Greenheart Travel

Category: TEFL – Costa Rica

What is a TEFL Certification and Why is it Important for Preparing to Teach Abroad?
A simple question that a lot of people are afraid to ask is, “What is TEFL?”. This acronym shows up over and over again when researching how to teach abroad for an extensive amount of time, and it can be a process to figure out what it is, if it’s really needed, and how different ones compare to each other.

What is TEFL?

TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and refers to a course that you can take, either online or in-country, to learn how to teach English to those who want to learn.

What’s the difference between TEFL, TESOL and CELTA?

The biggest difference is that they are simply different acronyms that refer to the same basic thing: a certification to teach English to those who want to learn.

Here’s what each one stands for:
- TEFL = Teaching English as a Foreign Language
- TESOL = Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
- CELTA = Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults
One main difference between the three is that a CELTA certification is specifically designed for teaching adults, while a TESOL or TEFL curriculum will cater to teaching both kids and adults. So, unless you’re only interested in teaching adults, you should look more at TEFL and TESOL courses.

Why are some courses really expensive and others are cheap?

The short answer is because you get what you pay for.

The medium answer is because different courses offer various types of curriculum. Some courses are self-directed and online-only, some are intensive and in-person only, and some are structured online with student teaching, etc. Doing extensive research to make sure you pick a course that is right for what you want is important. If you’re just looking for a piece of paper that gives you the credentials to be hired, then an inexpensive online course is what you should get. If you want to gain concrete teaching skills so you’ll know what to do when you start working, you should look at courses that offer student teaching with real ESL students.

The long answer is here.

What is accreditation and is it important?

Accreditation refers to the rigorous process that a TEFL school or course goes through to ensure that it is offering quality instruction to its students and it is very important!

During accreditation process, an independent third party looks at the curriculum and examines it according to a rubric. On top of verifying the validity of the materials, content, and instructors leading the course, the international standards for accreditation dictate that a TEFL course must have:
- At least 100 hours of academics*
- 6-20 hours of live practice teaching (called a practicum)
- A practicum that targets ESL students, not class peers
*Many potential employers require at least 120 hours of academics and at least 10 hours of practicum. All of Greenheart Travel’s TEFL programs meet international accreditation standards and are taught by university professors with Master’s Degrees and/or PhD’s.

There is no one single organization that is universally regarded as the official accrediting body for TEFL or TESOL certifications. However, reputable accrediting bodies, language institutes, ministries of education and recognized bodies within the field require that accredited TEFL certifications meet certain standards.

TEFL class in Hua Hin, Thailand.

Do I need a TEFL to teach abroad?

Yes and no, depending on what you want to get out of your teaching abroad experience. There are plenty of schools that will hire you without one just because you’re a native English speaker, but keep in mind that in most instances you are going to be hired as a full-time English instructor, and the sole responsibility for your classes and the lesson planning. Teaching is not an easy job and going into it without any training is doing a disservice to your students because they will have an unprepared and stressed out teacher instead of an organized, enthusiastic and useful teacher who can actually help them improve their English skills.

Do you have any other questions about TEFL? Comment below!
May 6, 2019
You’re TEFL Certified – Now What?! Six Steps to Help You Get Started on Finding Your First Teaching Job
You did it! You’re done with 11 weeks of TEFL certification coursework and you have logged over 20 hours of student teaching. Over the last few weeks of the course, you’ve caught yourself daydreaming more and more about where you could teach, who your students will be and how much your life is going to change once you get on that first plane. But first, you need to send out some applications – where do you start?

Step #1. Get Familiar with Your Job Search Guidance Manual!

The lifetime job placement assistance is a great place to start for alumni of the Greenheart Travel Online TEFL Certification Course. You receive your job search guidance manual after you’ve started the course and it’s a good idea to read through some of the important information like: how to format your resume and cover letter for ESL jobs, how to contact prospective employers, and what to expect for an interview. But, by far the most useful section of the manual is the country by country job profile.

The job profile separates the global teaching market into four section overviews:
- Europe
- Latin America
- The Caribbean
- Asia, The Middle East and Northern Africa
Each one of those sections offers an array of information about each individual country’s teaching market. From general information about the country and what you can expect to make, to advice on obtaining a visa and a list of preferred programs and job websites – these country profiles are ideal whether you’re unsure about where you want to teach or if you’ve already settled on where you want to go.

