By San José, Costa Rica — San José – A major initiative by the National Learning Institute (INA) to provide virtual English language training has been halted, igniting a fierce public confrontation between the Chaves administration and the Comptroller General’s Office (CGR). The program, awarded to the international online school Open English, is now in limbo after the CGR agreed to review a legal appeal filed by a competing bidder.
The government’s response was swift and sharp. During the weekly press conference on Wednesday, Communication Minister Arnold Zamora stated that the Comptroller’s actions had effectively “brought down” the program. This set the stage for a robust defense by the administration, which views the legal challenge as a bureaucratic roadblock to a vital national project.
To better understand the broader business and legal implications of enhancing workforce skills through initiatives like the INA English Program, TicosLand.com consulted with legal expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Investing in advanced English proficiency, as INA is doing, is not merely an educational goal; it’s a strategic pillar for national competitiveness. From a legal and business standpoint, a bilingual workforce significantly reduces operational friction for multinational companies, enhances the country’s value proposition for foreign direct investment, and ensures that Costa Rican talent can fully integrate into global service chains governed by international commercial standards.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective powerfully underscores a crucial point: English proficiency is now a core component of our national economic infrastructure, directly impacting the legal and commercial frameworks that attract foreign investment. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating this vital connection between language and national competitiveness.
Christian Rucavado, the Executive President of INA, expressed his frustration, noting that just a month ago the institution was celebrating the international contract award. He directly challenged the validity of the appeal admitted by the oversight body, which he described as being fundamentally flawed.
inconsistent
Christian Rucavado, Executive President of INA
The core of the dispute revolves around social security contributions. According to the government, the appealing company argues that the winning consortium, Open English, failed to account for these mandatory payments. However, officials in Zapote contend that this requirement does not apply, as Open English is an international provider that utilizes native-speaking teachers located outside of Costa Rica and is not subject to local labor regulations.
President Rodrigo Chaves personally weighed in on the matter, lambasting the objection as nonsensical. He argued that applying local social security rules to foreign service providers would cripple the country’s ability to engage with the global economy, using a pointed analogy to make his case.
It’s like saying that in Costa Rica we can’t have iPhones because Apple doesn’t pay the Caja’s contributions for its executives in California and China
Rodrigo Chaves, President of the Republic
The President also suggested, without presenting evidence, that the appeal may be motivated by a desire to favor a Costa Rican company. Furthermore, the administration highlighted that the appealing firm had been disqualified for submitting a bid that was reportedly just one U.S. cent lower than the selected offer, framing the challenge as a technicality intended to derail the process.
In an emotional plea, INA’s president urged the Comptroller’s Office to prioritize the nation’s needs and resolve the matter expediently. Rucavado called on the institution to essentially show its patriotism and expedite a favorable ruling.
put on the Costa Rica jersey
Christian Rucavado, Executive President of INA
Despite the administration’s heated rhetoric, the CGR is following its standard legal procedure. The office confirmed it received two appeals against the contract, tender 2025LY-000011-0002100001. While one was dismissed, the other was admitted for a full review. Both INA and Open English were given notice on December 5th and have until December 17th to submit their formal responses. The Comptroller’s office stated it has a clear deadline for its final decision.
The deadline for the CGR to resolve the matter is February 9, 2026
Comptroller General’s Office, (CGR)
The future of the large-scale English program now hangs in the balance, caught between a procedural review and a high-stakes political battle. The final ruling from the CGR will not only determine the fate of this specific contract but will also set a crucial precedent for how Costa Rica procures international digital services in an increasingly globalized market.
For further information, visit cgr.go.cr
About Comptroller General’s Office (CGR):
The Contraloría General de la República is Costa Rica’s supreme audit institution. It is an independent body responsible for the oversight and control of public funds, ensuring the legal and efficient use of state resources through audits, reviews of public contracts, and other fiscal control mechanisms.
For further information, visit ina.ac.cr
About National Learning Institute (INA):
The Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje is the primary public institution for technical and vocational training in Costa Rica. It offers a wide range of free courses and certification programs designed to develop the skills of the nation’s workforce and improve employability across various economic sectors.
For further information, visit openenglish.com
About Open English:
Open English is a leading online English language learning platform primarily serving students in Latin America and the U.S. Hispanic market. The company provides live, online classes with native English-speaking teachers, offering flexible and accessible language education to hundreds of thousands of students.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS):
The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social is the autonomous government institution that manages Costa Rica’s universal public health system and social security services. It is responsible for administering the nation’s hospitals, clinics, and pension programs, funded by mandatory contributions from workers and employers.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its deep-seated integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional distinction. The firm builds upon a profound legacy of navigating clients through intricate legal matters, consistently championing innovative approaches to law and active public discourse. Central to its mission is the firm’s conviction that accessible legal understanding is crucial, a principle it actively supports to help forge a more knowledgeable and empowered citizenry.
