Costa Rica has long been renowned for the friendliness of its people, high standard of education, enlightened environmental policies, and for its peaceful, democratic government. Most of all, Costa Rica is famous for its stunning natural beauty and the density and diversity of its exotic flora and fauna.

From the misty cloud forests in the mountains and active volcanoes to pristine rainforests and lush tropical coasts, Costa Rica holds something special for everyone who visits.

The town of Manuel Antonio occupies a unique place on Costa Rica’s central pacific coast where the rainforest sweeps down from the mountains to greet a series of warm palm-fringed beaches. One can’t help but be awestruck by the juxtaposition of such varying natural elements.

Bordered by one of the nation’s most stunning national parks to the south, Manuel Antonio is a living paradise and a nature lover’s dream. The trees are alive with tropical birds of all description and home to three species of monkey, including the rare mono titi (1200-1300 left in existence). Wild orchids and butterflies abound as well as sloths and the inquisitive coati. Forays into the national park may reveal some of the country’s more elusive wildlife.

Manuel Antonio boasts a series of magnificent beaches that are the perfect place for studying alone or for just spending a day with new friends. Additionally, there are many adventure-based activities available in Manuel Antonio including hiking, horseback riding, surfing, rainforest canopy tours, river rafting, and sea kayaking.

Manuel Antonio’s sister city Quepos provides a glimpse into traditional Costa Rican life and hospitality. Located just a few minutes from our campus, this small town can be easily explored on foot, and yet for its size, Quepos offers an astonishing assortment of international restaurants as well as shops, Internet cafes, beaches, a farmer’s market and a colorful nightlife.

From the bohemian feel on the beach and the sunset bars and restaurants clinging to the hillside to the authenticity and charm of Quepos, a visitor is certain to find a niche (or two) to call one’s own Experience all this while studying for a TESOL certificate. A TESOL certification is your passport to job opportunity in exotic and culturally fascinating locales the world over. However, after getting a certification in Costa Rica, you may never want to leave this earthly paradise again.

• We are in QUEPOS
• The town of Manuel Antonio, which is three and a half hours from the capital city of San Jose via bus or just 20 minutes via an inexpensive domestic flight
  
• In the rainforest on the central pacific coast
  
• Less than six kilometers from Manuel Antonio National Park
  
• Minutes from the beaches
  
• Within walking distance of Quepos
  
• Close to great restaurants and exciting nightlife
  

• Course administered by highly trained staff with extensive local knowledge
• Organized classes and a curriculum that has been proven successful and effective
  
• Low student to teacher ratio (most classes are small, with no more than 16 students in any one class)
  
• Teaching practice in the local schools with real students
  
• A high demand within Costa Rica for qualified English teachers
  
• Locally abundant flora and fauna including monkeys, sloths and parrots
  
• Minutes from some of the county’s most beautiful beaches and Manuel Antonio National Park
  

Who

• Your teacher trainers are some of the most experienced and well-trained in the industry
• Your support staff is extremely helpful, courteous and will assist you wherever possible
• An interesting international student population affording cultural learning at its best
• Friendly, helpful and charming locals

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica Map

Directions from the Airport to School

When exiting the bus station you will have two options. You want exit the station on the same side that bus pulled into. The north side of the bus station exits on to a large parking lot where the pirate-taxis base themselves—this is the wrong way. You should exit on the other side. You will see a hardware store with blue tile-work on either side of the doors in front of you. Cross the street to the hardware store or “La Ferreteria.” Once you cross the street, you want to head left or away from the ocean until you reach the corner of that block, which is no more than 30 feet from the hardware store. Once you’ve reached the corner, turn right. You should see a steep, natural rock wall covered in vegetation rising over a hundred feet in front of you at the end of the block. Walk to the end of the block towards the wall and turn left when you reach the end. You will continue on this road past the soccer field. At the end of the soccer field, the road veers slightly to the right. Continue to follow the same road.

Directions to TEFL International (Villas Jacquelina)

TAXI:

To get from the bus station to Villas Jacquelina you have a couple choices.  First you can take a taxi which is the easiest way to get here. When you get into the taxi you can say, "Villas Jacquelina, por favor." (Villas - pronounced veeyahs).  They will know where to take if you.  If not, show the driver a copy of the map or find a new driver.

WALKING:

Your second option is to walk there. I have attached a map for your convenience.  Step towards the ferreteria which is a hardware store. Turn to the right and walk to the corner.  Once you reach the first corner, you will see a restaurant called 'Dos Locos' on the left. Take a RIGHT down this street. Keep walking past the dirt lot behind the bus station.  You will reach a small bridge which you need to cross.  About 200 ft. past the bridge you will see a store called 'Super 2000'.  This means you are heading on the right path.  Keep walking down this road.  You will arrive at a fork in the road.  Go to the LEFT.  Keep walking.  You will see another road that goes to the left.  DO NOT TAKE THIS ROAD.  It leads to the main road into Quepos.  Keep walking straight. After about a quarter mile you will see the Villas Jacquelina.  A big, tall, white building.  Walk up to the building and up the ramp to the right.  Find the office on the bottom floor to the left.  Look for either Jason, Drew, Heidi, or Chris.

Downloads

Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica Course Information and FAQs Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica Course Information and FAQs