Published: 24 July, 2015  |  Last updated: 24 July, 2015

Teaching English in Golfito, Costa Rica

Golfito, Costa Rica 

 

Report submitted on 24 July, 2015 by Megan.

Teaching English in Golfito, Costa Rica:

How can teachers find teaching jobs in Golfito, Costa Rica?
English teachers are in great demand here. I currently teach out of my home but I have previously taught in a private school, as well. I have been approached several times about becoming a teacher in one of the schools here, however, due to my own circumstances, teaching out of my home is the my preference.

However, should I ever want to teach in a school I’m sure it would be easy to find a job.

The main English teaching jobs available are:
Teaching at colleges / universities, private teaching.

What are the minimum teaching requirements?
There have been no requirements for my experiences here. Being a native English speaker is the only one.

What teaching requirements would you recommend?
To get a position within a public/accredited school I would assume you would need some type of certification, but I am not sure.

What are the levels of payment?
$40/month per student.

How many teaching days a week is normal?
1-2 days per week

How many face-to-face teaching hours a week is normal?
1-2 hours per week

What is the normal arrangement for holidays?
Federal holidays (and there are several) are taken off.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Golfito, Costa Rica to teach English?
Keep an open mind.

What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Golfito, Costa Rica?
I teach young children therefore the positive aspects are easy. It gives me great joy to see/hear a child learning English. They are like sponges and they never cease to amaze me at how quickly they pick it up.

What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Golfito, Costa Rica?
I cannot think of any negatives at this time. The culture here is very different and it is a second world country therefore, keeping that open mind I talked about earlier will benefit you greatly.
– Also, communication is not really a thing. You will get cut classes, added classes, or the main teacher will not be there and you will have to teach on your own, without a lesson plan, on the fly. Things happen, so you have to always be ready and expect the unexpected.

What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?
Finding materials to use in the class. However, thanks to websites/programs like this even that is made a lot easier.

 

Living in Golfito, Costa Rica:

Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in Costa Rica?
You would need a current visa to live/teach here. A visa through your US passport is good for three months. You are required to renew this every three months, here in Costa Rica. I am a resident, therefore this does not apply.

What is the cost of living like in Costa Rica?
$US1,000 / month.

What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?
There are not accommodation arrangements made that I know of. We bought our house and I give classes out of said house. You can find a small house for rent for as low as $200/month approx. The only situations I know of where they provide housing is in a volunteer/missionary position where you are not getting paid.

Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Golfito, Costa Rica?
It’s beautiful, serene, tranquil, and overall a great place to live.

Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in Golfito, Costa Rica?
We are in a very small town that does not have the conveniences of many first world countries. There is no Target, Starbucks, or (a teacher’s favorite) Dollar Store down the street to run out and get supplies/materials.

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Golfito, Costa Rica?
Bring your patience with you, nothing happens quickly here.

What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?
Target, good restaurants, shopping. Simple conveniences. Cooler weather. 🙂

What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave Costa Rica?
It’s beauty and tranquility, and the people.

What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country?
Any teaching supplies you can think of, books included.

 

About Me and My Work:

My Name: Megan

Nationality: American

Students I’ve taught in Costa Rica: Babies (0-2 years), toddlers (2-4 years), pre-school / kindergarten (4-6 years), elementary (6-12 years)

Where I teach: I teach privately from my home.  Teaching for 5 years,

How I found my current jobs: A general need in my area.

My school facilities: Adequate – teaching resources, no library, no textbooks.

 

Do you teach English in Costa Rica?

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3 comments on “Teaching English in Costa Rica – Golfito”

  1. I would love to teach English in Costa Rica. I’m a native English speaker, who’s been living in Chile for 7 years, and have been teaching English in various institutes and also in a university for over 3 years.

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