Teaching Jobs in Costa Rica

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13 Teaching Jobs in Costa Rica
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International TEFL Academy
4.71
124
Do you want to get paid to live and teach English in Costa Rica? Earn your accredited TEFL certification & receive lifetime job search guidance w...
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MAXIMO NIVEL
4.78
346
Certified English teachers are in heavy demand all over the world. This rewarding career will help you develop new skills, plus travel! Our ins...
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Global Work & Travel
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When people talk about “running away and living on a beach somewhere,” this is what they are talking about. Whether you need a change or want to ...
International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
4.68
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At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservatio
TravelBud
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Experience life the Pura Vida way with our Paid Teaching Program in Costa Rica! One of the most sought-after paid teaching placements, Costa Rica offers a laid-back Tico culture and a low cost of living. The first of its kind, our program includes everything – a job placement with 100% guaranteed
OnTESOL
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There’s no better way to earn income, make an impact on others, and discover the world than by teaching English abroad! This is exactly what we offer at OnTESOL—the opportunity to take on a teaching job at your desired location in Asia, Europe, Central and South America, and the Middle East. Travel
Texas Tech Costa Rica
4.75
4
Design the ideal student experience with TTU-CR. At Texas Tech University Costa Rica, we understand that every partnership is unique. That’s why we offer flexible, customized programs tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of your faculty and international offices. • Co-Created: Collaborate
Teacher's Friend
4.6
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Embrace your dream of living abroad! Unsure about which TEFL course is perfect for you? Let me be your friend, helping your choose based on your unique circumstances. Worried about course content? My pre-course modules are here to help. I'll help you build a strong foundation in basic grammar and T
The Cultural Exchange Project
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Broaden your global experience and perspective in this paid teaching opportunity in Costa Rica. Offered by GeoVisions, it lets you make a lifelong difference in the lives of the locals. Choose from online teaching, language schools, or a position at an international school if you have an education d
TEFL Heaven
4.91
11
Teach English abroad in Costa Rica and experience firsthand the locals’ simple, positive outlook on life—“pura vida.” Included is a guaranteed job placement at one of our trusted partner schools, with a salary ranging from $700 to $1,500. We provide extensive support before your departure, round-th
A Guide to Teaching Abroad in Costa Rica
Prepare to Teach Abroad
Set goals
You’ll be teaching in a new environment, so it’s important not to get overwhelmed by everything on your to-do list. Setting goals can help you stay focused. While your goals will depend on your personal purpose and intentions, here are some ideas to get you started:
- Working in a different country means you'll need to adapt. Take the time to understand and embrace the local culture, pick up some basic Spanish phrases, and learn about common practices. This will help you connect better with your students and colleagues.
- Make sure to set clear boundaries between work and personal time. It’s key to staying refreshed and avoiding burnout, so you can enjoy your time teaching and exploring.
- Surround yourself with friends and colleagues who can help you settle in and feel at home. Having a good support system makes adjusting to your new environment much easier and more enjoyable.
Understand the benefits
Being in Costa Rica is more than just a feast for the eyes; it also comes with a host of benefits, especially when you’re teaching there.
- Adventure at your doorstep: Costa Rica is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re surfing on the coast, hiking through rainforests, or visiting active volcanoes, your weekends will be packed with amazing adventures.
- Competitive salary and benefits: You’ll enjoy a salary that lets you live comfortably in Costa Rica, plus extra perks like housing assistance or health insurance.
- Language skills: While you’ll be teaching English, you’ll also have the chance to learn Spanish through everyday interactions and classes. It’s a great way to add a valuable skill to your professional toolkit.
Things to know
Who wouldn’t be excited about living and working in Costa Rica? To really enjoy your time in this amazing country, it’s a good idea to get familiar with some key details before you go.
- Teaching environment - Most teaching jobs focus on adults in private language schools or institutes, with university roles for experienced teachers. Classes usually run from early morning to noon and late afternoon to evening, with a midday break to avoid the heat.
- Salaries and costs - Teaching provides a salary that supports a comfortable lifestyle, though living costs are higher than in other Central American countries. Budgeting wisely helps manage expenses.
- Accommodation and visas - Some organizations assist with housing, while others expect you to arrange it yourself. Rent varies, with city apartments costing more. Secure accommodation early. Work visas often aren’t sponsored right away, so renewing a tourist visa and taking short trips to nearby countries may be needed.