Step #2. Talk to your advisor.

Graduating TESOL class in Hua Hin, Thailand.

The job search manual can be a bit overwhelming with all the information it offers, and sometimes it’s easier to have someone walk you through your questions. Your advisor has taught or lived abroad themselves, and is available to talk over the phone, Skype or email to help you decide which country will be the best fit for what you want to accomplish abroad.

Or, if you know where’d you’d like to end up, your advisor is a great resource to talk through the little details; the pros and cons of public and private school positions, salary versus cost of living, as well as the culture and what challenges you can expect to run into as you adjust to life in that country.

Step #3. Join all the Facebook groups.

All Greenheart Travel TEFL alumni are able (and encouraged) to join as many country-specific Facebook groups as they’d like. Each Facebook group is filled with hundreds of alumni who are currently teaching English and are more than willing to offer advice about living and working abroad, or let prospective teachers like you know about job openings at their schools. Once you’ve accepted a job, the Facebook group will be a great way to connect with teachers before you arrive and arrange some meet-ups!

Some of Greenheart Travel’s most popular Facebook groups are as follows:
Step #4. Apply for those jobs.

You’ve finished your resume, talked to your advisor, narrowed down your job search to one or two countries, joined the necessary Facebook groups, and had a few private message conversations with alumni who are already teaching where you’d like to be. You have a strong grasp on the job markets of these countries, and you have a solid idea of how much you should expect to get paid. So, now you can start filling out those applications!

Depending on whether you apply for jobs directly or with a structured program, the application process could take anywhere between a few weeks to a few months. But, with some persistence and some patience, you’ll soon have multiple opportunities to chose from.

Step #5. Figure out the logistics.

Packing a suitcase for a Greenheart Travel program.

Depending on where you’re going, your arrival logistics and housing may already be set up for you. But, if they’re not, you’ll need to plan for your arrival.

How will you get from the airport into town? Can you find an apartment ahead of time, or will you need to book a hostel first and then hunt for apartments in person? Is there an orientation to help you get acclimated to the country, or do you start working right away? Google can only get you so far, so don’t forget to reach out to your advisor and the Facebook groups again for more tips and advice.

Step #6. Get on that plane!

Buy a ticket, throw yourself a going-away party, and pack your bags because you’re only a plane ride away from your new life as an English teacher abroad! There may be some bumps in the road when you first arrive, but once you get the hang of your school and your new job, you’ll find that this was one of the best decisions you’ve ever made.

Oh, wait. You still need your TEFL certification? Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered!
October 17, 2017
Photo Friday From our TEFL Course in Costa Rica

Nicole Mekker, who is taking our TEFL course in Costa Rica before heading to teach English in South Korea this fall, shares some of her photos! If you’re interested in getting your certification in Costa Rica, you can teach on any of our programs afterwards that require a TEFL certification! It’s a great option for those wanting to head to South Korea, stay and teach in Costa Rica, or teach anywhere else in the world.

June 6, 2017
48 Hours in Palmares, Costa Rica: Here’s What To Do and See

Although my home abroad, Palmares, may not be topping the lists of places to visit in Costa Rica, do not let its ‘sleepy coffee town’ reputation deceive you. Its central location and array of local gems makes it the ideal setting of a theoretical 48 hour trip “off the beaten path”.

A 30 minute walk from my front door leads to a variety of hiking paths and waterfalls, while a 15 minute bus ride can bring you to street markets and restaurants. If you find yourself exploring this area, below I’ve shared some must-see stops along the way.

Madre Verde

Not only is Madre Verde (¨Green Mother¨) a local sanctuary for animals and plants, but it acts as a safe haven for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil place to meditate. At about 100 acres, it features intertwining paths, a butterfly conservatory, an antique museum, and a covered area available for public use.

Because it is non-governmental, Madre Verde relies on the community of Palmares to sustain its condition. Therefore, free events, including yoga classes and runs, are held to bring the community together, as well as welcome donations. Donations are never required, but all money given goes to protecting the wildlife that serves as a teacher and home for many living creatures in the area.

