4-Week TEFL Course in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Get certified to teach English anywhere in the world, with training and job support from Maximo Nivel, our experienced partner in Costa Rica.
Why Take This Course?
You'll get an accredited certificate
Maximo Nivel's TEFL certification is recognised worldwide, exceeding international standards.
You’ll teach real students
You’ll complete at least 6 hours of classroom teaching practice, something employers look for.
You’ll get job support during and after the course
We'll help you find work in Costa Rica or elsewhere.
What this course qualifies you for - and what it asks of you
Costa Rica is one of the most active job markets for TEFL teaching in Latin America, and is one of our most popular destinations. Whether you stay in Costa Rica after the course or head elsewhere, this qualification sets you up to teach English around the world.
Our accredited, 4-week TEFL course includes real teaching practice, expert feedback, and lifetime job support – to help you find work wherever you choose to go.
This is a full-time, intensive course that requires real commitment. It’s challenging, but most trainees say it’s one of the most rewarding things they’ve ever done. You’ll come out of it with practical classroom skills, new confidence, and a qualification that’s respected worldwide.
Want a closer look at the day-to-day? Go to What to Expect.
What You’ll Get When You Enrol
Training
- 150-hour, 4-week intensive course
- 9 hours of classroom teaching practice
- 6 hours observing experienced teachers
Support
- Pre-course support and visa guidance
- Help finding accommodation
- Job placement support during and after the course
Extras from School of TEFL
- FREE Grammar Course
- FREE 6-month lesson plan subscription
- Save $100 with our June offer
Who Delivers the Course?
We partner with Maximo Nivel to deliver your course – an internationally recognised program, backed by first-class local expertise.
Whether you choose the 4-week or hybrid course, your in-person training takes place at their centre in Manuel Antonio, where you’ll gain practical classroom skills and real teaching experience.
Maximo Nivel has a strong reputation, with outstanding ratings from two of the leading independent review sites for TEFL courses:
4.9/5 on TEFL Course Review
9.7/10 on GoAbroad.com
(based on reviews as of May 2025)
You can check out their reviews online for extra peace of mind.
Where Will I Take the Course?
The training centre is just minutes from the beach, in the village of Manuel Antonio, between the town of Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park. Quepos, just down the road, has shops, restaurants, a marina, nightlife, and an open-air market at weekends.
The training centre has open-air classrooms, a large terrace overlooking the Pacific coast, indoor and outdoor common spaces with a “beach” feel, and a snack bar.
What Will I Learn?
You’ll learn how to plan and deliver effective English lessons. The course covers:
- Lesson planning, lesson structure, and classroom management
- Teaching grammar, vocabulary, speaking, listening, reading, and writing
- Language awareness (grammar and phonology)
- Using games, visuals, and interactive techniques to keep learners engaged
- Approaches to learning and teaching — including critical methods and reflective practice
- Adapting lessons for different student needs, ages, and learning styles
- Teaching one-to-one and group classes effectively
- Assessing learner progress and preparing students for English exams
- Finding and developing materials and teaching resources
- Strategies for finding TEFL jobs and presenting yourself confidently to employers
You’ll leave with a solid foundation and the practical tools to start teaching right away – whether in Costa Rica, online or elsewhere.
What to Expect
Before the course
Once you’ve enrolled and paid your deposit, we’ll notify Maximo Nivel, who will review your application before confirming your place.
(If for any reason we or they can’t offer you a place, your deposit will be fully refunded.)
You’ll stay in regular contact with both the School of TEFL team and Maximo Nivel in the lead-up to the course. You’ll get guidance on visas and documentation, help with arranging your accommodation, and support with any questions you have.
The remaining course fee is paid directly to Maximo Nivel around 60 days before the course starts – though if you enrol later, that’s no problem.
You’ll be met on arrival (either at the airport or bus station) and taken to your accommodation. Then it’s straight into the course – your trainer will meet you on the first morning to get things started.
