Staff Interview with Marissa Poggio

What inspired you to get TEFL certified?

I was inspired to get TEFL certified because I really wanted to figure out a way I could travel and make money at the same time. I spent hours researching how I could live abroad and make money too. Becoming TEFL certified was definitely the most realistic (and rewarding) way to do this!

Why did you choose to earn TEFL certification with Costa Rica TEFL?

I chose Costa Rica TEFL because of its location. Playa Samara is truly the ideal place to gain a TEFL certificate, because of its proximity to the beach, which is absolutely breathtaking. Samara is also a small town so it is super easy to get around town. I ride my bike everywhere and it is so convenient, and also a great workout! Other places like Manuel Antonio, where you need to take a cab or bus everywhere just didn’t appeal to me. Playa Samara also isn’t as touristy, which makes for a better immersion experience with the locals!

How does this experience help you in your current role?

My experience gaining my TEFL certificate with Costa Rica TEFL definitely helps me in my current role, because I can give incoming TEFL students real-life, first hand experience on what to expect coming here. I had the same concerns and questions before I decided to take the leap and get TEFL certified as most incoming students, so it helps me calm their nerves and give them accurate information on how to be prepared for their TEFL experience.

You earned your undergraduate degree in international relations. How do you feel TEFL can impact international relations?

I believe the most important part about international relations is actually gaining international experience abroad. By coming to Costa Rica and earning my TEFL certificate, I definitely gained international experience by being fully immersed in a new culture. What’s great about a TEFL certificate is that you can use it in any country which is beneficial to continue learning about new cultures and world relations no matter where you may be around the globe.

What makes Costa Rica TEFL unique?

Costa Rica TEFL offers a lot of extra amenities to their students. Our TEFL students get to enjoy free Spanish lessons during their TEFL course, in addition to free yoga on the beach.

Also, the Program Director has been doing this for over a decade and has strong connections with schools here in Costa Rica and abroad; she is extremely dedicated to the TEFL school and she ensures that the TEFL students getting placed into the schools that they want to be in.

Costa Rica TEFL is also one of the only schools that isn’t a chain school, so the program itself is unique and personalized, and truly prepares you to teach in any ELL environment. I knew nothing about teaching, but after the course I felt fully confident to teach on my own. 

Where do the majority of Costa Rica TEFL graduates end up teaching after graduation?

We are proud to say that we have Costa Rica TEFL graduates around the world. The majority of our graduates do end up staying in Costa Rica and move to the Central Valley to teach. The pay is usually a little bit higher in the city and there are an abundance of teaching jobs available. For those students who love the beach and want to stick around, we suggest teaching English online, along with private lessons to help supplement income. Teaching online allows TEFL grads to make their own schedule and gives them the freedom they need to continue traveling. We have a handful of graduates currently working in Playa Samara at international schools and in Liberia, Jaco, and Tamarindo.

How does Costa Rica TEFL help graduates find meaningful TEFL jobs worldwide?

We have a network of schools and graduates teaching abroad that has been built up over the years allowing for continual support locally and globally. The director makes an effort to keep in touch with our graduates and connects trainees based on where they would like to go. We find that our trainees feel so much better when they can get some first-hand insight into specific schools and their locations. Since the job placement assistance is lifelong, there is a continual flow of information and connections worldwide.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

What I enjoy most about my job is that I get to meet so many cool people from all over the world. We always have students of all ages and from all different countries joining our course, which allows me to learn about new cultures. I also love that I can offer students real advice on what to expect coming to Costa Rica for their TEFL certification since I’ve experienced it. For the first time in my life, I can say I love my job and actually mean it!