Costa Rica, or “rich coast,” is a country nestled in Central America, which flaunts a wealth of natural beauty- with the lush rainforests, active volcanoes, and white-sand beaches. The country, thus, has drawn tourists in large numbers over the years and is a popular TEFL teaching destination as well. TEFL, or Teaching English as a Foreign Language, is a program that enables aspiring teachers to teach overseas students the English language. Combining the expertise of TEFL and the natural beauty of Costa Rica, one can create a fulfilling teaching experience. In this blog, we will delve deeper into the beauty of Costa Rica and how it complements the Costa Rica TEFL program.
- Ecotourism: Once you reach Costa Rica, you will be bedazzled by the natural beauty that the country offers. The land is teeming with bio-diversity, ranging from rare flora and fauna species such as the toucan and macaw to the Congo monkey and jaguar. Thus, as a TEFL teacher, you can blend your teaching goals with ecotourism by exploring the dense evergreen rainforests and nature reserves. You can take your TEFL students to the likes of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve or Manuel Antonio National Park and partake in various eco-tours, treks, and hikes while teaching them conversational English amidst nature’s serenity.
- Volcanoes: Costa Rica has a series of active volcanoes that are located in the central region. One can visit Arenal Volcano, the most famous one, and immerse in the hot springs present around it. Incorporating visits to such geological hotspots with teaching makes for an exciting combo. You can take your TEFL students to such spots, where they can practise their vocabulary and grammar by describing and explaining what the volcanic activity entails.
- Beaches: Costa Rica, being a coastal country, boasts a long coastline that has some of the most stunning beaches in the world. The beaches with white sand and crystal-clear water offer the perfect place to relax and learn. Imagine sitting by the sea, sipping coconut water with your students, and teaching them sentence structures and idioms to describe the natural beauty around them. The likes of Tamarindo Beach or Playa Jaco offer the best setting for such teaching experiences.
- Culture: Costa Rica, being in Latin America, has an embedded culture that is unique to the region. As a TEFL teacher, you can educate your students on the cultural practices of the country, doing so while exploring the local markets, festivals, and events. The Spanish language is predominantly spoken in the country, and you can incorporate teaching it by taking cultural classes that will give your students a hands-on experience into the local culture.
- Sustainability: Costa Rica is the poster child for conservation and sustainability in the world. As an eco-conscious TEFL teacher, you can educate your students on the tenets of sustainability while showing them how a sustainable lifestyle looks like in Costa Rica. Incorporating sustainable tourism with teaching takes the TEFL experience to another level, where you teach your students not just the language but also how to live a sustainable life.
Costa Rica is a country that is awe-inspiring, not just for its natural beauty, but also for its people and culture. TEFL teaching in Costa Rica gives you the opportunity to connect with the students and the country’s diverse regions to give a unique teaching approach. It lets you combine your teaching goals with exploring the richness of Costa Rica, be it its nature reserves, hot volcanic springs, pristine beaches, and cultural events. Thus, if you’re looking for an enriching teaching experience, Costa Rica and TEFL should be your go-to combination.