Published on Tuesday, April 14, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Costa Rica has launched a new national program aimed at expanding English-language skills and improving job prospects, the Ministry of Labor announced Monday.

The initiative, called “Hello Brete” (“Hello Job”), offers full scholarships for online English courses to individuals seeking to strengthen their language skills to access better employment opportunities.

Authorities emphasized that English proficiency plays a significant role in employability and income. In Costa Rica, bilingual workers can earn between 20% and 38% more, while salaries in technical positions increase by an average of 34%.

Officials said the virtual courses will be delivered through licenses issued by the National Learning Institute (INA), a state-run training agency.

The program is expected to reach 500,000 users annually. Over the next four years, approximately 2 million people are projected to participate, to help them become bilingual and qualify for jobs at multinational companies operating in Costa Rica, where English is often a basic requirement.

 

The courses will be provided by Open English, a company based in the U.S. State of Florida, which provides online English learning to Latin American users and Spanish speakers in the United States.

To qualify, applicants must be Costa Rican citizens or foreign residents with a DIMEX identification card, be at least 15 years old, have access to an internet-connected device, and have completed primary education.

Participants must register at hellobrete.com and take a placement test to assess their English level before starting. Based on the results, the platform assigns an initial level, allowing users to progress through beginner, intermediate and advanced stages.

Upon successful completion, INA will issue a certificate verifying the participant’s level of English proficiency.

The annual cost of the program is estimated at $40 million, based on a per-student cost of $80, and will be funded through INA’s budget.

Authorities said the program represents an 83% savings compared to offering in-person courses through INA instructors and facilities.

Founded in 1965, the INA is a government agency that provides free technical training, vocational education and workforce development. It operates 52 training centers nationwide and offers digital learning platforms aimed at boosting employability, supporting small and medium-sized businesses, and promoting economic growth.

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What are young people in your community saying about learning English? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com