TEFL Certification Course

Picturesque and always-vibrant Costa Rica offers something for the adventurer in everyone! Although smaller in size than West Virginia, Costa Rica offers fascinating opportunities at every turn. Whatever your interests-eco-tourism, bird-watching, adventure, rafting, golfing, or just relaxing on the white sands of an unspoiled tropical beach-you will find thrilling opportunities in this tropical and secure paradise.

The TEFL Institute offers its TEFL training program in San Jose - a vibrant, Central American city. This extensive 4-week/150-hour program includes 100 hours of classroom instruction and 25 hours of practical teaching and observation accompanied by an additional 25 hours of required self-study and research outside of the classroom. Both thorough and fun, the TEFL program provides participants with comprehensive training in a professional and supportive environment.

The School

Our TEFL school in Costa Rica is located in the district of San Pedro, just 5-10 minutes from downtown San Jose, and an easy, weekend, bus-trip to both Pacific and Caribbean beaches! The TEFL institute is equipped with modern facilities such as hi-speed internet, WI-FI access, cable television, as well as a snack bar, comfortable classrooms and a small library.

Program fee does cover:

• TEFL course 4 weeks tuition and 120 hour certification
• Job placement assistance
• Free access to high-speed internet and laptop
• Free local phone calls and incoming phone service
• Free incoming international FAX service.

Program fee does not cover:

• Course Materials (pay $100 at class)
• Personal Expenses
• International Flights
• Visa (must obtain in advance)
• Immunization
• Medical Insurance (can recommend)

Room/Food

For the duration of the program, there are several housing options to choose from. NOTE: housing costs are separate from course fees/project tuition. TEFL Institute is more than are happy to assist participants in arranging a family-stay, hostel, hotel, or private or shared apartment.
A variety of housing options are available in Costa Rica, including:

• Traditional Family-Stay: $450
• Hostel: $450
• Private Apartment: $650
• Shared Apartment: $500
• Hotel (3-star rating): $1,500

Books

TEFL participants are required to buy all course books. Participants can pre-purchase books prior to arriving in San Jose. The required texts for the TEFL program are:

• The Practice of English Language Teaching by Jeremy Harmer
• Understanding & Using English Grammar by Betty Schrampfer Azar
• An additional text ($20) must be purchased in San Jose.

Details of Housing Options

Family-Stay

Family-stays are all with pre-approved families and include breakfast and dinner - Monday through Saturday. All of our host families are middle-class residing in attractive homes and areas. All family-stays include a private room with most usually offering a private bathroom. Many of these families have been hosting international travelers for years. Guests are provided a key to the house and are free to come and go as they please, but they MUST respect the routine of the family. Most family-stays are within walking distance (10-25 minutes) or within a 5-minute taxi ride from the institute. $450 per month

Hostel

There are also many inexpensive hostels throughout San Jose which participants may choose to reside in during their studies. This option is available should participants wish to save money while simultaneously remaining 100% independent. TEFL Institute works with three different hostels -all of them clean and safe with excellent services and amenities, including communal, TV rooms, 24-hour kitchens, and more. All hostel accommodations include private rooms with private baths. All hostels are a 5-15 minute walk from the TEFL institute. $450 per month

Private Apartment

Our private apartments are all modern, very comfortable, and fully furnished. Apartments come with equipped kitchens including plates and utensils required to live comfortably as well as cook your own meals. Most apartments are a 10-20 minute walk or a 5-minute taxi ride from the institute. $650 per month

Shared Apartment

Like our private apartments, our shared apartments are all modern, comfortable, and fully furnished. Shared apartments all have two (2) private bedrooms, although the bathroom is usually shared. The apartments are fully furnished with equipped kitchens - including plates and utensils. Most apartments are a 10-20 minute walk or a 5-minute taxi ride from the institute. $500 per month

Hotel

San Jose has a great deal to offer in terms of hotels, ranging from 1-star to 5-star accommodations. TEFL Institute works with two 3-star hotels, both of which are modern and comfortable and offer all necessary amenities as well as offer breakfast. All hotel rooms are private with a private bath. Should participants wish for more luxurious accommodations, they are asked to request the hotel option when registering for courses. Up to $1500 per month

Job Options

Demand for English teachers with accredited TEFL qualifications is on the rise worldwide. Over the last 10 years, the number of people wanting to learn English has increased tremendously.
Generally speaking, our TEFL graduates seldom (if ever) encounter any problems when finding employment.

Teaching in Costa Rica

For most Costa Ricans, speaking English is a way to either be offered employment or advance in their careers. As a major tourism destination, as well as boasting various, active business sectors (i.e. electronics and a large call center industry); English is a modern necessity for all Costa Ricans. In effect, this suggests that there are almost limitless ESL jobs available in San Jose and the Pacific coastal areas.

The Costa Rican economy is growing quickly - displaying a significantly strong demand for the English language. As an international center of tourism for all of Central America - more than 70% of the population is employed in the tourism sector, making learning English an imperative.

There are more than 25 official language schools in San Jose itself, as well as countless public and private schools and NGOs offering English classes. There are also excellent teaching opportunities in other cities - especially those on the Pacific coast.

Arrival Information

All participants should arrive at the San Jose International Airport in San Jose, Costa Rica

Transfer from Airport to Accommodations

TEFL Institute offers airport pick-up and transfer services where, upon arrival, participants will be transferred to their respective accommodations. TEFL Institute is more than happy to provide airport drop-off service with pre-arrangements, although most trainees find this unnecessary. Participants are required to provide their flight information prior to arrival and departure.

How can I reach the school?

In the event that participants arrive earlier than their anticipated start dates, they are advised to remain in their hotel and call TEFL Institute's office. The address and telephone numbers of the San Jose office will be provided in either placement details or the pre-departure package.

Accommodations/Food

In San Jose, participants need not worry about food due to the numerous restaurants through out the city offering varied menus, excellent service and very inexpensive options - participants can eat for as little $5-$15 per day (note: the food at the central market is NOT to be missed). There are also numerous restaurants offering international fare.

Internet/Telephone/Medical Facilities

Included in the TEFL course tuition, TEFL Institute partner school provides FREE Internet - seven (7) days a week - as well as incoming phone service and outbound calls easily made with a calling card. In addition, San Jose, as well as all of Costa Rica, is the tourist capital of Central America, offering all kinds of readily-available and modern telecommunications and banking services.

Climate

Costa Rica is a lush, tropical country with four main climate zones. Warm and temperate year-round, Costa Rica provides the ideal vacation climate.