Day to day on the course
Theory
During the 4 weeks of the course you’ll gain a solid foundation in the principles of successful English language teaching. You’ll have input sessions for 7-8 hours a day, Monday to Friday. The typical schedule is: Class from 9am-1pm, lunch break from 1pm-2pm, class from 2pm-4/5pm. These sessions cover a range of topics: You’ll learn about the language itself, teaching skills and techniques, classroom management strategies and much more, giving you a strong grasp of the theory behind Teaching English as a Second Language. You’ll also be expected to complete 20-30 hours of required reading.Practice
Practical teaching is the heart of the TEFL course, and you’ll leave the course with invaluable hands-on experience. You’ll give lessons both to your peer group and to real English learners, observed by your trainer. You’ll start with teaching mini-lessons in the first week and continue throughout the course, building up to taking over a live English class with real, non-native students in week 4, where you’ll teach 60-minute lessons each day. You’ll have plenty of feedback, guidance and coaching from your trainer throughout this process, allowing you to reflect on your teaching, increase your self-awareness and improve your techniques.In addition to this, there are various short workshops where you’ll be able to practice specific teaching techniques and strategies. You’ll also have the opportunity to observe 6 hours of real classes by experienced teachers. In total, you will have 15 hours of practical teaching and observation during the course.
Coursework and assessment
In addition to the practical component, you’ll be completing coursework and assessments throughout the four weeks. This includes two focused written assignments. You’ll also be assessed on your overall progress and growth as a teacher during the course.The assessment process is designed to prepare you for real-life teaching scenarios you’ll encounter when you start paid employment.
You can expect to spend some time outside of the classroom on assignments, observations and planning your lessons. Throughout the course you’ll be challenged and encouraged to think creatively and analytically, both during input sessions and with your teaching practice and assignments! By the end of the course, you’ll have the knowledge, skills, and practical experience you need to confidently pursue a career in English language teaching.
Accommodation
There are a number of accommodation options:
Host Family
Most participants stay with a pre-approved Costa Rican family in the Quepos area of Manuel Antonio. Our families live 10-25 minutes walking or by bus from the training centre. You can choose a shared or private room. For shared rooms, you are placed with 1-3 other people of the same gender and age group. Breakfast and dinner are included seven days a week. You’ll have a key to the house and are free to come and go as you please, but you must respect the routine and house rules of the family.Student residence
Shared or private rooms are available, with breakfast and dinner included seven days a week. For shared rooms, you are placed with other people of the same gender.Apartment
Apartments are within a 30-45 minute walk or bus/taxi ride from the training centre. They are private (not shared), fully furnished including linens, towels, kitchen utensils and Wifi. Please note that meals are not included with apartments.Hostel / Hotel
Hostel and hotel rooms are within a 10-60 minute walk or bus/taxi ride from the training centre. Hotel rooms are private; hostel rooms can be shared or private. For shared rooms, you are placed with other people of the same gender. Please note that breakfast is included with hostel and hotel rooms, but not other meals. Most hostels have a kitchen.Typical accommodation costs for 4 weeks *
Host family – Shared room: $760
Host family – Private room: $950
Student residence – Shared room: $1005
Student residence – Private room: $1310
Apartment: $795
Hostel – Shared room: $945
Hostel – Private room: $1620
Hotel: $2565* Prices are representative and may vary slightly.
A bus ride to the training centre costs around $0.60. Taxis are more expensive. We recommend budgeting about $5 per day for transport.
Whichever accommodation option you choose, you’ll receive detailed instructions on how to get from your accommodation to the training centre!
After the course
What can I do with my TEFL certificate from School of TEFL in Costa Rica?
The School of TEFL course trains you to teach in Costa Rica or anywhere in the world. If you decide to stay in Costa Rica, you’ll find opportunities teaching all age groups, in private language institutes and public schools.
Maximo Nivel’s job support includes a specialist job-finding workshop in week 2 of the course, CV preparation, and introduction to their Latin American contacts and network of recruitment partners. They also often hire two to three TEFL graduates each month to work at their language institute in San Jose (depending on performance, availability, and fit).
Where can I teach?
Most teaching opportunities are in San Jose, teaching business and tourism professionals, students, kids and teens. Private language institutes recruit year-round and ask for a commitment of 6-12 months, whereas public schools follow the North American academic year, and hire mainly in June and July, asking for a commitment of 1-2 years.
Costa Rican students tend to take their studies seriously, while maintaining their “pura vida” outlook, and they place high importance on friendliness and appearance. This makes for an enjoyable and professional location to start your teaching career.
