An official website of the United States government
Official websites use .gov
A
.gov website belongs to an official government
organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A
lock (
) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to
the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official,
secure websites.
Search
Connect with the Peace Corps
If you're ready for something bigger, we have a place where you belong.
Apply to the Peace Corps
The application process begins by selecting a service model and finding an open position.
Let us help you find the right position.
If you are flexible in where you serve for the two-year Peace Corps Volunteer program, our experts can match you with a position and country based on your experience and preferences.
Serve where you’re needed mostEnglish Teacher
Education
Job highlights
- Strengthen English language skills in an immersive, intercultural environment.
- Exchange best practice with education professionals on the national and regional levels.
- Contribute significantly to country’s goal of complete Spanish-English bilingualism by 2040.
Costa Rica • North America
In partnership with: Primary schools, High schools
Get answers live — every weekday at .
Apply by
August 15, 2026Know by
October 1, 2026Depart on
March 14, 2027Duration
2 years, plus 3 months trainingAbout 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.
Learn more about what Volunteers do in country by visiting our Costa Rica project page.
Required skills
Qualified candidates will have one or more of the following criteria:
Bachelor's degree in any discipline.
Language: Spanish
A. Completed 4 years of high school Spanish coursework in the past 8 years
B. Completed college-level Elementary II Spanish semester (Elementary III in quarter system) within the past 6 years
C. Score between 50-62 on the Spanish College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exam in the past 6 years
D. 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
Required behavioral competencies
These competencies are essential for all service assignments and are assessed in the application and interview process:
Motivation for and commitment to service
Adaptability and open-mindedness
Problem solving and resourcefulness
Behavioral maturity and professionalism
Photos from Costa Rica
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
Housing will depend on availability at the time and the Volunteer’s assignment. For the first 4 months, Volunteers will live with a host family and have a private room. After those 4 months, they may move to independent housing if available; that may be a separate small building or an apartment or house. Housing is located within five kilometers of the Volunteer’s primary work site, and they will be able to walk, bike, or use public transportation to commute.
Learn more about the living conditions, including detailed information on culture, communications, housing, and health/crime statistics on our Costa Rica country page. You can also delve into stories about local communities by reading our blog or Volunteer stories.
Meet a Volunteer in Costa Rica
Henry B.
Elementary English Education Volunteer
"Dancing is big in my community, and it has been a great way to meet people and to distinguish myself from the tourists who are constantly coming through town."
See full Volunteer profile
As an English Teacher, you will be trained to support Costa Rican English teachers, students, and community members to improve their English language communicative skills for better academic and professional opportunities. Peace Corps/Costa Rica will teach you intermediate to advanced Spanish to help you comfortably live in and connect with the community.
After 10 weeks of training, you will move to either a rural, semi-urban or urban community where you will collaborate with a public elementary school or high school. You will work with the community to assess the local needs and develop solutions based on a work plan in line with the expressed needs and priorities.
Only heterosexual couples can be accepted for this program. Each person must apply separately and qualify for a position in the same sector as their partner. Couples will live together during training but may separate occasionally for field-based activities. Couples who are selected for the same sector will live together but work with different local partners which may be in the same community or in neighboring communities (not more than 30 minutes apart). Cohabitating couples are highly encouraged to present themselves as married throughout service due to cultural expectations.
To learn more about serving as a couple in Costa Rica, visit the country page.
Application process
From application to departure takes around nine months. Learn about the application process for Volunteer opportunities.
Medical/legal clearance
You will need to be cleared medically and legally in order to serve in Costa Rica. Review information on medical clearance and legal clearance to learn about the process.
