Program Reviews

I have only great things to say about CR TEFL. As the Founding Director of Intercultura Costa Rica, I had the pleasure of working closely with Barbara for many years during her time as English Department Director. The professionalism, leadership, and commitment to quality education that I saw then are clearly reflected in every aspect of her work today with CR TEFL.

Barbara has a deep understanding of language acquisition, effective teaching methodologies, and teacher development. She upholds high academic standards while also fostering a supportive and collaborative environment for both students and staff. Her ability to mentor teachers and create engaging, well-structured programs set her apart as an exceptional educator and administrator.

With her two Masters, in TEFL Training and International Education, Barbara is uniquely qualified to train ESL teachers. Her CR TEFL training program is a natural extension of these strengths. It reflects her extensive experience in the classroom and also her dedication to preparing future teachers for real-world success. The program is thoughtfully designed, balancing theory with practical application, and emphasizes the skills that really matter for teachers —adaptability, cultural awareness, and confident classroom management.

I can personally attest to the fact that her graduates receive extremely thorough, high-quality training as well as ongoing support after graduation. So much so, that of all the schools in Costa Rica, CR TEFL is the only one from which we consistently hire applicants for our English classes, with excellent results. We have teachers with us to this day that got certified through CR TEFL, taught with us at our campus in Heredia, and then continued teaching for our online courses once they left Costa Rica.

I highly recommend her school to anyone serious about becoming a well-prepared and effective English teacher. This is an owner-run school, and the difference in personal attention and real care for her students is immediately apparent. It is not a chain-school franchise where students are often just a number - groups are small, and both Barbara and her excellent teacher trainers have close one-on-one relationships with each student, and the group as a whole forms a cohesive support unit during their studies.

And one last thing - the location! Where else can you study steps from the beach with year-round warm ocean waters; have an instant community friend group, and explore one of the most beautiful beaches in the world; and where you see monkeys pretty much every day on the block between school and the beach?! Whether you are travelling by yourself, and whether you are 21 or 65, you will fit in, feel right at home, have fun while you learn, and you will (in my opinion, as someone who has worked with graduates from many different TEFl training schools) receive the most comprehensive TEFL training possible in Latin America.

Barb and the whole team provide an incredible experience in the beautiful beach town of Samara, Costa Rica. From teacher training to practical teaching practice with friendly local Tico students I can't recommend this course enough!
From the first day all of us TEFL trainees were made to feel at home with the brilliant TEFL staff offering guidance and a welcoming atmosphere! We learned so many valuable teaching methods from experienced teachers and then applied these ourselves when teaching locals from Samara.
As well as teaching in the TEFL school, we also experienced everything Samara and Costa Rica has to offer. From the beautiful beaches to zip-lining to amazing restaurants , we experienced the trip of a lifetime all while making friends for life from all over the world in the process!
Once we completed the TEFL course, Barb provided so many opportunities to teach all across Costa Rica and even further as her TEFL school is renowned and so many people seek her assistance in finding new TEFL teacher graduates!
I loved the whole experience and couldn't recommended Barb and the Samara school enough!

An amazing experience from start to finish. The teaching was excellent, informative and they were all so supportive throughout. Lots of laughter, fun and the opportunity to meet not only fellow travellers but also build friendships amongst the local community. A great jumping off point to start teaching either in Costa Rica or further afield in a breathtaking setting. Currently continuing my travels in Costa Rica and loving every minute of it. It's not an easy course but so worth it by the end of the month!

The Dream!

Arrived to a hostel right by the beach. After the long flight from the UK and the taxi ride from Liberia I was knackered. It was 2am by the time the jet lag wore off. I spent the time between then and the arsenal game wondering what this new adventure had in store for me. Little did I know at the start of the game it would be 3 matching suitcases in descending order of size. My first course mate had arrived at the Blue iguana hostel. As I sipped my 7.30am beer from the mini fridge I reminded myself it was a lunchtime beer back in the UK before helping carry these suitcases upstairs. The second course mate I meet would join me for the second after of the game against Liverpool soon after. The first return after what I imagine was a lengthy unpacking ritual. The 3 of us we're first down. The stunning arsenal victory was lost in the meeting and greeting of Tefl students old and new at the Blue Iguana breakfast area as more of the residence started to wake. After tearing ourselves away from an old Tefl portfolio, thinking of how we we're all about to build one ourselves, we hit the local beach bar, Las Ola's, and we hit it hard. The joyous new team feeling flowed all the way past dinner time when we meet two other members of the course and enjoyed a glorious Mojito at local bar Limeys. They sure know they're way around limes, still the best mojito in Samara by my learned opinion! A return to the pool for some late night Margaritas, the last of which I could stomach for the rest of my time there and it was all of a sudden time for bed once more. And so as quickly as it started the first weekend in Samara was over. Now the real work began! The first day seemed like a mad dream! Teaching on Wednesday! Impossible! But with the support and guidance of the team at Tefl, Barb, Eleanor and Chantel, we soon found our feet. Lessons soon became something to relish rather than fear and bonds with tutors, fellow teachers and student alike were easy. Progress was being made by all for all. We made dinners for all in the evenings, ate out for birthdays and on night when we just really needed it! Teaching online and to kids was an experience that set my path in a different direction! It reminded me of why I got into teaching and what I wanted from it. What I wanted from being an educator! Then just when you've finished your last lesson on a topic you love. It all clicks! The elation from getting your tefl graduates certificate, the euphoria of celebrating with your fellow graduates. The hard graft has paid dividends and your free to work, travel or find a job in this beautiful country. I took the later option and with alot of help from Barb I made it to a new town to teach the next generation from the jungles of Costa Rica! The Dream is here!

