification, but I was hoping to at least take a month-long course to improve my chances, my confidence, and hopefully my paycheck. I was considering the CELTA because I've heard it is recognized in many countries and could help my prospects should I decide to venture into other parts of the world.

Again, any advice is welcomed and greatly appreciated.

[pollitatica]

Just my two cents. I haven't taught in Costa Rica, but I lived there for a little while. I would take the SIT course. I'm afraid that you really might miss the peak hiring season otherwise. Keep in mind though that just because it isn't the "peak" season, doesn't mean you can't find a job. You could always arrive early and try to set up a job for after the CELTA course, but I'm not sure. Latinos tend not to set things up very far ahead of time, in my experience. If you have a Bachelors though, it's possible you get a uni job.

Whatever you decide to do, CR is an amazing country. Enjoy!

[Ecrivain]

Thanks for the input, pollitatica.

I'm beginning to think the SIT course might be my best option to get started, myself. If I decide I need CELTA to get a job in another country, I could always take it later on.

I hadn't considered that I might be qualified for a university job. I assumed I would have to start out in a language school and work to get experience first. Am I selling myself short? That's encouraging to hear!

[pollitatica]

I think doreenp (?) works at Universidad Latina. She would be better suited to answer the uni question, but you may be qualified! And honestly, CELTA's are great, but you could get a job without a certificate. I think that taking the SIT course is a good idea. And I think it's sufficient. If you ever want to return and teach in the US, you'll need to get your masters anyway.

[Ecrivain]

Thanks again, pollitatica, for the advice. I've PMed doreenp to find out more about teaching at a uni. And I'm fairly certain I'll take the SIT course in January. Well, I was certain, at least. I've tried emailing and calling them to confirm the dates and costs, and have so far gotten no response. That's really not helping my confidence, and doesn't speak well for the institution.

[doreenp]

Ulatina will be starting the first bimester around January 21st of next year. Bimesters run for 8 weeks, then we have one week off. Therefore with that schedule you could be hired for the second bimester of the year.

Its true that most teachers start at the beginning of the year and then stick around for a while but if student enrollment shoots up and some teachers do decide to carry on somewhere else then you would have a good chance of getting in.

You do need a BA to work in most universities and some sort of TEFL certificate is usually preferred but not always necessary depending on your past experience and your personality. However, it has been noticed that people with certificates do seem to handle the intensive (full time) classes better.

All universities and schools and agencies work on different schedules and from my experience are hiring year round .

good luck
d.