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TEFL Training In Costa Rica | Updated: 01/09/2023

Why Should Retirees Consider teaching English?

Written by International TEFL Academy Costa Rica

Admittedly I'm still 10 years or so from my retirement, but like many people, I can't wait. Even though I'm not looking forward to the fact that I'm going to stop working, I am looking forward to retirement because my kids will be grown and I will have the freedom to travel and teach English all over the world. I'm not the kind of person who wants to spend my retirement years sitting around on the sofa or porch wondering what to do that day, waiting for the phone to ring, wondering and waiting, waiting and wondering. I want to explore, travel, experience, meet new people, live life to its fullest!

However, like many people, I can't afford, and, to be honest, wouldn't really want to go on whirlwind trips covering multiple countries in an exhausting, stressful, expensive short-term solution.  Teaching English allows retirees an affordable way to fulfill their dreams of experiencing amazing exotic places, without blowing through their savings or just whipping through countries, never TRULY learning about the country or REALLY getting to know the locals.

Here are just some of the reasons that retirees should consider teaching English as a way to live their retirement years to the fullest.


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1) Affordable

Travelling is expensive, however, living abroad doesn't have to be. Teaching English allows you to MAKE money while you travel and live in exotic locations. Admittedly, you will often make as much as you spend each month, however, breaking even on your teaching salary allows you to save 100% of your pension checks and not even touch your retirement savings. Also, the average Costa Rican salary is around $900/month, so your $2000-$3000 pension check allows you to live "high on the hog" down here rather than counting pennies like back in the States. A $1000 pension check plus 10 hours of teaching each week is a VERY nice salary in Costa Rica.

PLUS, real estate is crazy cheap down here compared to the States and Canada. You can buy a nice house for $60-$70,000. $100,000 is a really nice house.  $200,000 plus... you got LUXURY house! (Of course if you are beach front or in big tourist areas, the prices go up).


2) Meet amazing people

Fellow teachers are great, like-minded, adventurous people just like you. They are experiencing life and trying to live it to the fullest. What an amazing group of people to become your new friends! Most are in the same situation, open to meeting new people, sharing experiences, and going on this incredible journey with their new friends. Traveling and living abroad bonds people in an huge way. I've bonded with so many fellow teachers in my 20 years. It's been amazing and I'm very thankful for all the wonderful teachers I've met over the years, who have enriched my life.

Then there are the students.

Most of my close friends from the countries I have taught English in are ex-students. There is no better way to meet and grow close to locals than in the ESL classroom. Most of your students will be adults (at least in Costa Rica and the other countries I've taught in). It is just natural that after fun ESL classes filled with great conversation and laughing, that your students will want to hang out with you outside of class. Bars, sporting events, family gatherings etc, I've been invited to all and I NEVER decline! Accepting these invitations opens up infinite opportunities to grow your social circle and REALLY get to know the locals. Opportunities that just traveling through countries, staying in hotels, doesn't present.


7 Myths that Keep Retirees from Considering Teaching ESL

 

3) A way to give back to community

Teaching English is not only a great way to stay active in your own life. It is also a great way to stay active in the community and give back to the locals. You are not selling surf lessons to tourists or cheap tourist souvenirs or taking jobs from Costa Ricans. You are teaching the locals English and helping them and their children improve their lives. English is important to Costa Ricans; they need it to get ahead. The surge of emotion that I feel when I hear from my students how they got the job they wanted, got into the school they wanted or their confidence improved because of my English classes....well, you can imagine the intense feeling that produces. It's called a "teacher high," and I can tell you it's intense and one of the greatest feelings in the world.

4) More fun than work

Teaching English in many countries is not teaching kids. You can teach kids if that is what you really want, however, most classes are teaching adults and university students. People who want to be there, who are paying to be there and who will participate and work hard. You will be teaching 6 to 10 students and most of your class will be generating conversation, which means fun exchanging of opinions, experiences, laughing and having a good time. Both for student and teacher. Many times you will finish your class and be shocked that you got paid for having such a good time. It's what made me fall in love with teaching ESL.

5) Flexible hours

You worked hard in your life. You don't want to work 40, 50 60 hours per week in your retirement. Well..you don't have to. Most ESL teachers work 20-25 hours per week. You don't even have to do that. Teaching ESL offers complete flexibility in schedule. Work as little or as much as you want. Work mornings, nights weekends or whatever you decide is best for you.


Teaching English Abroad after Retirement with Jack


6) Older teachers are often MORE respected

Teaching is one of the few careers that respect is higher the older you are. Schools often prefer older teachers in front of their classes (in Costa Rica and many countries, not all). Starting a new career in your retirement years would be scary at best in many fields, unwise at worst. Teaching ESL is NOT like that. Older teachers are welcome and ANYONE can learn how to teach English and have a blast doing it.

7) Travel the world

Our certificate is recognized worldwide and never expires. It is a magic ticket that allows you to live and travel in almost any country. You can start your journey in Costa Rica, but some day you might want to explore other places. International TEFL Academy has lifetime job guidance and will help you whenever or wherever you want to teach. I've been teaching for over 20 years in 5 different countries and I can't wait to explore more.


Costa Rica Teaching Q&A With Judy


8) Learn a language, experiences galore, LIVE LIFE!

What an exciting way to live! We are never too old to experience all the wonderful things the world has to offer. Learning languages, trying new foods, seeing amazing sites, learning new skills, meeting new people, giving back to others... the list goes on and on and on! Why spend retirement sitting around, when there is a whole world out there that you EARNED the right to experience?  You worked hard in your life and made huge sacrifices for your family and others. Now it's time for you. You earned it. Go grab it. An amazing exciting life is out there!

Contact us TODAY to sign up for one of our 4-week, onsite TEFL trainings in Costa Rica!

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