Teaching English in Costa Rica

Global Vision International

GVI, along with community and local business leaders, are developing English classes whereby volunteers will teach their students in their place of work. These students are local professionals and include; the local Police force, local taxi service, the supermarket, the local school, medical centres and other businesses that rely on tourism to sustain their livelihoods.

Two courses are also included: an introduction to Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), to be taken during the first week and group Spanish classes, providing an introduction to basic grammar and conversational Spanish.

No formal teacher-training is required. Each Volunteer is well-supported by GVI staff. Plans and curriculums are available and volunteers will receive an Introduction to TEFL training course. Volunteers should be enthusiastic and happy to work with adults and children.


Volunteers live in hotel accommodation in Playas del Coco, a small coastal village where the English classes and Spanish lessons take place. The Guanacaste region is one of the more diverse areas of Costa Rica and is a great base from which to explore the local area. Four trips are included: surf lessons in Tamarindo, rafting, trekking and canopy tour, and a snorkelling trip.