Costa Rica: Teaching and Children's Programs

  Costa Rica

• San Jose: 
San Jose

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Starts every Monday

Description: Volunteer Abroad in Costa Rica. These programs target at-risk children living in impoverished areas or unsafe conditions. Volunteers can 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.

Spanish Classes
One week of intensive Spanish, 20 hours of instruction, are included in the program fee. Participants wanting more Spanish instruction can arrange for additional classes.

Housing
Accommodation is with a local host family. Participants will be provided with their own room and breakfast and dinner each day.

Start Dates

The Programs in Costa Rica start every Monday. It is best if participants can arrive in San Jose on Saturday or Sunday. We ask that participants not arrive on December 23, 24, or 25 in order to allow our coordinators to spend the Christmas holiday with their families.

Highlights: This gem of a country has something for almost every traveler, from surfing and scuba diving, to hiking and exploring the interior. The terrain and ecosystems 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. Costa Rica is more economically developed and Ticos enjoy a higher standard of living than most other Central Americans, but the country still has economic issues. Around 23% of Costa Ricans live under the poverty line. The Costa Rican Economy's main sectors are tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing. Thousands of tourists visit Costa Rica each year to experience the magical national parks, relax on the beaches, and find adventure. We partner with local organizations based in Heredia to create 2-6 week long volunteer, cultural immersion, and Spanish language programs that give participants a richer experience of Costa Rica.

All programs take place in 100% Spanish speaking environments. For the soup kitchen, children's programs, and some environment projects, participants need to have a high-beginner level of Spanish language. For the elderly centers, health projects, and teaching English to adults and teenagers, participants must be at the intermediate level or higher. For the turtle programs or work in a national park, participants must have an advanced level of Spanish language.

Cost in US$: Varies. Starts at USD 960 for 2 weeks.

Program Includes

* Pre-departure information
* Pick up from the airport in San Jose and transportation to Heredia
* Orientation and welcome pack
* City tour
* Volunteer Position
* Accommodation
* Breakfast and Dinner each day
* 24/7 emergency service
* One week of intensive Spanish classes at a local language school.

Program Does Not Include

* Round trip Airfare
* Return trip to Airport
* Required Travel and Medical Insurance

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Year Founded: 2001