Educational Exchanges (IESA) is a teacher agency based in Costa Rica that recruits ESL, Science, Biology, Maths and Secondary/Primary/Pre-School teachers in the metropolitan and other areas of San Jose.

THE SETTING.

Costa Rica, a tropical country of 51,000 Sq. Kms. and 4M inhabitants is settled in Central America with a year-long temperature that ranges approximately between 68 and 85 F degrees. It is considered to be the first economy in Central America, and the first democracy in Latin America. The country is secure and there is no standing army. It attracts more than 1.5M foreign tourists every year, mostly from North America and Europe. This influx of foreign monetary resources forms the centerpiece of Costa Rica's economy.

This country has demonstrated a serious commitment to education over the past 50 years; it boasts a 96% literacy rate and has recently implemented new educational schemes deisgned to extend opportunities for English and French language learning to all secondary and most primary schools from both, the public and private sectors.

THE HOST SCHOOL:

There is a great variety of host schools where you may be placed ranging from K-12 bilingual schools to universities, or private English language schools. Placement at a particular school depends on their requirements and your education, background, etc. All of them are renowned private schools and you will teach at the pre-school, middle/high school or university level.

THE ASSIGNMENT:

You will teach approximately 25 to 28 hours a week on a 6-month to one year+ contract. Positions are numerous and available year-round.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:

IESA teachers:

-Teach classes in their own language/area.
-Plan daily classes on their own or with the assistance of other peer teachers.
-Attend study classes for Spanish language training (optional).
-Become involved in the lives of Tico (Costa Rican) families.

THE BENEFITS:

When you are assigned to a specific school, you are entitled to the following benefits:

-Rooom and board including 21 meals per week. We will make all te necessary arrangements.
-School lunches when classes are in session, depending on the host school.
-A monthly stipend for personal expenses.
-Full Spanish language training tuition.
-Full health, medical and life insurance.
-ESL training course.
-Orientation and civilization course.
-Visa sponsorship with all expenses paid.
-Free access to the school's library/internet services.
-Teaching materials.
-Airport pick-up.
-Letters of reference.
-In addition, in your spare time you may tutor on your own; private tutorships pay about $10-$12 per hour and we will provide guidance for this purpose.

THE REQUIREMENTS: You must be:

-A Bachelor's Degree in the area of your interest, English or ESL. If you have a minimum of 2 years of higher education in any area combined with substantial experience in the pertinent field, your application is welcome.
-Interested in languages and education.
-At least 19 years of age.

ABOUT THE VISA:

In order to teach or work in Costa Rica, you are required to hold a special Temporary Residence Permit from the Immigration Service which is valid for volunteering purposes only. Please be advised that unless you hold a permanent resident or citizen status, you are not allowed to work in this country; doing so is illegal and you are subject to deportation. We, at IESA will make all the necessary arrangements to obtain your Temporary Residence Permit. We will let you know timely what documents you will need to bring to Costa Rica in order to apply for the permit; you will enter the country with a valid passport and once you are here, you apply for the permit. We will make all the paperwork and pay the fees.

For immediate consideration, please email us your resume and a picture of yourself and we shall be pleased to start the placement process:

The Executive Director
Educational Exchanges (IESA)
P.O. Box 383
San Antonio de Belen
Heredia 4005
Costa Rica
Tel.: 506-265-0569
E-mail: iesa_cr@racsa.co.cr

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