If you decide to leave Costa Rica, your TEFL certificate opens up opportunities to teach in dozens of countries worldwide.
Again, the School of TEFL team and the specialist staff at Maximo Nivel will provide you with advice and support. We offer guidance on tailoring your CV to Costa Rica’s job market and provide advice on exploring opportunities with schools and other potential employers.
Eligibility
To take the course
Minimum 18 years of age.
Secondary education to pre-university level and able to complete an intensive university-level course.
To work in Costa Rica
No specific requirements - a Bachelor's degree is NOT required (although many employers prefer teachers to have one).
Upcoming Course Dates
| 18th Jun – 15th Jul 2025 | Closed for enrolment |
|---|---|
| 21st Jul – 15th Aug 2025 | Limited places |
| 20th Aug – 16th Sep 2025 | Limited places |
| 22nd Sep – 17th Oct 2025 | Available |
| 22nd Oct – 18th Nov 2025 | Available |
| 24th Nov – 19th Dec 2025 | Available |
| 19th Jan – 13th Feb 2026 | Available |
| 18th Feb – 17th Mar 2026 | Available |
FAQ
Course and Accreditation
How much does the course cost?
The course costs $1495 USD. You’ll pay a deposit of $448 when you enrol and the balance directly to the partner centre approximately 60 days before the start of the course.
Please note:
These prices may be lower if you see an offer listed on our site or have a discount code.What's included in the course price?
Included in the price of the course are:
– 4 week, 150 hour course
– 10 hours of teaching practice
– 5 hours observing experienced teachers
– Pre-course support, including visa advice
– Expert tuition from certified vocational trainers
– Lifetime job support
– Accommodation assistance
– Job placement guarantee (See “How does the job placement guarantee work?” below)
– Deposit refund guarantee
– Add-on Grammar Course
– Lesson plan subscriptionHow easy/difficult is the course?
This is an intensive, university-level course that requires dedication and hard work! It’s not a ‘shortcut’ TEFL course. However, with your commitment, you’ll emerge from it well-prepared and highly motivated to start your teaching journey.
Will I teach actual students on the course?
Yes, you’ll teach actual local ESL students for 5 or 6 hours. These students will be in small groups or individuals.
How will I be assessed?
You’ll be assessed on your practical teaching and complete two focused written assignments and a final portfolio. You’ll also be assessed on your overall progress and growth as a teacher during the course. You’ll receive detailed feedback and coaching from your trainers throughout the course.
Who is the course suitable for?
The course is suitable for motivated individuals of all ages and backgrounds who want to teach English in Costa Rica, around the world or online.
Enrolment and Practicalities
How early should I book?
The course tends to get fully booked up to two or three months in advance, so it’s best to book as early as you can.
How many other people will be on the course with me?
There is an average of 8-20 trainees on each course.
What should I bring/wear for the course?
A laptop for lesson planning is required. You can dress casually and comfortably for your TEFL input sessions. For mini-lessons, and practical teaching in week 4, you’ll need to dress professionally (smart trousers, skirts, shirts or blouses, and smart shoes). As it will be hot, shorts and sandals are ok for teaching in Manuel Antonio, but you should still maintain a professional appearance. Our partner centre will send you a recommended packing list prior to the course.
Do I need to do anything to prepare for the course?
We would recommend taking our add-on Grammar Course (free when you enrol). You’ll learn grammar on the course, but this will give you a head start.
Our partner centre has two required texts for the course: How to Teach English (New Edition) by Jeremy Harmer, and Understanding & Using English Grammar (5th Edition) by Betty Schrampfer Azar. These will be available to you digitally at no cost. You can also purchase print versions yourself or through our partner centre. If you purchase them through our partner centre, you’ll receive them on arrival.
Other good options (though not required) to familiarise with some of the terms and concepts before starting the course are Learning Teaching by Jim Scrivener and The Practice of English Language Teaching by Jeremy Harmer.
Do I need to speak Spanish to take the course?
No – TEFL courses show you how to teach without needing to know the language of your students. If you go on to teach in an English speaking country, you’ll probably have classes of mixed nationality/first language, so using the students’ first language isn’t an option anyway!
What kind of job help and support is provided?
