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Guaranteed Paid Teaching Jobs in Costa Rica

by: International TEFL Academy

4.65 (26)VerifiedSince 2010

Are you looking to embark on the international experience of a lifetime? Do you want to get paid to live & teach English in the tropical paradise of Costa Rica? If yes, then International TEFL Academy's Guaranteed Job Placement Program in Costa Rica is for you! This exclusive program guarantees job placement for all qualified applicants & ensures that you have a top-quality teaching job lined up in Costa Rica before you even arrive. Features include: * Guaranteed English teaching job placement with a competitive salary * Placements available year-round * Work with a team that has years of experience training & placing teachers in Costa Rica * Personalized support & guidance * Two-day comprehensive cultural & language orientation * If you are not TEFL-certified, you can bundle an award-winning TEFL course with your teaching placement. Contact ITA for your TEFL Brochure to get all the details!

Program Highlights

END-TO-END PERSONALIZED SUPPORT: From pre-departure arrangements to job interviews and 24/7 support once you begin your placement, our team has your back.

EXTENSIVE JOB OPPORTUNITIES: With a thriving economy and a significant demand for English education, Costa Rica is a top job market in Latin America with a variety of positions to choose from.

COMPETITIVE SALARIES: We only offer positions that pay a fair salary for the local market. With a low cost of living you will live comfortably & enjoy all that Costa Rica has to offer.

WORK-LIFE BALANCE: Teachers can enjoy rewarding careers while also immersing themselves in the country's stunning natural surroundings and vibrant culture.

TRUSTED NETWORK OF SCHOOLS: We work with a wide variety of schools across Costa Rica, ensuring that we can offer you an array of options. All schools have been thoroughly vetted.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • San Pedro, Costa Rica
Availability
Year(s) Offered: Year RoundTeach Duration:
  • 1 Year
  • 3-6 Months
  • Short Term
  • Summer
Age Requirement: 21+
Types & Subjects
Fields:
  • Education
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: Aug 04, 2026

Awards

GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2025 - TEFL Courses2025 Winner - People’s ChoiceGoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2024 - TEFL CoursesGoAbroad Innovation Awards 2024 Winner - People’s ChoiceGoAbroad Innovation Awards 2024 Winner - TEFL Abroad ProgramTop Rated Provider 2023 - TEFL CoursesInnovative TEFL / Teach Abroad Program 2023 FinalistPeople’s Choice 2023 WinnerTop Online Program 2022Top Rated TEFL Certification Organization 2022People’s Choice Award Winner 2022Innovation in Philanthropy Finalist 20222022 Innovative TEFL / Teach Abroad Program FinalistTop Online Program 2021 - TEFL CertificationTop Rated Organization 2021 - TEFL Certification

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

4.65

Total Reviews

26

I learned how to teach English in a month.

July 28, 2021by: James Ferrier
5

This course exceeded my expectations by far. An intensive month, but gives you the skills needed to teach English at a professional level. You learn that there are many ways to elicit conversation and teach your students English without knowing the native language.

Wonderful program and preparation for teaching!

July 31, 2019by: Michael Conant - United States
4

International TEFL Academy is a great program! I have been very impressed with the help I have received from the first time I contacted the program. All of the staff is very helpful! I learned a great deal in the course. I'm excited to use the skills I learned from the TEFL course!

"There's no way I could I be a sensei from an English course online!" - the light novel