- Cultural tips - Health insurance is usually not included, so ensure you have coverage through travel insurance or a home plan. Be prepared for “Tico time” (a relaxed approach to punctuality) and common affectionate greetings like hugs or kisses.
Choose a Location
Choosing the right location depends on your preferences for city life, proximity to amenities, and lifestyle. Each of these areas offers distinct advantages, so think about what fits best with your goals.
San Jose
As the capital and largest city, San Jose offers the most teaching opportunities and is a vibrant hub of culture and activity. Living here means you'll have access to numerous amenities, entertainment options, and a lively expat community. However, note that the beach is a few hours away, so you’ll need to plan trips if you want to enjoy the coast.
Heredia
Just a short drive from San Jose, Heredia is known for its charming atmosphere and academic environment. It’s home to several universities and educational institutions, which can provide a valuable professional experience. The city is well-connected to the capital and offers a quieter, more suburban lifestyle while still being close to the city.
San Pedro
Teaching English in San Pedro offers a lively and energetic environment, thanks to its youthful population and strong educational institutions. The neighborhood is known for its diverse mix of local Costa Ricans and international students. Its proximity to San Jose provides easy access to city amenities while allowing you to enjoy this dynamic, multicultural community.
Getting Started
I mean, who wouldn’t want to experience life in Costa Rica? Teaching there is an absolute delight. Just follow these steps, and you'll be ready to catch your flight!
1. Get matched
Ready to embrace the Pura Vida lifestyle? Start by visiting the GoAbroad Online Advisor to get personalized program recommendations. Programs tailored to your preferences will be sent straight to your inbox.
2. Choose a program
Sign up for or log in to your MyGoAbroad account. This account will store your favorite teaching opportunities, allowing you to compare them side-by-side and make an informed decision.
3. Decide when to go
You’ll also need to consider the best time for you to move to Costa Rica for a teaching job. To help guide your decision, here’s a look at what each season offers:
- Summer. Starting from June to August means you'll experience warm weather with occasional afternoon showers and a quieter start as many schools are on break.
- Fall. From September to November, you’ll enjoy the lush greenery and frequent rain showers, along with a more relaxed atmosphere and fewer tourists.
- Winter. Between December and February, you’ll have sunny, dry weather and festive local events, though expect more tourists and higher costs.
- Spring. In March through May, enjoy the warm weather and the transition to the rainy season, with fewer crowds and a beautiful, blooming landscape.
4. Funding & scholarships
Apply for scholarships and deals through GoAbroad to ease the financial burden. There are plenty of options to help fund your teaching adventure in Costa Rica.
5. Apply
Submit applications to a few teaching jobs that catch your eye. Just go to the program page of your selected program and click "Inquire here" or "Apply Now." Once you’ve applied, a program coordinator will reach out with the next steps and additional details.
6. Get your essentials
After you’ve secured a position, it’s time to handle the logistics! Apply for your passport and visa, book your flights, and get travel insurance to ensure you’re all set for your adventure in Costa Rica.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Spanish required to teach in Costa Rica?
Although it is not a requirement, it is assumed that applicants for teaching positions speak English fluently and at a native level. The ultimate goal of teaching English in a fully immersive setting is to encourage active learning in your students.
Do you need a degree to teach in Costa Rica?
To teach English in the majority of Latin American nations, no degree is even necessary. But having a TEFL certification may lead to a wide range of employment possibilities, from helping in the classroom to actually teaching English.
What are the requirements to teach English in Costa Rica?
TEFL/TESOL certified native English speakers with university degrees are frequently required for the majority of English teaching careers in Costa Rica. If you don't have the certification yet, you can consider completing a course in Costa Rica.
Are teachers paid well in Costa Rica?
The pay for formal teaching positions ranges from $8 to $10 per hour and may expect to earn between $500 to $1,000 per month. This provides enough money for a living while teaching English in Costa Rica, depending on the situation.
Latest Program Reviews
HIGHLY recommend volunteering with IVHQ
August 09, 2026by: Raquel Paz Bergia - SpainProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
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.
An unforgettable experience in Ecuador
August 08, 2026by: Marie-Hélène Lessard - CanadaProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
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.
Best time
July 25, 2026by: Jayden Phan - United StatesProgram: TEFL/TESOL Costa Rica with Job Placement Guarantee!
Teaching English in Costa Rica was a dream! My wonderful host family made me feel right at home, and the kids were incredibly sweet, kind, and eager to learn. Such an unforgettable pura vida experience!
I had a time of my life
July 25, 2026by: Noah On - United StatesProgram: TEFL/TESOL Costa Rica with Job Placement Guarantee!
