Have you wondered how teaching English abroad will affect your life and your career? Our grad Maggie took our 4-week, onsite TEFL course in May 2015 and is now back in the States after living and teaching in Costa Rica. See how the course and her time abroad has changed her life!
Where are you living and working now?
I am living in Spokane, Washington, finishing up my Masters in Teaching English as a Second Language. I am working and taking classes at Gonzaga University.
When were you in Costa Rica?
I was in Costa Rica in 2015. After finishing my TESL course I continued to live and work in Costa Rica at Intercultura Language School in Heredia.
How many Alumni does ITA Costa Rica have?
What is your favorite memory of your time in Costa Rica?
My favorite thing about working in Costa Rica was the people I met. I am still in contact with many of the students that I had at Intercultura. I also went on some amazing trips with co-workers and friends. My favorite place in Costa Rica was Sarapiqui, where we went river rafting. I also enjoyed Monte Verde, which was the last place I visited before going home to the U.S. I enjoyed that in Costa Rica we were able to work and also travel, with many amazing places nearby. If you are thinking of traveling out of the country, I highly recommend Granada, Nicaragua and Bocas del Toro in Panama.
What did you learn while you were living in Costa Rica?
In addition to improving my communication skills in Spanish, I learned how to go with the flow and be more flexible, which has helped me in my current job. The idea of pura vida made me frustrated at first, but after living there for awhile I was able to relax and take one day at a time, which allowed me to enjoy my time there even more.
How did your time in Costa Rica affect your current job, life, etc.?
I am teaching at Gonzaga even though I haven't finished my masters degree yet because of my experience in Costa Rica. I have worked as a teacher for a community ESL class, as a teacher trainer in the TESL course here, as the tutoring center coordinator for Gonzaga's international students, and as an adjunct instructor for the academic ESL classes. All of my experience in Costa Rica allowed me to get these jobs while still in school, and I am grateful I took the risk of going to another country to gain experience, because that is what motivated me to begin my ESL career and enter my masters program.
What would you recommend for others considering taking the TESOL course and living in Costa Rica to teach ESL?
I would recommend going for it! It is scary at first, but the people are amazing and there is a great support system at ITA/TESOL Costa Rica. They assist you with housing, transportation, and job placement after graduation. I think that anyone who is a little nervous about going should choose this program, because the staff is great and almost all of my classmates who wanted to stay in Costa Rica, including myself, got jobs soon after graduation. I say, DO IT!
Have you registered to take one of our 4-week, onsite TEFL courses in Costa Rica so you can start your own journey? What are you waiting for? Contact us today!