Torunes

Situated along the tops of the hills surrounding Palmares, this pool area with rentable cabins is camouflaged among the coffee plants. Multiple pools and water slides decorate the property, which looks out onto the distant towns of San José (the capital) and Alajuela. Although the rural location and rocky dirt roads that lead to Torunes imply seclusion, it sits at only 15 minutes from the town’s center and is reachable by bus.

Taquería de Juán (Juán’s Tacos)

Juán’s Tacos is to Palmares as the Eiffel Tower is to Paris, the Empire State Building is to New York, and the Colosseum is to Rome. As the prized possession of the town, this family owned taquería has been bringing freshly fried tacos (plated on cut-out plastic bags) to the community for over 30 years. This small restaurant has stuck to a simple and sincere menu, but the recipes bring more than their names can sum up. A ‘hamburger with cheese’ is a stacked masterpiece drenched in sauce, and a ‘taco’ is a happy roll of meat buried in a casket of french fries and cabbage. ‘Healthy’ is not necessarily a concept connected to the Taquería de Juán, but my taste buds and I can claim that ‘happiness’ undoubtedly is.

La Féria (San Ramón)

In the neighboring town of San Ramón, local farmers gather every weekend to sell their produce to the community. Over 250 vendors regularly attend to offer their fruits, vegetables, flowers, and products such as granola and homemade candles. Crops with vibrant colors and quirky names fill every row of suppliers, as the mixing scents beckon shoppers into the covered lot. This farmers’ market offers the foods that boats cannot bring to foreign countries, and the communal reality of the event makes the experience even sweeter.

Las Musas (San Ramón)

Also located in San Ramón is Las Musas, an Eco Touristic Recreation Center, famous for its waterfalls and hiking trails. The park features a restaurant with typical Costa Rican meals, two swimming pools (one for young children and one with a large water slide), and a variety of paths leading to multiple waterfalls. The longest trail (about one and a half to two hours, depending on your speed) passes a total of six waterfalls, while the shortest (about 30 minutes) leads to beautiful view points and the largest waterfall on the property.

As long as this waterfall is not gushing with additional water and mud from a recent rainstorm, the pool that collects at its base is shallow enough to safely swim and explore. If hiking is not on your to-do list or a viable option, the waterfall is also visible and easily accessible from the recreational pools and restaurant.

Google Images and lists of the ‘Top 25 Costa Rican Beaches’ may present a unique and breathtaking side of Costa Rica, filled with monkeys and coconut-based beverages, but this is not the entire country’s reality. The majority of residents live in colorful, concrete houses lining windy streets overflowing with potholes, and I believe that locations like these are where the lack of heavy tourism allows the true Tican culture to thrive.

Spectacular beaches and awe-striking rainforests have helped shape the lifestyle, but the quirky restaurants buried deep inside neighborhoods and local conservatories that never see the spotlight are parts of the lifestyle that have been created. There is nothing shameful about enjoying the photogenic hotspots featured on trendy travel blogs, but if you are interested in experiencing the places that attract the locals, be sure to take some detours along the way.

About the Author:

My name is Rachael Maloney, and I am a curious venturer fueled by good books and foreign food. I am currently spending my junior year of high school in Costa Rica, doing my best to absorb everything my 10 months abroad have to teach. I look forward to carrying these lessons with me for many years to come, and, in the meantime, sharing them in online articles for those who are interested. Follow Rachael on her adventure and read her stories here.

Do you want to experience places ‘off the beaten path’? Study abroad in Costa Rica!

March 8, 2017
Spotlight on Sally Hall; Greenheart Travel Costa Rica TEFL Alumni

Sally Hall took the TEFL course in Costa Rica in November of 2015 and, after traveling the country for a month, starting working at a private high school where she is currently teaching. Sally recently caught us up and told us about what her year in Costa Rica has been like!

Tell us what’s been going on since you graduated!

I finished the TESOL course in November of 2015. Soon after, I secured a job that began in February of 2016, and in the meantime, I had the opportunity to travel around the beautiful country of Costa Rica. Some of my favorite spots I visited were Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, Punta Uva, Tamarindo, Volcan Arenal, and Samara. Bonus fun memories: Letting a Tica lady dye my hair orange (on accident), taking in a cat found in my closet, winding up in a neighbor’s home that collects materials from the earth and uses them to paint (pictured below).

