Teach Abroad for 3-6 Months in Costa Rica

It was very easy to go through the application process, complete all the steps, and be ready to volunteer in Costa Rica. All the support we received throughout the process made sure that we felt safe, prepared, and were making an impact on the local community. I would highly recommend IVHQ, and hope to do future volunteer missions with them.

I had an amazing experience with International Volunteer HQ in Ecuador. Everything was well organized from the beginning, and I felt supported throughout the entire program. The local team was welcoming, helpful, and always available when needed. I especially appreciated the opportunity to immerse myself in the local culture, meet wonderful people, and contribute through volunteering. It was an unforgettable experience, and I would definitely recommend IVHQ to anyone looking for a meaningful experience abroad.

My experience in Hua Hin teaching children was truly amazing. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed and supported by a wonderful team. Special thanks to Hannah Yule, Tukkie Khudseesai, and Noah, the coordinator of my teaching team, who made the experience even more enjoyable and well organized. Teaching the children was incredibly rewarding, and the environment was positive, friendly, and motivating every day. The accommodation provided was very comfortable, and the food was also excellent throughout my stay. Overall, this was a memorable and enriching experience that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in volunteering and teaching in Hua Hin.

Everyone was really helpful, and kept the whole experience on track. Every day was a new experience and was able to learn and experience many things about Costa Rica. Everytime a problem came up it was resolved smoothly.

I spent three weeks volunteering at Salariin Kampuchea Learning Center in Siem Reap, where I helped teach English to younger students and supported the development of their social media presence. It was one of the most enriching experiences I’ve ever had. Some days were more challenging than others—adapting to a new environment and finding ways to communicate across cultures. But what I’ll carry with me, more than anything, is the deep sense of connection I felt with the people. I can confidently say I’ve grown and learned so much, and that’s something I’ll always be grateful for. Living and working within the local community gave me a complete perspective shift. I was struck by their warmth and generosity, and the quiet strength with which they face life. From the very beginning, I felt welcomed. The children, the staff, and my host family made me feel included from the start, making it easy to feel at home throughout my time there

The programme insured that whilst getting my teaching experience, I learnt loads about the history of the children in this area. It has been the most eye opening experience and I am so grateful to have been part of it, I will be back!! The team were super supportive and ensured we were safe at all times. This was my first time solo travelling and I felt confident to flourish and be adventurous in the beautiful South Africa!

I can not talk more highly of Georgie and recommend her enough. I had the pleasure of having Georgie as my trainer while doing the TEFL course. I can not thank Georgie enough for everything. She is more then just a trainer. She is a mentor a friend and someone who is always there to help. Georgie has an abundance of knowledge, teaching experience and travel experience so I can promise you, you are certainly in the best hands, for completing the TEFL course and having fun at the same time - her teaching technique is something special!! While finding your feet when completing the course, settling into a new country and dealing with different changes Georgie makes it a million times easier for you. As well as her training you to become the best teacher and guiding you along the way she will also encourage you and give you confidence and always there to help in any situation. Georgie will also go above and beyond which makes her stand out from any other trainer. She believed in me when I didn't believe in myself and I am now living my best life on the other side of the world thanks to Georgie.

I am so glad I took this course at ITA Costa Rica. The community is so welcoming, Mike is an amazing instructor, and everyone involved with this school is kind, helpful, and genuine. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. This course has changed my life and I would recommend it to anyone who is considering getting TEFL certified.

I had a wonderful time living in Barva and taking this amazing course. If you are on the fence, I would say to just do it! You will learn so much. I am really excited to start my TEFL career in Costa Rica.

I really enjoyed my time in Barva learning from everyone at ITA. They helped a lot with job guidance, and while they don't say they can guarantee a job placement, it won't be hard because of ITA's connections.

International TEFL Academy responded to this reviewJuly 29, 2023

Hi Alexander - Thanks for taking the time to share your experience - we appreciate it! - The ITA Team

ITA Costa Rica has been an amazing experience. I have learnt so much and had such a good time. Instructors are amazing and there is a real sense of community here that you feel straight away and really helps in adjusting to life abroad.

The network of alumni and well as connections between ITA and the local community of Ticos and ITA alumni is phenomenal. I started playing football twice a week, making friends, and truly building a supportive community that made me feel at home. ITA staff are both involved with these various communities and help facilitate a genuinely immersive experience.

If you are on the website, you're already halfway there. Taking this course in Costa Rica was one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life. The course is definitely challenging, but so worth it. Mike is an amazing teacher! The ITA community here and the people of Costa Rica are so friendly and open. You won't regret this!

I had no doubt that I was gonna have an enjoyable experience, but the amount of resources and assistance for getting jobs and housing that is available and the thoroughness of the course and the care for the students surprised me in a good way.

The teachers and staff were great, my husband came with and worked remotely , so we chose to do an air bnb on our own. Would definitely recommend looking more closely at the location, if I had it to do over again. The class is difficult , but very rewarding and worth all the hard work. Location is great Barva is a charming town, we did travel on weekends and Costa Rica is amazing. May be moving here for 6 months out of the year, sooner rather than later. Just the best!

The only way to know for sure if this is a career you want to pursue, is to enroll and jump in with both feet. This course is intense, so be ready. That being said, it's changed my life in four very short weeks. Talk to your advisor. Save up some money and enroll. You won't regret it, even if you decide you don't like teaching. There's so many lessons to be learned from life abroad that transcend grammar and the classroom. Don't waste your time with other schools, ITA is the preferred school for most employers in the country. They recruit you. I don't have a bad thing to say about the school or the country. . . except the cold showers are sometimes not so welcoming :) Nos vemos, pura vida!

I have always been intrigued by the Latino culture, I wanted to experience the language and culture but not as a tourist. I wanted to see what daily life is like for myself. ITA gave me the chance to do that with the opportunity to attend a challenging school that elicits dynamic potential. I felt supported and encouraged every step of the way. My classmates were all on board and it was a lot of fun. There were a couple of times when it was really hard and so intense I wasn't sure I could keep up but I kept going with encouragement from the staff. I will be sharing that encouragement with the students I teach as we all have struggles to overcome and working on them together makes the world a better place.

International TEFL Academy responded to this reviewJanuary 26, 2023

Hi Ellen, Thanks for taking the time to write a review and sharing your experience taking your TEFL course in Cost Rica. We really appreciate it. Remember to get in touch with any questions about job search guidance or other matters. Our team is here to help! Cheers - The ITA Team

Great course! The system allows students to get close and get to know each other better. As well the content is well exposed in a fun way to learn. Love the experience. Instructors have the attitude and energy to make the class fun.

International TEFL Academy responded to this reviewJanuary 20, 2023

Hi Adriana, Thanks for taking the time to write a review - we appreciate it. We're so pleased you had a great experience taking your TEFL course in Costa Rica. Please remember that wherever you choose to teach English abroad, you can get in touch to receive guidance and access to resources. Our team is here to help! Cheers - The ITA Team

This program is honestly one of the best things I have ever been a part of. I was super nervous about coming to another country by myself and having to learn about a field I have never studied or been apart of. The teacher, support staff, and my other classmates were there for me every step of the way and helped me find the job of my dreams.

Throughout the last month, I have learned and grown so much as both a teacher and a person. I never imagined that I could have so much fun in such a tough course. I made life-long connections and countless memories which I will treasure for the rest of my life.

International TEFL Academy responded to this reviewSeptember 01, 2022

Hi Anika, Thanks for taking the time to write a review and sharing your experience. We really appreciate it! Our teams in Costa Rica and the ITA headquarters are here to get in help, so get in touch as needed. Cheers - The ITA Team