From classroom nerves to chasing waterfalls—TESOL in Costa Rica is adventure, learning, and Pura Vida rolled into one. (Images by Annabelle Christie)
Somewhere on a dusty street in Yangon, I struck up a conversation with a British girl living far from home. She told me she was teaching English after completing her TESOL certificate through XploreAsia. Little did I know that this chance encounter would plant the seed for a dream I’d carry for years—one that would eventually lead me to a life I never imagined in Costa Rica.
For years, the idea of teaching abroad lingered in the back of my mind. It was a way to travel differently, immerse myself in a new culture, and make a tangible impact while exploring the world. The catch? As an Australian, I needed a university degree before I could apply.
So, I tucked the dream away and carried on until 2024, when I graduated and, like many fresh graduates, couldn’t find a job in my field. Suddenly, the timing felt right. By then, XploreAsia had grown into XploreAmericas and expanded to Costa Rica. It felt like the perfect match: a chance to chase the TESOL dream while continuing to improve my Spanish.
Arriving in San José, nerves hit hard. On my first day, I met up with another TESOL student for a walking tour. He stood waiting—tall, with wild hair tamed by a red bandana and neon green sunglasses. I had no idea then that this stranger would become my neighbour, colleague, and best friend in the months ahead.
Life in San Ramon
San Ramón, northwest of San José, isn’t too big and isn’t too small. It’s just the right size to feel charming without ever being overwhelming. Its simple architecture, bustling main square, and walkable streets make it easy to explore. But what truly stood out were the people. Within days, locals greeted me with smiles and waves, especially the bartender at Azkaban, our favourite pub. Pura Vida isn’t just a saying here—it’s a way of life, and it quickly became contagious.
Our home for the month was a cosy hostel, which felt more like a family house than a dorm. Bunk beds, a well-equipped kitchen, and a balcony with rocking chairs created the perfect mix of comfort and community. It was a place to chat, reflect, or simply watch the world go by—the kind of space that makes a new country feel a little more like home.
Orientation week in San Ramón was a whirlwind of new experiences. It helped us settle into the town, navigate daily life, and adjust to the Pura Vida rhythm. One highlight was the unique coffee plantation visit—I managed to stay upright while sandboarding down a hill in a bucket, though one student spectacularly rolled into a push-up position and began doing comical push-ups as we laughed uncontrollably. Another unforgettable moment was visiting an animal sanctuary, where a baby sloth was cuddled in its mother’s arms inside a crate by the hammocks. We all relaxed nearby, keeping our distance and soaking in the calm. To wrap up the week, we organised a weekend at Manuel Antonio Beach—soft sand, warm waters, and a perfect moment to bond with new friends.
Costa Rica Animal Rescue Center
Address: 700mts Sur del Centro de Recreo de Ciencias Economicas, Turrucares, Cebadilla, Alajuela, Costa Rica
Business hours: Daily, 8am to 11am, 1pm to 4pm
Even outside organised activities, San Ramón offered spontaneous joys: ice cream runs to Pops, playing cards in our hoodies (it gets chilly even in Costa Rica!), and unwinding with beers at Azkaban. These everyday moments—quiet, chaotic, and hilarious all at once—grounded my experience as I dove into the TESOL program.
The study (and teaching) experience
After orientation week, the TESOL course officially began, and suddenly, we were back in a school-like routine. Timetables, lesson planning, and group projects filled our days, but it wasn’t long before the real adventure started—teaching. The first morning was mostly theory, but by the afternoon, we were already tasked with crafting a lesson plan to present to our peers the next day. Late-night study sessions quickly turned into delirious banter, building friendships through shared panic and laughter.
One of my earliest teaching moments in the program came as we returned to high school, standing in front of twenty teens, presenting a lesson about Australia. I nervously whispered to my friend: “Don’t worry, we no longer have braces, the bob cut has grown out, and thankfully, I’ve grown into my glasses.” With that pep talk, I walked in ready. The students listened, laughed, and even learned a little about my home country—and I walked out feeling proud and surprisingly accomplished.
The next challenge? Little kids. I had never worked with children before, and walking into a preschool felt like stepping into a haunted house. Arms tight to my sides, eyes darting, I prepared for the chaos. But as soon as I let go of my nerves and embraced the energy of the room, I discovered a teaching style that worked for me: louder, bigger, and weirder was better. Dancing and hopping around like a kangaroo, I kept the kids engaged while we drew our favourite animals and shared proud hugs at the end of class. That moment, awkward yet joyful, gave me the confidence to know I could succeed in this role.
