Job Discussion Forums

[tmurphs]

I'm working on some research for my master's degree in TESOL. Specifically, I'm looking at the market for EFL teachers in Costa Rica. I have found lots of good information on working in private schools, but I can't find anything about the public schools (primary, seconday and university). Do they hire foreign teachers as well? If so, do they post jobs somewhere, or would a person need to knock on doors to get hired?

Thanks much.

Tim

[treasurechess]

In my experience public schools don't hire North Americans on tourist visas. The English teaching in these schools are generally done by locals which is why the teaching of English is not that good. They could hire a North American or other foreing national who has residency.

[Mexicobound]

[OleLarssen]

Hi,

My girlfriend (Tica) teaches in public school, and you don't want to do that unless you are ideologically motivated. While Costa Rica certainly has their shit together in many ways compared to other third world countries, the schools are pretty much as bad as you could imagine - huge classes of teenagers who don't give a flying f about anything, an administration that doesn't care about what you do unless you make mistakes, in which case you will get yelled at, and colleagues who work there because they feel they don't have a choice.

You will also need a residency to work in the public system, and fluent Spanish.

Don't get me wrong, I would love foreigners to start working in the public schools. I think it would be a great boon for everyone involved. I don't see it happening, though...