Why TESOL in London?

Costa Rica literally means the "Rich Coast" and officially the Republic of Costa Rica. It is bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the south-southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Costa Rica was the first country in the world to constitutionally abolish its army. Costa Rica is home to a rich variety of plants and animals. While the country has only about 0.1% of the world's landmass, it contains 5% of the world's biodiversity. Thus this Rich Coast has rightly been chosen by TEFL International to be one of the 18 training locations for the academically rich and technically substantial TESOL Certificate Program.

Costa Rica has been nature's special child but it is the people of this country that make it so special and attractive. Costa Ricans often refer to themselves as tico (masculine) or tica (feminine). The tico ideal is that of a very friendly, helpful, laid back, unhurried, educated and environmentally aware people. The phrase "Pura Vida" (literally "Pure Life") is a ubiquitous motto in Costa Rica. It encapsulates the pervading ideology of living in peace in a calm, unclustered manner, appreciating a life surrounded by nature and family and friends. Costa Rica boasts a varied history. Costa Rica was the point where the Mesoamerican and South American native cultures met. Costa Rican traditions and culture tend to retain a strong degree of Spanish influence. The country and its people create an ideal ambience for those trainee ESL teachers who take up the globally accredited and vastly recognized TESOL Certificate Course in Costa Rica.

What is the attraction in Costa Rica?

With one of the most stunning, picture-postcard backdrops in the country, Manuel Antonio is one of the lushest places in Costa Rica – the country where the TEFL Certification Program is run to guarantee the trainees the recognition of TESOL, worldwide. The spectacular white-gray sand beaches are fringed by thickly forested green hills. There is a huge variety of things to do- walking the Park's easy trails, whitewater rafting, ocean cruising, horseback riding, fishing, sea kayaking, to name but a few. Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica's best known and most often visited park, despite the fact that it's also the smallest. The park is an island of verdant wildness in a rapidly developing area with a relatively intact wet tropical forest and abundant wildlife.

Manuel Antonio has one of the most beautiful beaches of the country, which has, as a backdrop, emerald-green forests and lush hillsides. Manuel Antonio offers something for everyone, or that is, for everyone who wants to get out of the major cities of Costa Rica.

The hilly evergreen forest providing natural shade from the tropical sun lines and two gorgeous white sand beaches sloping to the gentle surf. Several trails lead through dense jungle growth to hidden sandy coves and magnificent lookouts over the ocean and beaches. Far from the madding city crowd, the TEFL trainees unwind here as they indulge in a highly productive and internationally competitive TESOL training sessions.

Although Manuel Antonio National Park is Costa Rica's smallest national park, the breath taking beauty and diversity of wildlife in its 683 hectares is unequaled. 109 species of mammals and 184 of birds are present in the park. Sloths (perezosos) are a major feature, as are howler, squirrel, and capuchin monkeys (and the feeding of them is strictly prohibited). Dolphins can be observed there, as well as the occasional migrating whale.

What is in Costa Rica for you?

The Manuel Antonio, Quepos area is one of Costa Rica's top destinations. Known for its long stretches of white sand, dense tropical rainforest and abundant wildlife, this region is popular with sun lovers, nature enthusiasts, adrenaline seekers and deep sea fishing anglers. Therefore, for the TESOL certificate seekers traveling in from different corners of the world, entertainment options are never exhausted. While Manuel Antonio remains an eco-friendly area, the roads, dining and nightlife are among the best of any beach destination in Costa Rica. An abundance of nearby tours and activities can keep you busy every day of your stay if you so desire. Thus, armed with a TESOL certificate, the aspiring TEFL teachers can scout for short-term teaching jobs using the valuable guidance and placement assistance from TEFL International.

Despite its small size and great popularity, Manuel Antonio has managed to remain one of the premiere nature spots in the country. The rain forest and mountains literally meet the sea here and the ecosystem is teeming with land, sea and air species. If there is one place to visit in this country and be assured of seeing animals in the wild, this is it. Just a couple of hours walking the park's trails are likely to present various colorful and majestic birds, white-faced monkeys, two and three-toed sloth, coatis, pacas, brilliantly colored land crabs, a variety of multihued butterflies, and interesting insects. It is an absolute bounty of nature's splendor that comes specially as a bonus with the 4 weeks TEFL course. Near Manuel Antonio is Jardin Gaia. Named three years ago as Costa Rica's first official Wildlife Rescue Center, it receives injured and confiscated animals and attempts to rehabilitate them for return to the wild.

You can engage in a wide variety of activities like Swimming, fishing, snorkeling, sea kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, boating, surfing other than the lesson planning and teaching practices as activities attached to the TEFL classes.

On the tourist map

Manuel Antonio's sister city Quepos provides a glimpse into traditional Costa Rican life and hospitality. Located just a few minutes from our TESOL training campus, this small town can be easily explored on foot, and yet for its size, Quepos offers an astonishing assortment of international restaurants as well as shops, Internet cafes, beaches, a farmer's market and a colorful nightlife. Quepos is well known by sport fishing enthusiasts. The blue water off this coast provides exceptional challenge and excitement for seasoned, as well as occasional, anglers. Thus, while fishing for innovative TEFL skills in the classroom or surfing through placement options in local schools, post certification, the candidates can enjoy the pleasures that the coastline treats them to.

Nightlife in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a variety of nightlife activities and a great number of Casinos around the country from which to choose. The TESOL trainees can try their luck at the legal gambling. Step up to the slots or card tables and play Caribbean stud poker, mini baccarat, blackjack, canasta roulette, craps, rows of slot machines and video machines. Quepos boasts enough nightlife for the young and not so young to "salsa" until the small hours of the morning at the local discotheques. If you're in the mood for something considerably softer, all you need to do is enjoy a peaceful evening on your balcony under the stars.

Weekend excursions

The Damas Island and its mangroves are ideal for viewing crocodiles and many species of marine birds. The Manuel Antonio National Park is the major tourist attraction and its gorgeous beaches; excellent wildlife viewing possibilities can keep you engaged over the weekends in between grueling weeks of practicing language teaching skills inside the TESOL classroom. You may also visit Jardin Gaia, the internationally known animal rescue center.

Weather

The candidates traveling to Costa Rica for the TEFL certificate should ideally be informed that the seasons in Costa Rica are divided between summer and winter (or the dry season and the wet season, respectively). On the Pacific slope the rainy season begins in May and runs its course until November. The days often begin sunny and pleasant, with rains coming later in the day. If attending a TESOL course that is scheduled during the rainy season, we recommend that you bring a rain jacket and/or an umbrella. The dry season begins at the end of November and runs through mid-May. The skies are often cloudless with rain occurring on a weekly, rather than a daily basis. Temperatures vary between 74 C). But at Manuel F 29o and 95º F (23o to 35ºC) with the average being around 85 Antonio tranquil gentle beaches with average year round water temperatures of 82 degrees (28° C) and cooled by soft tropical breezes makes it a jungle paradise.