This was the best two weeks I’ve had. Helping out with the kids teaching English to exploring the Costa Rican adventures. Also the host is very nice and makes sure that we are taken care of. I really believe this program is a worth of money and that you will not regret doing this program

I had a TEFLtastic time!
July 18, 2026by: Mary Joy Candia - CanadaProgram: TEFL/TESOL Costa Rica with Job Placement Guarantee!
I had an amazing experience completing the TEFL Certification course with Maximo Nivel. The program was intensive but incredibly rewarding. Quepos, Costa Rica is incredibly hot and humid, so it was great that the TEFL classroom has AC. Overall, if you’re looking for a TEFL program that gives you practical experience and knowledgeable instructors, I highly recommend Maximo Nivel. It challenged me in the best way possible, and I left feeling prepared, motivated, and excited to begin my journey as an English teacher.
Quite literally the best experience I could have asked for
June 06, 2026by: Nicolas Cortes - United StatesProgram: TEFL/TESOL Costa Rica with Job Placement Guarantee!
Máximo Nivel provided the absolute best experience I ever could have imagined. This was probably the most rewarding thing I have ever done. I was able to meet so many new amazing people here as well. The host family were so very kind. I loved every part of it.
It was TEFL-icious!
May 23, 2026by: Lynn Wild - United StatesProgram: TEFL/TESOL Costa Rica with Job Placement Guarantee!
I had a great time at Maximo Nivel. The staff gave us a tour right away to help us find our way around and were always available whenever we needed anything. It is a truly wonderful school. Our teacher Lewis is an amazing instructor who brought a lot of energy to class. He helps make you feel more confident when you get overwhelmed. I am very glad I took this class.
Teaching in Hua Hin
May 16, 2026by: Marcos Mendez - SpainProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
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.
What a time!!
April 18, 2026by: Adriana Arias - United StatesProgram: TEFL/TESOL Costa Rica with Job Placement Guarantee!
When I first signed up for this program, I felt a bit nervous because I was leaving everything I knew to complete a TEFL course in a different country. However, from the moment I arrived, I have had such an amazing experience. I have met so many incredible people, including my classmates, teacher, staff, and students. I also truly loved my host family. I am very grateful for this experience, and I hope many others choose to join this program too.
Best experience abroad!
March 21, 2026by: Will Sisco - United StatesEveryone 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.

TEFL= Terrific Experience Fabulous Lewis
October 18, 2025by: Reagan Hough - United StatesProgram: TEFL/TESOL Costa Rica with Job Placement Guarantee!
The course is intensive and well worth the time and effort – be prepared to put in the hours! Doing an in person course as opposed to getting certified online is well worth it. Teaching students in person is an invaluable experience. The course is busy, especially during practical teaching week. You will teach a 20 minute lesson every Friday for the first three weeks. The final week, you will teach a 60 minute lesson Monday-Friday. Come in open-minded and be receptive to learning and following the TEFL method. Lewis is a fantastic instructor. He puts in so much time and effort into everyone's learning and growth. He brings the best teacher out of everyone. Feedback is productive and really helps you improve. Maximo is a great, trustworthy program that will provide you with everything you need, and the potential to work with them after you pass the course. If this is your first time in another country, trust that you will be supported and have a sense of community within the group! You can make friends with your classmates and adventure on the weekends to the beach, Manuel Antonio National Park, Nauyaca Waterfall and more. I would recommend living with a host family in a private bedroom. Especially if you speak some Spanish (enough to have simple conversations with the family and local community) you will be just fine, but if you don't speak any Spanish, definitely still come (and practice beforehand if you can).
TEFL = Totally Excellent Fabulous Lewis
October 18, 2025by: Kayla Melcher - United StatesProgram: TEFL/TESOL Costa Rica with Job Placement Guarantee!
I got my TEFL certificate through Maximo Nivel and it simply was one of the best experience of my life. Taking the risk to move to Costa Rica was scary but I had the best support, and made friendships that will last a lifetime. The course was tough, but we had a wonderful instructor (Lewis) to help us along the way. I came out of this experience a better educator, and with memories that will last forever. I am so glad I took the leap to come here, I could not recommend it enough!!

MAXIMO NIVEL TEFL
October 18, 2025by: Owen Hubenschmidt - United StatesProgram: TEFL/TESOL Costa Rica with Job Placement Guarantee!
