Teach in Costa Rica: Visa Sponsorship & Housing
$750 - $1,100 / Mo • 32 Vacation Days
Apply for Costa Rica
Full Sponsorship Program

Teach English in
Costa Rica

Experience the true Pura Vida lifestyle. We offer a comprehensive placement package including work visa sponsorship, housing assistance, and paid vacation so you can explore the rainforests and beaches of Central America.

$750–$1,100

Monthly Salary (USD)*

Visa Sponsor

Full Work Permit

17-26 Hrs

Weekly Hours

Start Application
Exclusively for myTEFL graduates.
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Teach English in Paradise

Embrace the Pura Vida lifestyle. Our Costa Rica program offers a rare opportunity for full visa sponsorship in Latin America, giving you the security and free time to explore rainforests, volcanoes, and beaches.

Why Choose Costa Rica?

01

Full Visa Sponsorship

Unlike many other countries in the region, this program provides a legal work visa sponsorship, ensuring you are fully documented and secure.

02

Incredible Vacation Time

Enjoy a massive 32 paid vacation days per year. That’s over a month of paid time off to travel Central America!

03

Great Work-Life Balance

With only 17–26 teaching hours per week and a minimum of 2 days off, you'll have plenty of energy to enjoy your new tropical home.

04

Comprehensive Support

We provide full assistance with finding housing, plus health insurance is included in your contract for peace of mind.

TEFL teacher in corporate classroom setting in San Jose, Costa Rica | myTEFL
The Pura Vida Lifestyle

Rainforests, Beaches & Vibrant Culture.

English teachers relaxing on a tropical beach in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
TEFL teacher leading a class in a language school in San José
Lush rainforest scenery in Costa Rica, popular for weekend hiking trips
Historic local architecture in Heredia, Costa Rica
Teachers sharing a traditional meal with locals in Costa Rica
Your Roadmap

From Application to Classroom

We handle the logistics so you can focus on the adventure. Our step-by-step process ensures your visa sponsorship, housing, and school placement are secured before you start teaching.

1. Eligibility Check
We verify your eligibility: Bachelor's degree, 120-hour TEFL, and citizenship from US, UK, Canada, Australia, NZ, Ireland, or South Africa.
2. Docs & Screening
Prepare your CV and collect 3 professional references. We'll guide you through the documentation needed for visa sponsorship.
3. Interview & Offer
Interview with our partner schools in Costa Rica. Successful applicants receive a 12-month contract with full visa support.
4. Visa & Arrival
Fly to Costa Rica! We provide airport pickup, housing assistance, and finalize your work visa so you can teach legally.

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Verified Language Schools in Costa Rica
The Complete Package

Benefits & Requirements

Live the Pura Vida lifestyle with a secure teaching position. We provide full visa sponsorship and incredible vacation time so you can explore.

Monthly Salary

Earn $750 – $1,100 USD per month depending on experience and hours.

32 Paid Vacation Days

Enjoy over a month of paid time off per year to travel Central America.

Visa Sponsorship

Full work visa sponsorship is included, ensuring you are legally employed and secure.

Great Work-Life Balance

Teach only 17 – 26 hours per week, leaving plenty of time for adventure.

Health Insurance

Comprehensive health insurance is included in your contract.

Housing Assistance

We provide full assistance in finding safe and affordable accommodation near your school.

Who is Eligible?

  • Citizenship: US, UK, CA, AU, NZ, IE, SA
  • Education: Bachelor's Degree Required
  • TEFL: 120 or 140 Hour Certificate
  • References: 3 Professional References
  • Contract: 12 Months
  • Language: Native English Speaker

Start Your Journey

If you meet these criteria, our placement team is ready to match you with top schools in Costa Rica.

  • Citizenship: Must be a native English speaker from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, or South Africa.
  • Education: A Bachelor's degree (in any field) is mandatory for the work visa.
  • TEFL Certification: You need a 120-hour or 140-hour myTEFL certificate.
  • References: Applicants must provide three professional references.
  • Contract Length: A 12-month contract commitment is required.
  • Clean Record: A clean national criminal background check is required for the visa.

Don’t Have a TEFL Yet for Costa Rica?

A 120-hour TEFL certificate is mandatory for securing visa sponsorship in Costa Rica. Complete your accredited certification with myTEFL to unlock job placement, housing support, and legal work status.

View 120-Hour TEFL Course Browse All TEFL Courses
Already TEFL-certified with myTEFL? You can apply directly for Costa Rica placement — no additional course required.
Trusted by 40,000+ graduates
Free job placement for myTEFL grads
Established Costa Rica partners

Stories from Our Costa Rica Teachers

Verified myTEFL graduates currently living the Pura Vida lifestyle and teaching in San José and surrounding areas.

Francis M.
Francis M. Teaching in San José
★★★★★
“The visa support was a big reason I chose this program—it’s hard to find that kind of security in Latin America. Having guidance in San José made a huge difference, and the school staff were genuinely welcoming from day one.”
Jorge B.
Jorge B. Teaching in Heredia
★★★★★
“The paid time off really stood out for me. With a lighter teaching schedule, I’ve been able to travel without rushing—weekends in Manuel Antonio, a trip to Arenal, and still time to settle into daily life here.”
Sarah K.
Sarah K. Teaching in San José
★★★★★
“The course actually prepared me for the classroom, which made a huge difference. Teaching kids here is energetic, challenging, and incredibly rewarding. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and every day feels different in the best way.”

Teaching in Costa Rica: FAQs

Answers to common questions about salaries, visas, and life as an English teacher in Costa Rica.

Teachers typically earn between $750 – $1,100 USD per month. While modest by Western standards, this is a competitive local salary that covers living expenses comfortably, especially with housing assistance provided.
Yes. Unlike many other Latin American countries where teachers work on tourist visas, our program includes full work visa sponsorship, ensuring you are legally employed and secure.
You must have a Bachelor's degree (in any subject), a 120-hour TEFL certificate, and be a citizen of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, or South Africa.
The main hiring season begins in January for the start of the school year. There is a secondary hiring intake in June/July. We recommend applying 2-3 months in advance to process your documents.
This is a major perk! You receive 32 paid vacation days per year. This generous allowance gives you ample time to explore Costa Rica's beaches, volcanoes, and rainforests.
No, prior experience is not strictly required. However, completing a high-quality 120-hour TEFL course is mandatory to ensure you are prepared for the classroom.
Most positions are located in the Central Valley (San José, Heredia, Alajuela), which is the economic hub of the country. This central location makes weekend travel to both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts easy.

Ready to Teach English in Costa Rica?

Start your application or check eligibility in under 2 minutes.

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