blueflags
3/19/2017 16:26 EST
Hello friends, I am new to the forum, so I am far behind on the topics that have been discussed. But since this is a real ExPat forum with people who have "lived there and gotten the Tshirt", I wanted to ask some candid questions that will seem very elementary to most of you. I am 65 years old and in decent health. I am single. My kids are in Texas and I have no grandchildren yet. I am going to rent my home and wish to relocate to Costa Rica to teach English under the TEFL certification. I don't want to just come to CR to retire. I am seeing many variations on the restrictions on teaching in Costa Rica or even working there. I have the financial qualifications and I will have the educational qualifications as I have two degrees and will have the TEFL certification. My question is this........is this a practical dream to pursue for me? Is it reasonable to expect to be able to work in Costa Rica either as a teacher or something else? I wish to become a legal resident as quickly as possible. Also I will bring my three beloved dogs and want to find a house or bungalow to rent with some sort of secure and safe yard. Is this possible? Thank you all for your answers in advance. I appreciate your input, good or bad.
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Kohl
3/19/2017 17:02 EST
It is important to note that 'legally' you cannot work until you are a Permanent resident which takes approx 5 years.
Many schools will tell you 'no problem' without a 'work visa' but you will be deported if found...and you won't be given time to get your dogs.
BTW the schools prefer young, gullible people...
http://costaricalaw.com/costa-rica-legal-topics/immigration-and-residency/residency-general-information-and-summary/
http://costaricalaw.com/category/costa-rica-legal-topics/working-in-costa-rica/
http://news.co.cr/work-permits-foreigners-costa-rica/48230/
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blueflags
3/19/2017 17:24 EST
While this is not good to hear, it sounds pretty dismal about my plans. Is there no remedy to handle a working situation other than waiting 5 years so that I can be legal and not have to worry about being deported, etc.?
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Kohl
3/19/2017 18:05 EST
I couldn't find this link, until now:
"Working at a language school in Costa Rica may sound like a dream short-term job. But before signing any contract, ask first whether you’d be expected to hide in the bathroom if immigration police show up.
On Feb. 26 Immigration Police raided the Máximo Nivel language school in the San Pedro neighborhood of San José. In all, 12 U.S. tourists between 18 and 21 years old were ordered to hand over their passports and report to the Immigration Administration to verify their status in Costa Rica."
Full article;
http://www.ticotimes.net/2015/03/18/costa-rica-deports-12-us-students-in-language-school-dispute
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Kohl
3/19/2017 20:12 EST
You can't have both a work visa and Temporary Residency status at the same time.
You could work online
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blueflags
3/19/2017 21:02 EST
Thank you for the information. That is the type of candor I am seeking to find on the forum.
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SteveDay
3/19/2017 21:03 EST
I am also in the process of relocating to Costa Rica, and I am also interested in making a few extra dollars teaching ESL. I have started down the path of building an online client base where I can teach ESL online and get paid. I am focusing on Business English right now, I currently have clients in Brazil and France and I am teaching about 2 hours a week. I started in February. I hope to expand this activity. I plan to be in Costa Rica by July 2018, and if things work out I should have developed a pretty stable clientele with room for growth. With this approach I have no worries about legal requirements in Costa Rica. I can teach as much or as little as I want which leaves me plenty of time to enjoy the country and the people. I also plan to volunteer in Costa Rica to develop my skills in ESL. When the time is right I may look for more permanent work. It is a long range plan. Pura Vida!
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lindyluvsCR
3/19/2017 21:30 EST
Kohl, I know he would like to teach in a school, but could he give private lessons in his home or their home with no problem.
Just wondering.
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Kohl
3/20/2017 07:30 EST
Lindy, that could be a very gray area...and maybe not a good idea to invite 'strangers into your home' . I did this with some local students for 'free' who lived around us, and while it worked for a while, some 'students' did not always show up on time and still expected their 'hour lesson'.
StevenDay, what you intend to do is a good way to go. Make sure to search out a location with reliable internet connection, it does vary throughout the country. Check other recent postings regarding this subject. I have a friend that does this, however during the rainy season, sometimes she has to conduct her 'lesson' while working in a closet...8-)
Actually I tried to respond last night, but our Kolbi connection to the 'net at our house, was too slow...
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NothingButNet
3/20/2017 22:36 EST
The American International School of Costa Rica currently has five positions available to fill by August. I suggest you contact the school for details. Follow this link for more information:
http://www.aiscr.org/immediate-position
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samramon
3/20/2017 22:44 EST
One thing about bringing 3 dogs is that most of the schools are in San Jose or outskirts and it might be very hard to find a rental to accept 3 dogs in the city.
I know someone currently looking for a house to rent in the country for 2 dogs and a few cats and that is even hard to find at a good price.
Another point is you make very little money teaching English here.
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blueflags
3/21/2017 08:04 EST
I realize the pay scale of teaching is expected to be low; however I would like to know the pay scale possiblities. From the lowest to the highest. A teaching job like the one posted is probably the highest. While one teaching in other areas would be lower.
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lindyluvsCR
3/22/2017 11:23 EST
Kohl - Very good point about not teaching in your home. Didn't think of that. It was a not a good suggestion.
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