July 18, 2019by: Aaron Gonzalez - United States
4

Look, you want honest feedback right? Chances are, if you're reading these reviews, your genuinely considering taking a TEFL Course and you want to see which ones are legit and which are scams. "Hurr durr, how do I know you're not just a filthy shill?" Excellent question, that's what you should be asking if you make good investments. Short answer is, you don't, long answer is, you should continue investigating on your own to see which of the legit companies offer the best service. That being said, yeah, I'm going to shill for International TEFL Academy. Know why? Cause not only are they a legitimate TEFL company, but they're GREAT at what they do, and they actually care. Gather around children, for I will tell you my tale. ITA costs about a thousand and two hundred dollars to enroll in. If you're like me, then that's a big investment, and you want to make sure you're not being cheated, so you research and end up calling ITA to be explained what they offer and how it can be validated. I ended up talking to a guy called Britton Schaude, an Admission Advisor, for about an hour. This was the FIRST SIGN that ITA was a good business and excellent company; because Admission Advisor phone calls are limited to thirty minutes maximum. This guy talked to me for double that amount of time, answering my questions and giving me proof that they were legit because I wanted to be ABSOLUTELY SURE that I was going to be getting a TEFL Certificate. Abroad was new to me at the time, but prior to talking to him, I'd done my research, so I was able to clarify everything that I didn't understand. "Huur but he kept other people waiting." Except that the whole reason he was able to talk for an hour was because he didn't have another phone appointment until later that day. He could've explained that it was a half an hour policy and hung up, but then I wouldn't have taken the course. It's like Chick-Fil-A, when the COMPANY is rock solid and has actual values, it's reflected in the people who work there. There's a reason Chick-Fil-A is known for its excellent "My Pleasure" service. Good service. Good food. I enrolled and found that there was authentication and paperwork for taking the course and getting my certificate, which only reinforced my notion that it was legitimate. Once I was taking the actual course, I found it was neatly organized into sections, similar to any online college course. I had an instructor I could email my questions to. She graded my assignments in a timely manner, they make you go out and do the actual irl practice. Now I'm done with the course and am writing this review. So yeah, they did a pretty decent job, and as a company they do good work. Great service. No food though. tldr; Legit company. Great service. If you want the certificate, take the course.

TEFL academy table of contents document

Enriching

July 18, 2019by: Maria Rocco - United States
5

It was a wonderful experience! I was so hesitant to take the course because the thought of "studying" again really made me nervous. However, I am so happy I went for it. I learned so much helpful techniques and ideas. It kept me dedicated and motivated. Thank you

I have gone nowhere. I am excited for this opportunity

June 06, 2019by: Roxanne Ritchot - United States
4

I have never had the opportunity to travel as I would have liked to. Working through this online course has been enlightening and encouraging that I can do this. I watch the Instagram and Facebook posts and think to myself, "That's going to be me."

Ready, prepare, confident!

June 06, 2019by: Tasha Carson - United States
5

This ITA Tefl course has been great. I must say I have learned a lot during this course. I now fill equipped to teach English in a foreign country to students. Any questions I had were always answered and I would recommend this course to family and friends that are thinking about teaching abroad!! There were many Tefl courses that pop up when I was googling. However, I must say I made the right choice !! Thanks Again ITA!! by far the best!!

An excellent course

May 08, 2019by: Donna Moreau - United States
5

I enjoyed my online TEFL learning experience. I am already a classroom teacher of Language Arts, but I was looking for a way to learn more about teaching second language learners now and in the future. The lessons included explicit and realistic strategies specifically geared toward ELL students. I am very satisfied with my learning and would recommend the course to anyone interested in teaching English to foreign learners.

My new life

April 25, 2019by: Melody Floyd - United States
5

I loved this course from the beginning because of the quality of the content. Lessons have been created by really experienced people in the industry. Lessons are easy to understand and full of examples and resources. I really recommend this course, it’s a great balance between quality and price. I can't wait for to live my dream of travels and teaching.

I have only taken the certification course so far, but I am very excited to go abroad now!

March 29, 2019by: Heidi Pomeroy - United States
5

This course really helped prepare me. I had some experience in tutoring TEFL but I would have been very lost without this course. I could not have been a full on teacher without this knowledge. I feel confident and well-prepared to go abroad after this course.

I learned so much!

March 28, 2019by: Briar-Rose Murphy - United States
4

ITA helped me better understand the world of teaching English as a Foreign Language. They really helped me understand what it means to be a teacher and a role model and I was provided with excellent knowledge on how to conduct a classroom and teach concepts.

Best choice

March 25, 2019by: Priscilla Appling - United States
5

After much research I'm glad that this was my choice. I was able to make payments on the class, and started at a time that was best for me. The class was challenging and educating. The instructor was available for help and I was able to easily navigate through the course as needed.

Life begins here!