Our partner centre offers ongoing job search support. During the course, you’ll take part in a job-finding workshop and receive guidance on preparing your CV, identifying local job opportunities, and connecting with schools and recruiters across Latin America. The partner centre may also hire a small number of TEFL graduates each month to work at their language institute in San Jose, depending on performance, availability, and fit.
In addition to the support offered by the partner centre, School of TEFL provides continued guidance and career advice. Before, during, and after your course, we’re here to help with CV preparation, job applications, interview tips, and building your TEFL career. You’re always welcome to reach out by email or phone for personalised support – we’re here to help whenever you need us.
What else can Maximo Nivel help with / provide?
Our partner centre will meet you at San Jose airport and take you to the bus station for a public bus trip to Quepos (included in the cost of the course). Depending on the time of your arrival, you may stay the first night in San Jose before taking the bus to San Jose. When you arrive in Quepos, you will be met by your host family or one of the partner centre team and taken to your accommodation. You’ll receive full details about airport pickup prior to the course. If you are arriving overland, the partner centre team will also organise pickup and transportation.
Our partner centre and their on-site travel partner can also advise you on activities around Manuel Antonio (scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking, horse riding…) and further afield (volcano exploration, visiting the cloud forest, coffee farm tours…), buying a local SIM card and more.
Teaching in Costa Rica
What are the requirements to teach English in Costa Rica?
To teach English in Costa Rica you’ll need:
– a TEFL certification or 3+ years of teaching experience
– to be a native English speaker, or a non-native speaker with a native levelA Bachelor’s degree is NOT required, but is preferred by many employers.
What type of visa do I need to teach English in Costa Rica?
Most nationalities don’t require a visa to enter the country, and you’ll automatically receive an entry stamp at immigration valid for 90 days. For some nationalities this is 30 days, and for a few nationalities a visa IS required – please see our visas page for more information. Your passport needs to be valid for 6 months from your entry date into Costa Rica, and you may need to show proof of onward travel and funds sufficient for the duration of your stay.
At immigration, you should state “tourism” as the purpose of your trip. If you state “study”, you may have to pay for a special visa, which is not necessary, as our TEFL course falls under the category of Educational Tourism.
Some teachers choose to extend their stay beyond 90 days by making a short trip to Nicaragua or Panama, which are easily accessible, and then returning to Costa Rica. (Please note that visa policies can change, so it’s important to check the latest rules.)
If you work in Costa Rica after the course, your employer will normally help you with the work visa process – this will depend on the length of your contract and the benefits provided.
What paperwork do I need to bring to teach English in Costa Rica?
You’ll need:
– a passport valid for 6 months after your entry date into Costa Rica
– a printed copy of your onward travel information showing that you will leave Costa Rica within 90 days (but see the question on visas above)
– proof of funds sufficient for your stay in the countryCan non-native English speakers teach English in Costa Rica?
Yes, it is possible to teach in Costa Rica as a non-native speaker.
What is the hiring period for teaching English in Costa Rica?
Private language institutes recruit year-round. Public schools recruit mainly in June and July.
What are the typical working conditions when teaching English in Costa Rica?
In private language institutes, teachers typically work 20-30 contact hours per week, and you’ll need to commit to a contract of between 6 and 12 months. In public schools you’ll work 30-35 hours per week, with a commitment of 1 to 2 years. At language institutes you may teach business and tourism professionals, university students, kids and teenagers. Costa Rican culture places high importance on friendliness and appearance, and you should be prepared to meet employers and teach classes in professional attire.
What types of teaching jobs are available in Costa Rica, and where are they?
Teaching opportunities are commonly found in San Jose, teaching business and tourism professionals, students, kids and teens, in private language institutes and public schools. Private language institutes recruit year-round and ask for a commitment of 6-12 months, whereas public schools follow the North American academic year, and hire mainly in June and July, asking for a commitment of 1-2 years.
How much will I earn teaching English in Costa Rica?
An average teacher salary is between $750 and $1000 per month, depending on the school and the location. You can supplement income with private tutoring.
What is the cost of living like in Manuel Antonio / Costa Rica?
The average cost of living is between $700 and $850 per month.
Just a heads-up:
Job availability, visa policies, and employer requirements can change.
Our support for Room to Read
We believe everyone should have access to the education and future opportunities they need to thrive. That's why for every TEFL course we sell in 2025, we're donating £5 to Room to Read via Work for Good.
