Volunteer With At-Risk Youth in Costa Rica

  Costa Rica

• North Western Region: 
Heredia

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Throughout the year

Description: Volunteer with street kids and other at-risk youth in Costa Rica. Volunteers will learn about Costa Rican life from the inside while helping to change the lives of the children they work with. These programs target at-risk children living in impoverished areas or unsafe conditions in central Costa Rica. Volunteers will assist teaching English and other subjects in classrooms in primary and middle schools in poorer neighborhoods, assist with after school programs, and help run day camps for the children during school vacations. Some activities may include teaching English, dancing, drawing, organizing arts and crafts, helping with homework, and teaching social skills. By working with children at risk, volunteers have the chance to use their skills and energy to encourage the children to become good citizens and productive members of society. The day to day activities of a volunteer will vary depending on the needs of the organization as well as the specific interests and skills of the volunteer. International volunteers are out to make a difference, and it is important to keep perspective on your ability and the big picture. Volunteers provide steps toward larger goals. Sometimes in can be difficult to keep that in mind when you see how much work needs to be done. Don't be overwhelmed, the impression that you leave behind is immeasurable. The most successful volunteers are flexible and able to adapt the daily activities to the given day--remember each day is different!

Highlights: Costa Rica has something for almost every traveler, from surfing and scuba diving, to hiking and exploring the interior. The terrain and eco-systems are incredibly varied and home to 6% of the Earth's biodiversity. Mountains rise from the Pacific ocean and Caribbean Sea to form the spine of Costa Rica and define hundreds of microclimates. Over 25% of the country is protected in an extensive national park and preserve system. The military was outlawed after the civil war in 1948. The absence of a military over the past 60 years has created a pacifist attitude which carries over into almost all aspects of life. Ticos (Costa Ricans) are known for being friendly, polite almost to a fault, and warm.

Qualifications: Some knowledge of Spanish.

Cost in US$: Prices vary by duration. Please contact us for details

Airport Pickup: Volunteers are met at the airport in San Jose and provided with transportation to their host family.

In-country Orientation: Each volunteer program starts with a two to three day orientation which covers important topics on the logistics of living and working in Costa Rica.

In-country Staff Support: ELI's Costa Rica coordinator has years of experience working with visitors to Costa Rica. He is very resourceful and on call 24/7 in case of emergency.

Accommodations: Volunteers will stay with a local host family where they will be provided with a room and breakfast and dinner each day. By living with a family, volunteers will learn about the day to day rhythms of Costa Rican life first hand as well as sample traditional meals not usually available in restaurants.

Spanish Instruction: Participants will receive one week (20 hours) of Spanish instruction at a local Spanish language school. Participants wanting more Spanish instruction can enroll in additional classes.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: There is no typical ELI volunteer. We work with people from all over the world and a variety of backgrounds. ELI has placed volunteers ranging in age from 18-81. Successful volunteers are flexible, upbeat, energetic, and inquisitive.

Age Range: 18 and up

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume
• Written Application

ELI-Experiential Learning International's Mission Statement: ELI's full name, Experiential Learning International, reflects our philosophy. We believe that the most compelling life lessons come through experience, and that international experiences are among the most profound influences on our sense of self and our view of the world. ELI facilitates flexible international learning programs for independent travelers by partnering with local organizations to give participants the opportunity to experience and contribute to sustainable ongoing local projects throughout the world.

Year Founded: 2001