March 23, 2019by: Salonie Jaghy - United Kingdom
5

I have just completed the TEFL course and I feel empowered and inspired to go and teach aboard and make a difference. Teaching aboard has been something I have thought about for a while and having now completed the course I feel like the world is my oyster! I have learn a lot from the course even things that would never have crossed my mind and that I thought were not relevant. There are many aspects to consider when teaching generally and the course has helped to address these.

Lifelong learner

June 28, 2018by: Bridget
5

This was an amazing opportunity for me to take this course with ITA. I received support academically and personally from the staff and through the online course via the textbook and assignments. I felt confident enough to complete each assignment because of the relevant content that was included in the textbook. There was nothing extra just to fill up space or busy work. It has even helped me in my regular teaching career! It is truly up to you as the student to make it what you want to. When you are dedicated to the course, it will be so much easier to complete.

Thorough & engaging

June 05, 2018by: Kim Q. - Canada
4

I had an excellent adviser who suggested this course and walked me through the process of what to expect and what I would learn. The course itself taught me a great deal, and covered so much, that I was surprised by how much I had learned when I went back to review. The instructor was extremely friendly and knowledgeable and I gained a tremendous amount of insight. Excited to put my TEFL Academy training to use!

...and then I wanted to go to Europa... as a TEFL!

June 02, 2018by: Norberto Santiago - Brazil
5

I am very excited about going to Europe as na English instructor and the TEFL Academy made it possible with this amazing course. I chose the online course because I am teaching a 4th grade class this year on a full time basis and I had to manage my time accordingly. The online course gave me that flexibility. The course is straight forward and very practical.They prectice what they preach, that is, theory followed by practice. The tasks induce you to reflect on the reasons why you do certain things and the practical exercises prepare you directly to the classroom experience. It was a great way to prepare yourself for the job! Thank you all for the support!

ITA TEFL online

May 24, 2018by: Kate
4

This is a really worthwhile program. I've been an English literature teacher for six years, so I went in a bit skeptical that it would teach me many new things, but I learned a lot of practical skills and gained a ton of new ideas through the course content and the practicum. This is a really worthwhile program and I would recommend it to anyone. The online format allows you to fit this into your schedule easily.

ITA is reliable

May 20, 2018by: Sylvia Czyszczon - United States
5

ITA staff has great and efficient communication and they work for you! They answer all of your questions in depth and in a timely matter if communication is via email. They are very knowledgable and well informed and all instructors have real world experience which they are all more than willing to share with you! The content is interesting and the work is helpful for real classroom experience because it helps to build lesson plans around ESL. I loved the staff and they were great and I have nothing but great things to say about them because they were ever so helpful and really go above and beyond to help in finding your way through the next steps of your teaching career! Hats off to ITA 10/10 would recommend.

Extremely helpful

May 19, 2018by: Gabrielle Rights - United States
5

In all honesty, taking the course was an impulse decision but I'm glad I took the leap. The course lays everything out for you from the start so you know exactly what to expect and the coursework was super manageable...even while working two jobs! I also do feel like I got my moneys worth. Each assignment did take time and thought and some outside resources which I know will be incredibly useful moving forward as I take on my first real class. Best advice I have is to join the ITA Facebook groups immediately. I've never been a part of such a kind and helpful community. I've reached out on social media to many strangers now asking questions about the countries they are working in and what the schools are like and every single one of them has gone over and above to help supply information and job search guidance. If you need help with ANYTHING, this is where I'd look first! Overall, great course!!

Not there yet

May 09, 2018by: Big E - United States
5

I haven't moved abroad yet, but TEFL International Academy has helped me get one step closer to achieving my dream. I look forward to partnering with them in my job search and the future that awaits.