I thoroughly enjoyed this program, the course content, and the useful knowledge I received from getting TEFL certified. All of the teacher trainers and staff were incredibly helpful and positive all of the time, and I always knew who I could ask for help when I needed it. Whenever I made classroom errors, my feedback was always positive and genuine, and I felt like my observers really wanted me to do well. I would recommend CRTEFL to anyone who is looking to travel and work and live abroad. The location is terrific, the beach is around the corner and everyone in Playa Samara is so kind. The restaurants around the school are 100% worth it and reasonably priced, and there are stores, clothing shops, fruit and organic stores nearby. I truly enjoyed my time in and outside of the TEFL course.

Costa Rica TEFL was everything and more that I wanted from a TEFL certification program. I am so grateful to this course and my teacher trainers for making me feel comfortable and confident as an EFL teacher. The course information was super comprehensive, I had tons of practice teaching, and I got valuable feedback from teachers. After taking this course, I know that I am prepared for any teaching situation that I am placed in whether it is online, teaching kids, business English, or something else. More than just the course information, I also got to live in Sámara, a beach paradise, and meet new and wonderful people. My mornings and weekends were spent on the beach or visiting new parts of Costa Rica with my fellow TEFL students. I made friends and learned skills that will last me a lifetime. Thank you, Costa Rica TEFL.

Costa Rica TEFL is located in one of the nicest beach towns in Costa Rica with friendly people and fun nightlife. The staff is amazing. They will help you succeed while you are in the course, and help you to find a great job after. Even if you never teach a single day after this, you will benefit from the experience. You are likely to learn about language education and develop a greater awareness of the importance of language in your own life. You are likely to swim, surf, hike, and or kayak in a place that couldn’t be more beautiful. You are likely to pick up a phrase or two in Spanish, or if you are already studying Spanish, you are likely to make serious gains in your conversational ability. I would recommend this course to anybody looking to travel, learn, teach, and experience.

I completed the course in February 2018 and honestly, it was the best thing I've done! After succumbing to the office 9-5 life post-uni, my third redundancy was the kick up the bum I needed to pursue a less ordinary life. Samara is a heavenly place. The course is brilliant - after considering doing a course online I'm so glad I didn't because I needed the hands on experience I got at CR TEFL. Unlike many alumni I'm actually back in the UK completing my Masters course in Creative Writing. I teach online which gives me the flexibility to work my job around my course. I'm working towards a dream of being a digital nomad writer/teacher, sharing what I'm learning on YouTube too. Teaching has given me the chance to be creative and feel job satisfaction I've never had before. What's more is Barbara and her team are still in touch a whole year later - they're always happy to help and make every student feel special!

Dear fellow seekers,

I want to share a story that will hopefully resinate with you and help answer and guide you through any apprehensions you may have about studying and teaching abroad, in particular becoming apart of the Costa Rica TEFL community!
In September 2018, I decided to press pause on my life in Toronto, Canada and begin a new journey in Costa Rica. Like you, there were many personal events that attributed to my final decision of making that leap into the unknown, but I knew if I stayed still and followed the herd, I would become blissfully ignorant and unaware of how truly beautiful life can be. With that being said, I began my process of figuring out exactly how I was going to get myself back into a classroom. That's when I stumbled upon Costa Rica TEFL in the beautiful town of Samara.
As a life-long learner I knew, even though I was a certified teacher, there was so much more to learn in terms of teaching with different cultures, in which English was a second language. From the first day at Costa Rica TEFL, I was immediately immersed into a world of thought that I had no idea I was missing out on! I was able to dive in to the benefits of Communicative Approach, explore what it means to teach multiple intelligences, discuss how to create meaningful relationships, unleash my creativity and curiosity to create fun and engaging games, apply relevant and efficient planning processes and so much more!
Before even arriving to Samara I know I was making the right choice for my career, happiness and well-being because of the on-going support I received from the Admin staff. The effort, hours and collaboration they put in to allow us to have the best experience possible does not go unnoticed by there past TEFL students.
Since completing the amazing program, I have secured a full-time teaching position at an international, bilingual, IB accredited school! My confidence as a teacher has grown more than I could ever imagine and I am so grateful I made the choice to transform my life, starting with Costa Rica TEFL.
Remember, often times the hardest and scariest decisions will be the best you ever make.
Join Costa Rica TEFL!!

Costa Rica TEFL is a program designed to help you discover your own potential as an individual and as an English teacher. The staff were extremely professional and personable while instructing throughout the day and night. They were available and ready to provide beneficial feedback that allowed for me to carry out more concise lessons and to create a better classroom environment. The director of the program, Barbara, met one on one with each student for job placement assistance. She listened carefully to where each student would like to be placed and what kind of teaching experience we were looking for. She helped me land my dream job, teaching EFL in a coastal town in Costa Rica! Thank you as well to my teacher trainer's, Vanessa and Margaret. Both teacher trainers were so respectful in a process that can sometimes seem quite intimidating. The group of students in our session came from all different ages and countries. It was very interesting to hear and to view their diverse teaching methods and experiences. Thank you to Costa Rica TEFL for an incredible learning experience!