At Outward Bound Costa Rica, we’ve seen many young adults joining us on course because they have struggled with traditional learning in a classroom setting. They have thrived during our experiential learning programs and often continue along a career path in outdoor education.
Starting out in the outdoor education industry can seem daunting but, once you earn your certifications and start gaining experience, you can become a desirable instructor for organizations around the world.
*It is important to note that our programs are not just for individuals who want to become outdoor instructors. We see students who want to experience new cultures, challenge themselves with adventure activities, and develop valuable leadership and life skills along the way!*
How can Outward Bound Costa Rica help?
Our courses can be a perfect way to jumpstart your career in the outdoor industry and our Outdoor Leader Semester (OLS) is the top choice for students who are looking to do just that.
This 65-day course will teach you how to set up belay systems, organize rescues, provide wilderness medical care, guide rafts down world-class rivers, and scuba dive through tropical coral reefs. You will have the opportunity to gain seven internationally-recognized certifications including:
- NAUI Scuba Diver Basic or Advanced
- Whitewater Raft Guide License Level 2 or 3
- Whitewater Rescue Technician
- Lifeguarding with Waterfront Module
- CPR for the Professional Rescuer (BLS)
- Wilderness First Responder
- Recreational Rappel Operator
Whether you want to specialize in just one or two activities or are looking to become a multi-activity instructor, these certifications will give you a baseline of the technical skills that you need to get started.
What other skills do I need?
To work for an outdoor education organization, you will need a little more than certifications. You will be responsible for facilitating learning and fostering growth in your students. So, alongside teaching the technical aspects of a course, you will also be developing their leadership and interpersonal skills.
All students on our OLS course will study the OBCR Educational Model to understand how to apply experiential learning methods while leading others. On course, you will discover your own leadership style and become confident in your decision making and problem-solving abilities.
As an outdoor instructor, it is useful to have some local knowledge in your back pocket. If you are able to provide your group with engaging additional information (flora and fauna, customs, traditional food) this will help them connect with their surrounding environment and immerse themselves in the local culture.
It is also valuable to develop your personal interest in the outdoors through hobbies, clubs or societies or voluntary work with scouts, guides, or other voluntary organizations. These experiences will help develop you own outdoor living and technical skills while demonstrating your passion for the outdoors and working with people.
Where do I start?
Once you have your certifications under your belt, you can start building your experience leading groups on outdoor adventures. An additional benefit to our OLS program is that top graduates are offered a field instructor internship during our high season (May – August). This opportunity is a stepping stone for students looking to gain real-world experience that could lead to a position as a full-time instructor in Costa Rica!
Outdoor education organizations are always looking for instructors for their busy summer seasons. If you are newly-qualified, you will often start out with seasonal work but, as you gain more experience, year-round and off-season work will become easier to find. To search for opportunities, take a look at just some of these outdoor job sites:
Association for Experiential Education (AEE)
Backdoor Jobs
CoolWorks
Conservation Job Board
Institute for Outdoor Learning
North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE)
Another tip is to join Facebook and other social media groups that regularly share job and training opportunities such as:
Freelance Outdoor Instructors
Outdoor Instructor Jobs
Outdoor Education Jobs
Outdoor Activity Instructors Worldwide
Interested in jump starting your career in outdoor education?
*Please note that all upcoming OBCR programs include the following COVID-19 adjustments to ensure your health and safety on course:*
✓ Non-urban, backcountry/remote focus
✓ Reduced contact with remote indigenous populations and homestay families
✓ No travel to highly populated cities and towns, etc.
✓ Temperatures individually monitored through no-contact thermometer sensors at key points of the program with symptom checks
✓ Maintaining our intensive plate, cup, and utensil cleaning system with a chlorinated dipping bath after scrubbing items with soap and water
✓ All OBCR staff are fully vaccinated
✓ All unvaccinated participants are required to receive a negative PCR OR rapid antigen COVID-19 test prior to their departure to Costa Rica for course
✓ All accommodation will be private—only housing our groups and instructors
✓ All in-country transportation will continue to be via private OBCR-owned vehicles with enhanced disinfectant protocols
✓ Thorough health, safety and sanitation program orientation