I am currently teaching at a private high school on the campus of EARTH University, which is located on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. I feel very lucky to be in such a beautiful area surrounded by a new, exciting culture. Teaching high school has proven to be a healthy challenge that I enjoy taking every day. The TESOL course was extremely helpful in preparing me for what I now experience in the classroom. I have lots of resources that I frequently incorporate and the staff still helps me with questions I have to this day.

What was your initial experience like adjusting the the Tico culture when you first arrived?

I loved living with my Tico family in Barva [during the course]. They were hilarious, adorable, and kind. I really appreciated their humbleness and how naturally they welcomed me into their home. I saw first-hand the importance of family in Latin America as I attended my family’s family birthday parties, memorial services of loved ones, and dinner parties, even though I wasn’t technically a family member! It was an awesome experience. I still keep in contact with my host family and visit them even 10 months later. They will always hold a special place in my heart.

Do you have a favorite Tico dish?

My favorite dish in Costa Rica is Gallo Pinto. I originally wasn’t the biggest fan of pinto, but after a month or so, I couldn’t imagine breakfast without it! There are a couple of sodas [small convenient store] around Barva where you can find pinto in the mornings, but nothing beats the pinto cooked by your Tica mom! Also in Barva is a delicious crepe joint called Cafe Marfil that is a great spot to grab a snack and do your homework. Lastly, you can’t miss the incredible Dulce de Leche empanadas baked fresh at the food stand across the street from school.

How was the job search after you graduated?

My experience in getting a job was exciting and relatively simple. The opportunities in the city offered less hours than I wanted, so I went outside of the city. Because of this, there are not many native speakers in the area, and the schools were eager to have someone native in their school. I am currently working in a small town in Limon and absolutely love it. I feel this opportunity has allowed me to fully immerse and challenge myself everyday. It is a really special experience being an English language teacher. Not only do your students learn from you, but you learn so much from them too.

Living in a small town has also allowed me to improve my Spanish greatly. I moved here knowing very little Spanish, so I immediately got a tutor for 2 mil, aka $4!! It was so cheap and definitely worth it to get the base knowledge. In my experience, I have realized the importance of making the effort to have conversations with native speakers of Spanish in order to learn. Although you live here, you will not learn without putting forth the effort.

A lot of perspective students are curious about what there is to do in Barva outside of class, do you have any suggestions?

My favorite thing to do in Barva is walk around and check out the coffee farms and natural beauty. Barva has some of the best weather in Costa Rica, so spending as much time outdoors is a must! Volcano Barva is right nearby and there are hikes and waterfalls that are easily accessible. The bus system is reliable and cheap, so If you want to pop into San Jose for the day, it takes around an hour by bus and costs about a dollar. Barva’s central location, natural beauty, and perfect weather make it one of the best places to live.

Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about getting a TEFL certification abroad?

Do it. People don’t regret the things they did, they regret the things they didn’t do. My experience here has been the one of the most formative experiences of my life, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. The family and memories I have made here are ones that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Interested in getting TEFL certified? Comment with your questions below!

July 25, 2016
Top 5 Reasons to get TEFL Certified in Costa Rica

Latin America has always been a popular destination for ESL teachers to live and work abroad. From the abundance of plantains to the laid-back Tico lifestyle, it’s not hard to see why Costa Rica is one of the best teaching markets in Central America.

If the opportunity to get paid to teach and travel abroad isn’t motivating enough, check out five more reasons from our Greenheart Travel Costa Rica TEFL Course graduates on what they loved most about getting certified in Costa Rica!

1. The Food

“I love plantains so much! Fried, grilled, on the top of sushi (the restaurant about 100-150m south of school does the best sushi.) The tico roll is amazing and has plantain on the top.” – Johanna Chipp, May 2, 2016 Costa Rica TEFL course graduate

“During the first week of the course my host family made chifrijo, which is a Costa Rican soup with flavors of cilantro and lime. It was amazing!” – Laura Gorden, May 2, 2016 Costa Rica TEFL course graduate

2. The Costa Rican Culture

“I’ve been living with Dona Viki and Don Rodrigo (home stay accommodations) and what I’ve noticed about living with them is that they put so much love into their cooking for us. Even at the end of the day, or when we get home late from teaching, they still have the food ready for us and prepare our plates.” –Laura Gorden

