Teaching at Elementary Schools in Costa Rica

  Costa Rica

• North Western Region: 
Guanacaste
• Eastern Lowlands: 
Bribri,  Puerto Viejo

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks

Description: We have volunteer relationships with several elementary schools in Costa Rica. All of the schools are rural, some of which are located on indigenous reservations. Children in these rural areas have access to much fewer resources in the Costa Rican school system, and often lose the desire and/or the means to attend school or pursue any higher education. Sadly, a small percentage of children continue their education past the 6th grade. Our goal is to assist the schools in providing quality education, and to help keep students interested in continuing their education.

Volunteers are directly involved in educating children ages 6-15 by:
* Teaching English
* Tutoring in a variety of other subjects
* Helping teach life skills
* Leading sports & recreation activities
* Teaching Arts & Crafts

You will also serve as a mentor to the kids, encouraging them in their studies as well as in their lives, and helping them see beyond their perceived limitations to recognize the opportunities that are available to them.

Volunteers have also been involved in maintaining the school itself, including setting up a new library, doing minor construction work, painting and other facilities maintenance.

Please visit our website photo gallery to see photos of our projects and read what past volunteers have said about their experiences in our volunteer blog.

Highlights: Life-changing experiences, unrestricted glimpses of the Costa Rica most visitors don't know, and a way to have a positive and lasting impact on a community are all major components of a volunteer vacation with Tropical Adventures.

Live among locals, learn from them and share talents that can make a difference in a society often forgotten. Take advantage of the Spanish immersion program to enhance communication during the project work.

The vacation is not all work; plenty of play is available: snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, river rafting, canopy (zip line) tours, chocolate factory tours, and several sights to see (waterfalls, butterfly garden, volcano, etc.).

Build bridges, literally and figuratively, and return home fulfilling a community's hopes and feeling fulfilled.

Qualifications: We are seeking for volunteers who can positively drive a community towards the goal of providing quality education to elementary pupils and continue their education. Prospective volunteers should also have a good work ethic, a friendly attitude and be willing to immerse themselves in another culture.

Cost in US$: 1 week: $995; 2 weeks: $1,895; Extra week: $399

*Accommodation in guesthouses and hotels is available at extra charge.

Spanish language lessons, excursions and cellphone rental are available at an extra cost.

Children 12 and under are charged $799 for one week and $999 for two weeks.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: The typical volunteer at Tropical Adventures is someone who wants to experience the rich bio-diversity of Costa Rica, while learning Spanish, teaching english, and sharing their time, skills and love. Our volunteers like to work hard and play hard. They work well with others and enjoy submersing themselves in a different culture. Typical volunteers are college students, families or retirees.

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

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone Interview

Post Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network

Tropical Adventures's Mission Statement: The Tropical Adventures Foundation is a resource for empowering individuals and communities inside and outside of Costa Rica. Our goals are to: Support the inherent value of the individual, reduce poverty and injustice, help communities achieve sustainable growth, create safe environments, promote international learning and cooperation and foster personal and worldwide peace. Every community around the world faces the fundamental challenge to create social and economic systems that promote peace, human welfare and the sustainability of the environment on which life depends. We meet this challenge by supporting and encouraging initiatives by those living and working closest to where the problems are located. We promote collaboration among diverse individuals, nonprofit organizations, government and businesses from the local area and around the world, as well as from every level of society. Our experience shows such activities help build common understanding, bring forward and reinforce the inherent value of the individual, strengthen a sense of local and worldwide community, and ultimately enable people to improve their lives and reinforce their commitment to society.

Year Founded: 2005