Learning how to be a teacher

May 08, 2018by: Derek Snorsky - United States
4

The ITA does not only help you learn how to teach in a variety of different methods. They also explain what it means to be a teacher which can be much more important to having a great experience. You can have the best lesson plans in the world but if you are unable to adapt to your students and keep the focus on them you will be hard pressed to be an effective teacher. ITA helps develop your teaching mindset and how you should approach the profession in order to succeed.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • San Pedro, Costa Rica

Types and Subjects

  • Fields
  • Education

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Teach Duration:
  • 1 Year
  • 3-6 Months
  • Short Term
  • Summer

Age Requirement

21+

Guidelines

All Nationalities

This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Families, Group

Program Cost Includes

  • Some Accommodation
  • Some Program Activity Costs
  • In-Country Orientation
  • Training

Accommodation Options

  • Apartment/Flat
  • Home-stays
  • Independent living

Salary & Compensation

Salaries ranging from $900 to $1,800 per month. It will likely vary depending on the type of where you school you teach and whether you are a first-time English teacher or you have advanced experience and credentials. Language institutes: Salary range: $12- 15 per teaching hour. Average monthly salary $900-$1200 (Prep time not paid) Private Elem & High Schools: Salary Range: $1200-$1800 While the salary range may not allow for significant savings, the cost of living in Costa Rica, averaging between $900 to $1,100 per month, ensures that teachers can cover their expenses comfortably and enjoy all that Costa Rica offers. Many teachers teach English online and take on private students to make extra money.

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • University Junior (3rd Year)
  • University Senior (4th Year)
  • University 5th Year or More
  • High School Freshman (1st Year)
  • High School Sophomore (2nd Year)
  • High School Junior (3rd Year)
  • High School Senior (4th Year)
  • High School 5th Year or More
  • No schooling completed
  • Grade school to 8th grade
  • Some high school, no diploma
  • High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)
  • Some college credit, no degree
  • Trade/technical/vocational training
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Master’s degree
  • Professional degree
  • Doctorate degree

Application Procedures

  • Phone/Video Interview
  • Written Application
  • Letters of Reference
  • Resume
  • Other

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect as a salary as an English teacher in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica stands out as a balanced destination for ESL teachers, with monthly earnings ranging from $900 to $1,800. The salary you can expect largely depends on the educational institution you're affiliated with & your experience.

At language institutes, instructors can expect to earn $12 to $15 per hour of teaching, with an average monthly income of $900 to $1,200. This is plenty to live comfortably based on the local cost of living.

What are the requirements to join this program?

The requirements to participate in our Teaching Abroad Program in Costa Rica with Job Placement are:

Hold a High School Diploma or equivalent qualification*
Possess citizenship of USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand (non-native speakers can register with pre-approval from ITA)
Age range: 18 to 70 years old
Clear criminal background check
Completion of a minimum 120-hour accredited TEFL certification approved by ITA

Can you really guarantee me a paid job teaching English in Costa Rica?

Absolutely! By meeting our eligibility criteria and enrolling in our job placement program, we assure you of securing an ESL teaching role in Costa Rica. Our network encompasses numerous rigorously selected schools, and with the soaring demand for native English-speaking educators, we not only promise you employment but also endeavor to match you with a position that most closely aligns with your preferences & goals.

How will I find a place to live in Costa Rica?

Our local team in Costa Rica is dedicated to helping you navigate the housing market, offering expert advice and resources to ensure you find the perfect place to call home during your teaching assignment.

With a variety of private residences available, most English teachers find comfortable housing within the $300-$500 monthly range. Additionally, there are opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture through available homestays.

Can I be placed with my partner or friend? 

Absolutely! We make it feasible for friends, partners, and spouses to either share the same school placement or be assigned to separate schools within close proximity. This ensures you can reside together while participating in our program. Please note, enrollment for friends and spouses in this scheme necessitates prior approval.

International TEFL Academy

International TEFL Academy

4.65Verified

Ready to Learn More?

Are you looking to embark on the international experience of a lifetime? Do you want to get paid to live & teach English in the tropical paradise of Costa Rica? If yes, then International TEFL Academy's Guaranteed Job Placement Program in Costa Rica is for you! This exclusive program guarantees job placement for all qualified applicants & ensures that you have a top-quality teaching job lined up in Costa Rica before you even arrive. Features include: * Guaranteed English teaching job placement with a competitive salary * Placements available year-round * Work with a team that has years of experience training & placing teachers in Costa Rica * Personalized support & guidance * Two-day comprehensive cultural & language orientation * If you are not TEFL-certified, you can bundle an award-...

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