Since graduating Costa Rica TEFL, Richenda has taught in San Jose, Costa Rica, and is now teaching English in Namibia, Africa! Check out her story below!
Why did you chose Costa Rica TEFL?
My name is Richenda Bok and I am African born and from the beautiful country of Namibia in Southern Africa, where the desert and the ocean meet, literally. I previously worked in the corporate world of insurance, but my desire for teaching English to children and brave enthusiastic spirit lead me to try something new and out of the ordinary. I researched all possible ways to travel and do what I love, teaching. Inspired by my past travels and overall passion for traveling, I came across many different TEFL courses and first thought Prague would be a great fit because it was much closer to home. In the end, I chose Costa Rica because of Sámara’s amazing beach. It felt like a home away from home. Everything about it felt right and so I hopped on a plane to Costa Rica and hoped for the best!
What was your TEFL experience like?
When I landed in Liberia, Costa Rica I thought, “What have I done to myself? Where am I?” Once I arrived in Sámara, though… Oh boy—the love I have for that little beach town! All of the TEFL students and staff members were so welcoming. No longer was I scared or doubtful. I was ready to teach English!
The TEFL curriculum is so approachable! Costa Rica TEFL’s teaching methodology gives you the confidence to teach English even if you do not have the experience. Students start diving into teaching right away by instructing their own classes to the local Costa Rican students. We prepared lessons plans with the most supportive team right at your fingertips. The TEFL team guides you and helps you grow to be the best English instructor that you can be.
During the course and after the course I made friendships for life. No matter where we are in the world, we are connected by the experience and culture that we all shared.
Teaching English in Namibia, Africa
After the course, I stayed in Costa Rica to teach English. I was originally placed by the Costa Rica TEFL team in San Jose. My friendships and teaching experiences only continued to grow. Unfortunately, I abruptly had to return home to Namibia. After being home for only a week, I got very lucky. A teaching position opened up at a Montessori school here in Namibia and I was hired!
After teaching English at the Montessori school, I accepted a position at the Windhoek International School in the Capital of Namibia. I didn’t know what to expect! Their approach was absolutely different from my TEFL experience. I took on the challenge and the experience has made me grow and develop as a teacher. The diversity of students from different countries coming together at my school has made me love my work even more. I can truly say I am a happy soul thanks to Costa Rica TEFL. I will always love and think of Sámara as my home away from home.
For a while, I will be here Namibia and then, who knows? The world is full of possibilities now. I can go anywhere, knowing I have this large network of TEFL friends, administrators, and recruiters just an email away!