If you're considering teaching in Costa Rica.. DO IT!

For four years, my dream had been to move to Costa Rica to teach English after I graduated college. In July 2014, International TEFL Academy helped my dream come true!
When I first found ITA online, I sent in my information and immediately got a call from an advisor. Over the next several months, he patiently answered all my questions (there were a LOT) and made me feel completely at ease about the whole process. He constantly sent me articles and other references that answered all the questions I had been asking myself. When I finally decided to sign up for the class, he was so excited for me and gave me all the details I needed to take the next step.
After that, the head of the TEFL school in Heredia, Costa Rica got in contact with me to discuss housing and other details. In the months leading up to my arrival in Costa Rica, he stayed in contact with me and made sure all my questions were answered and any issues were addressed.
I arrived in Costa Rica on July 3, 2014. I was advised to get there a few days before the course started so I could get to know the other students in the course. Unfortunately, nobody else got there early, so I wasn't able to meet anyone before the course started on Monday. It was a long weekend alone and it made me want to leave, but I'm so glad I didn't. As soon as the course started I loved it. I loved the people, the atmosphere in the classroom, the instructors, and the excitement that comes with the beginning of any new experience. The course was intense, but English and grammar come easy to me so I didn't find it too difficult. I was most nervous about practical teaching, but that ended up being one of my favorite things! The course required a lot of work, but the instructors were amazing and taught everything in such a fun way that I forgot I was even in class. The four weeks flew by and, surprisingly, I felt completely prepared to teach an actual English class at an actual school. I traveled for two weeks, and then got a job at an English school called Idiomas Mundiales. I teach 25 hours a week, which is considered full-time for a teacher in Costa Rica. I teach Monday night, Tuesday, Wednesday night, Thursday, and Saturday morning, which leaves Saturday afternoon to Monday afternoon for traveling. I'd rather not work Saturdays, but it's really a perfect schedule for me.
I love everything about this experience. I've met some really great people and been to some amazing places. I've also learned a lot of Spanish, which I'm excited to improve over the next few months and then hopefully be able to use it when I find a job back in the States. The hardest part about being here is missing my life back home, but I know coming here was the right decision and I'm so glad I did!