“I love that the Tico culture is so friendly. The people are amazing. I have made so many new friends here in such a short space of time. It’s the little things, like yesterday a man held his hand out for me to help me getting off the bus. The owner of the nearby bar asks me to let him know that I got home safe. Neighbours here are people who you know well, not strangers who you live near to.” –Johanna Chipp

“For the four weeks of the program, I learned so much from the instructors, but also from the other participants. We studied grammar together, planned lessons, taught, explored, shared meals, laughed, and talked about our hopes, dreams and travel goals. When you embark on this adventure, you are not alone. You have a team of people who will support you and share in your challenges and triumphs.” –Cheryl Rettig, August 3, 2015 Costa Rica TEFL course graduate

3. The Costa Rica TEFL Course

“Before I talk about benefits like travel, new friendships, and adventure, I need to mention one of the most important reasons to complete your TEFL training in Costa Rica – the program itself. Luke and Melanie are absolutely fantastic instructors. They are fun, dynamic, extremely knowledgeable, encouraging, and committed to helping you succeed (as long as you are willing to put in the work that is necessary). Plus, the program is constructed in such a way that there is ample time to learn so many important things, including grammar (you will know all your tenses so well), lesson planning, how to teach specific skills like reading, writing, listening and speaking….the list goes on. By the end of your four weeks, you have so much practical knowledge, plus the confidence you gain from six observed teaching opportunities. You might be (ok, you will be) nervous the first time you teach in front of a group of students, but with all the constructive feedback provided by Luke and Melanie, your nerves will calm and you will (hopefully) start to look forward to standing in front of your students. Plus, the experience and knowledge you gain in this program will really serve you well in your first teaching placement after graduation. I know it helped me a lot.” – Cheryl Rettig

“The course itself I definitely underestimated the intensity of. It’s intense, and full on, and a lot of work. But it’s not excessively difficult or unachievable. If you work hard you will be fine, and the intensity of the course is actually a blessing in disguise as it helps you to be properly prepared for teaching. The students are awesome. I’ve taught a mix of levels from beginner to advanced and they all have a real thirst for knowledge which is so awesome that it’s something you can give them. There’s like a magic moment where something you’ve been trying to teach them throughout a lesson finally gets through, and the look on their face when they finally understand is awesome. It makes everything worth it.” – Johanna Chipp

4. Speaking Spanish with Locals

“Before I went to Costa Rica, I had taken Spanish courses in high school and university, but I was a bit rusty to say the least. However, when you live with a host family who only speak Spanish, you pick up the language very quickly – by necessity! My host family was wonderful and quite patient. Each evening we would talk about our day or discuss the events on the news, in Spanish. By the end of the month, I was so much more confident and able to not only understand spoken Spanish, but also communicate my thoughts and ideas more fluently.” – Cheryl Rettig

5. So Many Fun Activities to Do in Costa Rica

“If you are feeling a bit stuck in your day-to-day life and have always thought, ‘I would love to travel…some day,’ choose today as that “some day” to make a change. Costa Rica is absolutely gorgeous. I had the incredible opportunity to travel throughout the country and visit places like Arenal Volcano and La Paz waterfalls. It is extremely easy to find a tour company that provides day trips, or you can travel with friends by bus. Oh, and I also went zip-lining. What an incredible experience! I highly recommend Costa Rica for its natural wonders, beauty, and adventure opportunities.” – Cheryl Rettig

“It’s really easy to get around, buses are SO cheap, Ubers are readily available, as are taxis and piratas. Bartenders are always happy to call you a taxi, as are people in restaurants etc. My favourite thing to do so far is go to the nearby seafood place or sushi, grab some food, bring it to the bar, grab a beer with friends and study or hang out together. I haven’t travelled much as yet but it’s so cool how much you can see just by running a couple of miles in the morning. One of the girls in the course saw a cow sitting in the middle of the road, I saw a turtle crossing the road this morning, and I’ve walked by cows, chickens and a coffee plantation or two on my way to school this morning. It’s awesome how much there is to see.” – Johanna Chipp

Interested in getting TEFL certified and teaching English in Costa Rica?

June 10, 2016