The TEFL course in hard work but it is so much fun and so rewarding. I learned so much during the course.The people at Maximo Nivel are great. Manuel Antonio is such a great location with so much to do.
TEFL Costa Rica
September 17, 2025by: Milena Adcox - United StatesProgram: TEFL/TESOL Costa Rica with Job Placement Guarantee!
The Maximo Nievel TEFL course was such an amazing experience. Be prepared, this course is very intense, about a full semesters worth of material and work. Although you will be working very hard, Maximo offers you full support throughout the entire process. Lewis is an outstanding teacher! He is so knowledgeable about ESL teaching and has lived so many experiences all over the world. His experience as a teacher is one of the most valuable aspects of the course, you will learn SO much from him. I learned so much, not only from the course itself, but from being immersed in the Costa Rican culture. This country is so full of beauty, and I’m so grateful for the chance to experience this country while gaining a new skill. I would definitely recommend TEFL to anyone who wants to try something new and experience a new place!
TEFL Certification
September 17, 2025by: Estrella Ramirez - United StatesProgram: TEFL/TESOL Costa Rica with Job Placement Guarantee!
My experience with maximo Nivel was amazing. The TEFL course with Professor Lewis was the best class, he is very helpful and real when it comes to feedback. While the course was intensive, it was so rewarding and very enjoyable. We teach real learners, they want to learn and you should be open minded and know not all of them will be at the same level of english. I would highly recommend it for anyone looking to teach English. The course is fast paced and it can be overwhelming but its doable, you can still explore the town and go to the beacg just manage your time. Final Practical Teacheing Week (PTW) is tough, be prepared to work hard. You will have fun, the fisrt two weeks are fun and light but after that is game on!
TEFL Certification
September 17, 2025by: Estrella Ramirez - United StatesProgram: TEFL/TESOL Costa Rica with Job Placement Guarantee!
My experience with maximo Nivel was amazing. The TEFL course with Professor Lewis was the best class, he is very helpful and real when it comes to feedback. While the course was intensive, it was so rewarding and very enjoyable. We teach real learners, they want to learn and you should be open minded and know not all of them will be at the same level of english. I would highly recommend it for anyone looking to teach English. The course is fast paced and it can be overwhelming but its doable, you can still explore the town and go to the beacg just manage your time. Final Practical Teacheing Week (PTW) is tough, be prepared to work hard. You will have fun, the fisrt two weeks are fun and light but after that is game on!
Three weeks volunteering in Siem Reap
August 11, 2025by: Olivia Aurora Lamassa - SwitzerlandProgram: Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
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
TOUGH! But, Pura Vida!!! :)
July 16, 2025by: Kayla Black - United StatesProgram: TEFL/TESOL Costa Rica with Job Placement Guarantee!
I completed my TEFL certification at Maximo Nivel in Quepos, Costa Rica, and I can’t recommend it enough! It was the most challenging academic experience I’ve had, but also one of the most rewarding. The instructor, Lewis, was exceptional—supportive, knowledgeable, and inspiring. Beyond the classroom, the kindness and warmth of the local community made the whole journey even more special. If you're up for a real challenge and want to grow, this is the place!
Would come back!
July 16, 2025by: Paige Gaylord - United StatesProgram: TEFL/TESOL Costa Rica with Job Placement Guarantee!
Going through Maximo Nivel has been the best idea my university (CSUB) has told me about. I went last year to Peru through Maximo Nivel as well for the Spanish Immersion Program and enjoyed it as well. Both the host families I was given were amazing both times. The staff members are all sweet and very accommodating. Some of the traveling tours through Maximo are a bit pricey, however it is something that I personally will pay for rather than going out to find cheaper due to wanting to continue my support for this Institute. The TEFL course is very very intensive but it is SO fun, especially with Lewis. He is a phenomenal teacher and made the class feel energetic and comfortable. Also, the Practical Teaching Week is incredibly useful and gives you actual experience in what you will be doing with your TEFL. 100% recommend going through Maximo. The possibility of me going to Guatemala next is high!
Spectacular Hybrid TEFL
June 27, 2025by: Juliet Lancey - United StatesProgram: Top-Rated TEFL Certification with Job Placement Guarantee
The TEFL course was spectacular - exemplified by the wonderful, supportive teaching of Sean and Christina. The online modules provided a solid foundation that was commemorative and informative. This provided the critical groundwork for a productive two weeks, learning more about TEFL techniques and implementing them in the classroom. Sean and Christina went above and beyond, including modules on job search, English exams and more. Thank you!
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