Costa Rica Long-Term Work

If you’re planning on spending a substantial amount of time (more than three months) working in Costa Rica, search for a job well in advance. International placement agencies are often the easiest way to find employment abroad, especially for those interested in teaching. Note that many jobs require previous experience and/or some knowledge of Spanish. Although they are often only available to college students, internships are a good way to ease into working abroad. Many say the interning experience is well worth it, despite low pay (if you’re lucky enough to be paid at all). Be wary of advertisements for companies claiming to be able get you a job abroad for a fee—often the same listings are available online or in newspapers. Some reputable organizations include:

AmeriSpan Study and Work Abroad—Costa Rica (worldwide ☎215 751 1100; www.amerispan.com/volunteer_intern). Volunteer and internship placements in a multiple fields, from turtle preservation to social work. Spanish immersion programs available.
Intern Abroad, 7800 Point Meadows Dr., Ste. 218, Jacksonville, FL, USA (☎+1 720-570-1702; www.internabroad.com/CostaRica.cfm). Has numerous postings for recent semi-temporary and long-term job opportunities and internships.

While some elite private American schools offer competitive salaries, let’s just say that teaching jobs abroad pay more in personal satisfaction and emotional fulfillment than in actual cash. Perhaps this is why volunteering as a teacher instead of getting paid is a popular option. Even then, teachers often receive some sort of a daily stipend to help with living expenses. However, even though salaries at private schools may be low compared to those in the US, a low cost of living makes teaching jobs much more profitable. In almost all cases, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree to be a full-fledged teacher, although college undergraduates can often get summer positions teaching or tutoring. English instruction is probably the most readily available profession for foreigners looking to stay in Costa Rica for the long haul.

Many schools require teachers to have a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate. You may still be able to find a teaching job without one, but certified teachers often find higher-paying jobs. The Spanish-impaired don’t have to give up their dream of teaching, either. Private schools usually hire native English speakers for English-immersion classrooms where no Spanish is spoken. Teachers in public schools will more likely work in both English and Spanish. Placement agencies or university fellowship programs are the best resources for finding teaching jobs. An alternative is to contact schools directly or to try your luck once you arrive in Costa Rica. The best time to look is several weeks before the start of the school year, which begins it late January. The following organizations can be helpful in placing teachers in Costa Rica.

International Schools Services (ISS), 15 Roszel Rd., P.O. Box 5910, Princeton, NJ 08543, USA (☎+1-609-452-0990; www.iss.edu). Hires teachers for more than 200 overseas schools, including in Costa Rica. Candidates should have teaching experience and a bachelor’s degree. 2-year commitment is the norm.
Office of Overseas Schools, US Department of State, Office of Overseas Schools, Room H328, SA-1, Washington, D.C. 20522-0132, USA (☎+1 202-261-8200; www.state.gov/m/a/os). Has information on worldwide American-sponsored elementary and secondary schools and current fact sheets on American international schools.
WorldTeach, Inc., Center for International Development, Harvard University, Box 122, 79 John F. Kennedy St., Cambridge, MA 02138, USA (☎+1 800-483-2240 or 617-495-5527; www.worldteach.org). Sends students and college graduates for 1-year and 2-month summer program positions to teach English, environmental education, and other subjects in public schools. Fees range US$3990-4990; scholarships and fundraising options available.