ESL in Nosara, Costa Rica — Winter Term 2024
La Biblioteca de David Kitson
Aims of the program: Our program serves around 60 kids and 60 adults per month. English is very important in Nosara as most of the jobs require at least basic English. We want to empower students by giving them the tools necessary to communicate with others including written, speaking and reading English. We want our students to enjoy learning and build relationships in the community.
Language requirement: No Spanish is used in class. It’s not only possible, but preferable, to use only English in teaching English. Nonetheless, for getting around town and for relations with people outside of class, having achieved a level of SPAN 220 is preferable.
Costs
Airfare: Between $500 – 800 from Boston to Liberia.
Room: All will share a small house $150/person for the month ($600 for the house).
Description of Nosara. The town is small, about 5,000 people, rural, isolated and poor. It is located about 2.5 miles from the beach. The weather in town is hot, dry, windy, and dusty. There are bugs but not a problem at this time of year. The beach town is a tourist area famous for surfing and yoga.
Living Arrangements. The house where the student teachers have stayed is near the center of town and very near the Library and several restaurants. The accommodations are very basic, there are two rooms filled with beds and one bathroom and a tiny kitchen. The group divides up the sleeping quarters as they wish.
Trip from U.S. to Nosara. We recommend flying to Liberia rather than San José. Liberia is a 2.5 hour drive to Nosara. If you fly to San José, we can recommend several hotels, however, in the past people have preferred to do it on their own. The last leg of the trip is a six-hour bus trip in a second class bus. The bus leaves San Jose at 5:30 a.m. and arrives in Nosara at 11:30 a.m. Nature Air has two daily flights from San José to Nosara. Or you can all rent a cab or van and drive out which is much more expensive and takes about the same amount of time. (Some years they had to change buses at the “bomba” (gas station on the main road).
From Liberia you can take a taxi or even a short flight to Nosara airport. Taxi is about $150 but can be split by others if you arrive around the same time. We encourage you to make your travel plans together so you land in Liberia in proximity to one another and can share the cost of a van taxi.
Note that there is an exit fee at the airport of approximately $40. Save some money!
Clothes and items to take. Summer clothes that are not too revealing as you have to maintain status as the teacher. Take insect repellent, sun block, and a month’s worth of any medications or personal products you will need–many common consumer products are available but they can be quite expensive and there is no guarantee you will find the right brand of products you are used to. Pack at least one nice summer outfit in case of a party or special event. Take a blanket or beach towel to sit on at the beach and a bag or backpack to carry items to the beach. You should take a notebook and perhaps some art supplies or interactive materials for your lesson plans. You will need to keep a journal in order to receive a credit.
Description of ESL or ESOL. ESL stands for English as a second language. Learning English has become a necessity in Nosara. ESL lessons will include activities with grammar, conversation, reading, listening and comprehension. Interns will be supported by our professional educator with a graduate degree and years of experience in the field who will help guide students in learning how to teach English. Training will be given the first week upon arrival and along the way as reflections.
Each person will be teaching a group of elementary aged kids and a group of adults. Lesson plans, assessments, and materials will be provided for you as well as time to practice. Interns will be teaching Monday – Thursday with Fridays and the weekends to travel and explore.
The local students are organized by ability and classes are relatively small, normally less than 15. For kids, coming to the English program is one of the favorite places for most of our students. For adults, our English program is unique because of the relationships we build with our students and the methods we use in teaching.
You will need to arrive in Nosara on Monday, January 1st , 2024. Orientation will begin Monday morning and classes will start on Monday, January 8. Last day of classes will be Thursday, February 1st. It’s best to coordinate your return time with your group for either February 2nd or February 3rd so you can coordinate a shuttle to the airport together.