Residence Advisor
EF Education First · Tamarindo
Residence Advisor (RA)
EF International Language Campus – Playa Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Position Overview
We are looking for a responsible, proactive, and approachable Residence Advisor (RA) to join our team at EF Playa Tamarindo.
As a Residence Advisor, you will play a key role in creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive residential environment for our international students. You will help students adapt to life in Costa Rica, encourage cultural exchange, promote a positive sense of community, and support their wellbeing throughout their stay.
Key Responsibilities:
Student Wellbeing: Serve as a point of contact for students living in EF residences, offering guidance, support, and assistance with their daily residential experience.
Check-in & Check-out: Welcome arriving students, provide residence orientation, explain accommodation rules, and assist with departure procedures.
Curfew & Student Safety: Conduct scheduled curfew checks, particularly for underage students, ensure compliance with EF policies, and immediately report any safety concerns or violations.
Residence Supervision: Perform scheduled residence rounds, monitor shared spaces, and report cleanliness, maintenance, security, or operational issues to the Housing Team.
Community Building: Organize at least one weekly social activity within the residence, encouraging interaction, cultural exchange, and a positive living environment.
Student Integration: Help students adapt to the local culture and lifestyle of Playa Tamarindo, promoting responsible behavior and awareness of local safety guidelines, including beach safety and nightlife.
Conflict Resolution: Support positive coexistence among students, address minor roommate or residential conflicts, and escalate more serious matters when necessary.
Communication & Reporting: Maintain regular communication with the Housing Team, reporting incidents, student concerns, and relevant updates in a timely manner.
Requirements:
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Good command of English; Spanish is an advantage.
Responsible, organized, proactive, and approachable personality.
Ability to work with students from different cultures and backgrounds.
Good judgment and ability to handle sensitive situations professionally.
Flexibility to cover scheduled evening and weekend duties.
Previous experience in student accommodation, hospitality, education, or international student programs is an advantage.
Accommodation & Working Arrangements:
Accommodation will be provided in one of EF Playa Tamarindo's student residences.
Residence assignments may vary depending on operational needs, including EF Campus, Casa Sunshine, Casa Chocolate, or other EF-managed accommodation.
Responsibilities include scheduled curfew checks, residence supervision, student arrivals and departures, and weekly community activities.
Working hours, scheduled duties, and days off will be clearly defined in coordination with the Housing Team.
Living in an EF residence does not imply being on duty or available 24 hours a day.
The Residence Advisor is expected to follow established procedures for reporting incidents and emergencies, without replacing the responsibilities of Housing, Maintenance, Security, or Activities staff.
Reporting Line
The Residence Advisor reports directly to the Housing & Administration Department.
Our Goal
To create a safe, supportive, and engaging residential community where international students feel welcome, connected, and comfortable while experiencing life in Playa Tamarindo.
At EF, being a Residence Advisor is not just about supervising a residence — it's about helping students feel at home while discovering the world.