At a Glance: Teaching English in Costa Rica
35,119 Certified Grads since 1992


At a Glance: Teaching English in Costa Rica

ESL teachers here spend their off-time hiking volcanoes, zipping through the misty canopy of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, and mingling with the myriad wildlife that call Costa Rica home. All of this excitement, combined with the variety of ESL opportunities available here make Costa Rica an excellent destination of choice.

Living and Teaching in Costa Rica
Costa Rica: At a Glance
Costa Rica: Living in Costa Rica
Costa Rica: Teaching ESL in Costa Rica
Costa Rica: Financial Snapshot
Monthly Salary*:
370,000 - 750,000 CRC
910 - 1,840 CAD (May 22, 2023)
Private Tutoring per Hour:
6,000 - 18,000 CRC
14.75 - 44.25 CAD (May 22, 2023)
Income Tax††: 0 - 10%
Ability to Save per year: 500 - 6,150 CAD
Airfare: Rarely included
Accommodations: Sometimes included or allowance may be given
Health Care: Supplementary healthcare recommended
Holidays: Usually paid
Teaching Hours per Week: 18 - 30
Typical Contract Length: One year or less
Typical Start Month(s): Year round
Application Timeline: 1 - 3 months
Work Visa: Employer sometimes sponsors
Minimum Requirements: Bachelor's Degree and Oxford Seminars TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certificate
Additional Notes: Candidates are encouraged to apply in person; minimum requirements are generally higher for those applying from out-of-country

Other Latin America Countries:

Argentina ~ Brazil ~ Chile ~ Colombia ~ Costa Rica ~ Ecuador ~ Guatemala ~ Honduras ~ Mexico ~ Panama ~ Peru

In Costa Rica, enjoy the Monteverde Cloud Forest, the quiet black sand beaches of Puerto Viejo, and the exotic wildlife of the Corcovado National Park. ESL teachers in Costa Rica enjoy the exotic and natural beauty of Costa Rica while teaching ESL. Experience the colourful markets, warm climate, and fabulous food offered in San Jose. The country of Costa Rica is partially made up of tropical islands and is one of the world's largest tourist destinations, including many visitors from Canada and the United States. Costa Rica may be a small country, but it is known for its biodiversity and its large portion of protected wilderness.

The combination of Oxford Seminars' internationally recognized TESOL/TESL Certification and our Job Placement Service included with the course makes teaching English abroad a reality. Learn more about teaching English in Costa Rica and other opportunities teaching English abroad by calling 1-888-227-6755, or by attending an upcoming free Information Session in your area.

* Wages vary depending on the economy of the country.
Exchange rates are subject to change. Check www.xe.com for current rates.
†† You will be paying income tax while teaching abroad, and the tax rate can change depending on how much money you earn.

Oxford Seminars makes every effort to keep our information as up-to-date and accurate as possible. However, individual teaching positions and experiences may vary with job market conditions. Specific information listed cannot be guaranteed to be applicable when you are seeking employment teaching ESL in a specific country.

Note that certain positions require additional qualifications and credentials that are not negotiable due to specific country legislation.