The Instituto Británico Ltda is a private and independent educational institution dedicated to the teaching of English as a Foreign Language and Spanish as a Second Language.

Students
Each term more than 1.000 students, both adults and children, enroll on our courses for General English, Conversation, English for Young Learners, English for Specific Purposes, and Spanish as a Second Language.

Facilities
The main building and annex are located in the Los Yoses neighbourhood, on the eastern side of San José. Courses are offered on-site or on the premises of our contract course clients. Our classrooms are simple and clean, furnished with student desks, teacher´s table and chair, white board, tape recorder and posters of the UK and Costa Rica. The Study Centre has a small (5.000 volumes) but wide collection of graded readers for students;_the first stages of a Self-Access Centre; reference books on the teaching of English; assorted reference books on Great Britain; and classic and contemporary fiction in English and Spanish. Our audio-visual equipment includes a television/VCR; a video camera and editing equipment; a slide projector and an overhead projector. We are in the process of upgrading the Study Centre to include computers with internet connection.

Methodology
The Instituto subscribes to the “communicative approach” to language teaching. This method is based on the principle that the fundamental purpose of language is communication. We have most emphasis on our students´ ability to communicate orally.

Working Environment
The staff of the Instituto (teaching and administrative personnel) is approximately sixty persons. We are a culturally diverse group, coming from Costa Rica; Great Britain; the United States and other countries where English is spoken as a first language; Colombia; Cuba and Peru. We believe we offer a productive working environment for both new and experienced teachers alike. New teachers find the support and guidance they need to build on the skills learnt on their teacher preparation course. Experienced teachers are able to continue their professional development. They can organize in-service training sessions for their colleagues on specific teaching techniques they have mastered, or can assist Programme Directors with the implementation of curriculum changes and the development of resource material.

E.mail: instbrit@sol.racsa.co.cr
Website: http://www.instbrit.com

Q&A Transcript - COSTA RICA

Maria Puro (ID=17) (Jun 8, 2000 3:37:24 PM)
Hi, this is Maria from the Instituto Britanico in Costa Rica

moderator (ID=15) (Jun 8, 2000 3:37:49 PM)
Welcome Maria

moderator (ID=15) (Jun 8, 2000 3:37:22 PM)
I have an ESL masters and have been out of the field for a while. Is it a good idea to correspond and /or interview before going into the country, or is it best to just show up.

Maria Puro (ID=17) (Jun 8, 2000 3:38:55 PM)
probably to correspond to have some sort of job security, although by just showing up it is probable that you will find work

katie (ID=18) (Jun 8, 2000 3:38:40 PM)
Thank you! I was wondering if you could give me any advice about teaching EFL in CR?

katie (ID=18) (Jun 8, 2000 3:39:53 PM)
Yes, I am currently doing a CELTA qualification at Leeds Uni, England and am coming to CR in August and was wondering about the opportunities availbable?

Maria Puro (ID=17) (Jun 8, 2000 3:43:28 PM)
Katie, if you are coming to Costa Rica anyway please feel free to pop in and see us. You can of course send me your email address and I could get in contact with you with opportunities for August

Stee Rock (ID=16) (Jun 8, 2000 3:39:39 PM)
I have an intensive TEFL qualification and I am currently in the process of completing a home study course. I have no TEFL experience either. Is there any chance that I could possibly teach in Costa Rica once my home study course is completed?

Maria Puro (ID=17) (Jun 8, 2000 3:41:22 PM)
Stee, we recruit teachers with only the TEFL certificate and very little experience as we offer training to newly qualified teachers.

Joan K (ID=13) (Jun 8, 2000 3:42:39 PM)
What are the highest levels your centre caters to. I have quite a bit of experience at lower levels and would like the opportunity of teaching beyond FCE

Maria Puro (ID=17) (Jun 8, 2000 3:44:01 PM)
Joan, We have CPE groups

Stee Rock (ID=16) (Jun 8, 2000 3:42:59 PM)
How do I go about applying to teach in the Country because it appeals to me greatly ?

Maria Puro (ID=17) (Jun 8, 2000 3:44:25 PM)
Stee, just send me an email with your CV and I will get in touch with you

Stee Rock (ID=16) (Jun 8, 2000 3:44:04 PM)
What is the typical salary for teaching in Costa Rica?

moderator (ID=15) (Jun 8, 2000 3:45:41 PM)
J, I think pay rates are in the job posting!

katie (ID=18) (Jun 8, 2000 3:44:34 PM)
Are there a lot of opportunities? Generally?

Maria Puro (ID=17) (Jun 8, 2000 3:45:56 PM)
Katie, there are a lot of schools in San Jose which have varying degrees of organisation and academic standards.

Stee Rock (ID=16) (Jun 8, 2000 3:44:46 PM)
Can you please send me further information Maria

nancyk12 (ID=19) (Jun 8, 2000 3:46:02 PM)
Are there many opportunities for American teachers to teach in Costa Rica over the summer vacation?

Maria Puro (ID=17) (Jun 8, 2000 3:47:11 PM)
Nancy, some of the smaller schools offer contracts for 4 months minimum, however we tend to recruit teachers for a minimum of 12 months

katie (ID=18) (Jun 8, 2000 3:47:01 PM)
Could I send you my cv?

Maria Puro (ID=17) (Jun 8, 2000 3:50:26 PM)
Katie, that would be great, just have a look at the job ad!

Stee Rock (ID=16) (Jun 8, 2000 3:47:11 PM)
Would there be opportunities to be involved in sports aswell as teaching English?

Maria Puro (ID=17) (Jun 8, 2000 3:47:46 PM)
Stee, what do you mean? In your free time?!!