Even with these triumphs, the program could be draining. Evening online classes, homework, observations, and adjusting to a new culture all required balance. I often escaped to the local pizzeria for comfort food and long video calls with my mum—sometimes hours at a time—because taking care of myself was just as important as giving my all to the course.
Our trainers brought a mix of guidance and personality that made the experience unforgettable. One tip that stuck with me: when teaching Spanish-speaking students, don’t be afraid to sprinkle in a little Spanish—and even make a small mistake. It shows vulnerability, invites laughter, and encourages participation. Coupled with practical advice like, “You are the native English speaker, so your classroom, your rules,” these lessons shaped my confidence and teaching style, giving me tools to navigate both the classroom and my own nerves.
Outside the classroom, bonds among classmates grew through shared experiences and humour. Ghost sightings at the hostel, harmless practical jokes, and late-night laughs over dinner or cards created moments of camaraderie that made the course feel more like an adventure than just study.
By the end of the course, I had learned more than teaching techniques. I gained resilience, independence, and the mindset that I could handle challenges with creativity and humour—a skill that would serve me far beyond the classroom.
Exploration & local life
Though most of our time was spent juggling classes and assignments, we made sure to carve out space for exploring beyond San Ramón. One of my favourite discoveries was a hill on the edge of town. After a steep climb, we were stunned to see the glittering outline of the gulf in the distance, dotted with tiny islands. That glimpse of water set off a spark, and within days we were planning a weekend escape to Isla Tortuga.
The journey was easier than expected—just a short trip to Puntarenas followed by a 40-minute speedboat ride—and suddenly we were stepping onto a picture-perfect island of white sand, palm trees, and impossibly blue water. We spent the day snorkelling, sunbathing, and sipping from coconuts, all of us pinching ourselves that this little slice of paradise existed.
But as much as the big trips stood out, it was the local rhythms of San Ramón that shaped my daily life. Cooking in the common kitchen with friends, evenings often ending at Azkaban (our unofficial second living room), to small joys like laughing on the swings at the playground, gave the whole experience a sweetness I’ll never forget.
Challenges & reflections
The TESOL program wasn’t without its challenges. Between late-night study sessions, nerve-wracking teaching practicums, and pangs of homesickness, there were moments when I questioned whether I’d taken on more than I could handle. But Costa Rica has a way of teaching you beyond the classroom. Pura Vida—that ever-present motto—reminded me to loosen my grip, laugh at slip-ups, and keep moving forward.
One of my proudest moments came during the online English Conversation Clubs. I was paired with adult learners, and in our first session, I discovered that they were studying English to improve career opportunities. That realisation shifted how I approached the classes. I designed lessons on employability skills and interview preparation, weaving in knowledge from my business degree. Seeing my students engage, ask questions, and practice their answers with growing confidence was a turning point. It wasn’t just about completing a requirement anymore—it felt like I was genuinely contributing to their futures.
Those moments balanced out the tougher days—the culture shock, the exhaustion, the occasional clash of personalities in a shared hostel. In hindsight, those struggles were what gave the whole experience its weight. By the end, I had more than just a TESOL certificate. I had a deeper confidence in myself, and the quiet knowledge that if I could handle all this—teaching, studying, adapting—I could take on just about anything.
Graduation & takeaways
Graduation day in San Ramón was a celebration of months filled with discovery, growth, and small victories. Holding my TESOL certificate, I felt pride, relief, and awe—not just for what I had achieved, but for everything I had learned. That small piece of paper wasn’t just a certificate; it was a passport to the world, opening doors I hadn’t imagined.
Teaching abroad pushed me out of my comfort zone in ways I couldn’t anticipate. It taught me that resilience, patience, and curiosity are just as important as any lesson plan. For anyone considering this path, remember: life abroad isn’t always smooth, but the challenges are where the magic happens. Embrace the culture fully, laugh at mistakes, lean on new friends, and pause to recharge when needed. And just MAYYBEEE, you’ll find someone who survives the chaos alongside you and becomes a lifelong best friend—one you’ll meet again for Beer Olympics in Canada.
Be flexible, be open, and chase your dreams. Mistakes, setbacks, and surprises are all part of the adventure. Even when things don’t go perfectly, it’s better to have lived and learned than to be left wondering what if. The TESOL certificate opens doors around the world, yes, but more importantly, it gives you the confidence in yourself and the freedom to explore possibilities you never imagined. Your own adventure—or whatever dream you’re chasing—could be the start of something unforgettable.
Pura Vida x
*All images are provided by Annabelle Christie.
