English Teacher - Volunteer Position - Onsite in Costa Rica • North America - 2 years, plus 3 months training
Peace Corps
United States
Posted on Apr 3, 2026
About The Project
Costa Rican schools are looking for native English speakers to support their goal of national bilingualism by 2040. Will you answer the call to serve?
In 2008, Costa Rica’s government declared English a national interest to improve the country's competitiveness and bolster the productive sector. Conversational English language learning, in particular, is a priority to increase cultural, educational, and professional opportunities. However, local English teachers lack sufficient exposure to English or training. Access to training and resources from the Ministry of Public Education varies from region to region, leading to inequalities in English proficiency levels among both students and teachers.
As an English Teacher, you will collaborate with local educators to support students reach a B1 proficiency level by the end of high school. Alongside school staff, you will support formal and informal learning opportunities to deepen understanding and appreciation for the English language. Together, you will strengthen the students’ communicative competence, opening doors to subsequent academic and professional opportunities.
Activities
How you and the community will make an impact together:
Plan and teach engaging English classes alongside a local teacher.
Provide informal English language support for teachers and school staff.
Prepare students for spelling bees and English festivals.
Facilitate conversation clubs and tutoring sessions for additional practice.
Design, pilot, and adapt sustainable learning materials.
Exchange best practices with fellow teachers at conferences or workshops.
You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as bilingual recreational activities and English classes for community members of all age
Required Skills
Competitive candidates will have:
APPLY BY : August 15, 2026
KNOW BY : October 1, 2026
DEPART ON : March 14, 2027
DURATION : 2 years, plus 3 months training
Costa Rican schools are looking for native English speakers to support their goal of national bilingualism by 2040. Will you answer the call to serve?
In 2008, Costa Rica’s government declared English a national interest to improve the country's competitiveness and bolster the productive sector. Conversational English language learning, in particular, is a priority to increase cultural, educational, and professional opportunities. However, local English teachers lack sufficient exposure to English or training. Access to training and resources from the Ministry of Public Education varies from region to region, leading to inequalities in English proficiency levels among both students and teachers.
As an English Teacher, you will collaborate with local educators to support students reach a B1 proficiency level by the end of high school. Alongside school staff, you will support formal and informal learning opportunities to deepen understanding and appreciation for the English language. Together, you will strengthen the students’ communicative competence, opening doors to subsequent academic and professional opportunities.
Activities
How you and the community will make an impact together:
Plan and teach engaging English classes alongside a local teacher.
Provide informal English language support for teachers and school staff.
Prepare students for spelling bees and English festivals.
Facilitate conversation clubs and tutoring sessions for additional practice.
Design, pilot, and adapt sustainable learning materials.
Exchange best practices with fellow teachers at conferences or workshops.
You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as bilingual recreational activities and English classes for community members of all age
Required Skills
Competitive candidates will have:
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any discipline and a strong desire to teach English
- Completed 4 years of high school Spanish coursework in the past 8 years
- Completed college-level Elementary II Spanish semester (Elementary III in quarter system) within the past 6 years
- Score between 50-62 on the Spanish College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exam in the past 6 years
- Score Novice-High or Intermediate-Low on official American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) in Spanish within the past 6 years
APPLY BY : August 15, 2026
KNOW BY : October 1, 2026
DEPART ON : March 14, 2027
DURATION : 2 years, plus 3 months training