Stee Rock (ID=16) (Jun 8, 2000 3:48:24 PM)
No, to be able to teach sports to children aswell as English!

katie (ID=18) (Jun 8, 2000 3:48:27 PM)
Would I need experience of TEFL?

Maria Puro (ID=17) (Jun 8, 2000 3:49:30 PM)
Katie, not necessarily. In some places there are opportunities for in-service training.

Joan K (ID=13) (Jun 8, 2000 3:50:33 PM)
Are there many opportunities for teachers to integrate withthe local community and/or student body?

Maria Puro (ID=17) (Jun 8, 2000 3:52:34 PM)
Joan, of course. Costa Ricans are very friendly people! If you find a shared house or flat with Costa Ricans then that's a good way to get more integrated. Here at the Instituto we periodically organise activities for students and teachers to get to know each other better.

Krista (ID=21) (Jun 8, 2000 3:51:00 PM)
Stee, what types of contracts are available in Costa Rica...what duration? And are there any opportunities to teach in grass huts....something I would LOVE to do!

Krista (ID=21) (Jun 8, 2000 3:53:13 PM)
Woops....I was posing that question to Maria......silly me. Maria....any grass hut classrooms in Costa Rica? And how long are the contracts usually?

Maria Puro (ID=17) (Jun 8, 2000 3:54:44 PM)
Krista, I'm afraid here in San Jose there are no 'grass hut' classrooms!! If you travelled to a more rural area then things would be more basic.

Krista (ID=21) (Jun 8, 2000 3:56:11 PM)
Yeah, Stee.....don't you want to experience the true tropical ambiance with the little gheckos on the walls?

Joan K (ID=13) (Jun 8, 2000 3:52:53 PM)
Does your organisation provide any professional development opportunities for staff?

Maria Puro (ID=17) (Jun 8, 2000 3:55:55 PM)
Joan, yes we do offer professonal development opportunities. We hold regular workshops and teachers can also organise their own workshops if they would like to do it.

Joan K (ID=13) (Jun 8, 2000 3:53:10 PM)
That sounds great!

Stee Rock (ID=16) (Jun 8, 2000 3:54:13 PM)
Is there easy access to the Internet in the schools?

J (ID=22) (Jun 8, 2000 3:55:12 PM)
I hope I am not posting out of turn. What is the normal rate of pay and how many opportunities are available at any given time? Is it possible to teach subjects other than English, history for instance?

moderator (ID=15) (Jun 8, 2000 3:55:41 PM)
J, I think pay rates are in the job posting!

katie (ID=18) (Jun 8, 2000 3:57:06 PM)
Thanks for your help Maria, I will be in touch!

Krista (ID=21) (Jun 8, 2000 3:57:18 PM)
Maria, I am interested to know about the pollution level and population density of San Jose. As well, how fluent in English is the general public?

Maria Puro (ID=17) (Jun 8, 2000 3:59:39 PM)
Krista, pollution - we have it here in the capital I'm afraid. However, it is not industrial but due to traffic. The population of San Jose is approx 600,000. There is a lot of influence from the US and most kids learn it at school, however the level is usually quite low.

Stee Rock (ID=16) (Jun 8, 2000 3:57:54 PM)
Maria, what are the hours of work in an average day/week?

moderator (ID=15) (Jun 8, 2000 3:58:30 PM)
Please read the job posting, a lot of info is contained therein

Krista (ID=21) (Jun 8, 2000 3:58:38 PM)
As well Maria, is there a typical class size?

Maria Puro (ID=17) (Jun 8, 2000 4:00:20 PM)
Krista, classes are generally no more than 12, the average is 7-8

Stee Rock (ID=16) (Jun 8, 2000 3:59:13 PM)
Thank you for your help Maria and Moderator, I will be in touch.....

Joan K (ID=13) (Jun 8, 2000 4:00:49 PM)
What are ythe students' strengths and weakness, in general?

Maria Puro (ID=17) (Jun 8, 2000 4:02:22 PM)
Joan, the English that they learn at school is mainly written so they have quite weak oral skills. Here at the Instituto, students are generally very motivated, lively and willing to learn.

Krista (ID=21) (Jun 8, 2000 4:02:41 PM)
Thank you Maria....that is quite helpful. Is there a certain time of year when Costa Rican institutions recruit/hire most frequently, or is it generally year round?

Maria Puro (ID=17) (Jun 8, 2000 4:04:03 PM)
Krista, in high schools they recruit before January as the school year begins Feb. Or in July.

Joan K (ID=13) (Jun 8, 2000 4:04:32 PM)
Sounds similar to other Latin American countries. Also sounds a good place to work.. I will send you my c.v. and if there are also any opportunities to shadow a teacher trainer with a view to getting some teacher training training, if you know what I mean, it would be absolutely fabulous

Krista (ID=21) (Jun 8, 2000 4:04:41 PM)
Thanks Maria

Krista (ID=21) (Jun 8, 2000 4:05:28 PM)
Do Costa Ricans enjoy the siesta period as do many other latin countries?

Maria Puro (ID=17) (Jun 8, 2000 4:05:56 PM)
Krista, no I'm afraid they don't unfortunately!!

moderator (ID=15) (Jun 8, 2000 4:06:58 PM)
THanks everyone for your participation., most especially our guest, Maria Puro. Next week we are in China. See you then.

Krista (ID=21) (Jun 8, 2000 4:07:07 PM)
Thank you very much!

Maria Puro (ID=17) (Jun 8, 2000 4:07:11 PM)
bye everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Please note that for clarity, this transcript has been sequenced and edited.