The mission of the school is to offer an integrated bilingual education and to stimulate the development of the student, giving them an opportunity to become responsible, enterprising, positive, open-minded citizens with an excellent academic formation and solid ethical values, committed to have a positive impact on the world that surrounds them. Sámara School, a non-profit educational center, plans to offer a child-centered quality education from nursery to 12th grade allowing our graduates to attend universities at local and international levels. The school is built on the fundamental belief in the importance of offering children from poor families a better opportunity for their future and thus one of the school's goals is to integrate children from low-income families in the school's program by offering sponsorships to them. Thus the Sámara School seeks to offer a better education to the local community and its surrounding areas.

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Where will I be volunteering?

You will be working in Sámara, a small beach town located in Costa Rica's North-Eastern Pacific Coast, in the Guanacaste province. Because of its laid-back culture, the town is a popular destination for Costa Ricans on holiday. Apart from vacation periods such as Christmas, Easter, public holidays etc., the town is somewhat quiet. However, because of the Spanish language school, there are always a number of foreign students in the area giving Samará the feel of a small university town.

Project Testimonial: Katy Webb, Wales

A fabulous opportunity to learn about different parts of the world, the stories shared amongst everyone are endless! Read My Full Testimonial »

What will I be doing?

You will be assisting the staff with all classroom activities. The school holds students from nursery level to 12th grade so; volunteers will need to help give each student attention to further their development.

What is required to volunteer on this project?

  • Language Requirement: Basic Spanish
    If you are interested in learning more Spanish, we offer Spanish Language Courses that can be taken prior to project placement.
  • Must be 18 years or older.

What will my schedule be like?

uVolunteer believes that you should have a well balanced work and play schedule. This means you will only be required to work 4 days per week (Monday to Thursday) for a maximum of 6 hours per day. The schedule for the nursery is 8.00-12.00 and 1.00-3.00. For the remainder of your time, you will be free to enjoy the vacationing aspects of your trip.

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Will I be able to communicate with family and friends?

There is no phone or internet access in your accommodation, however you will find internet cafes and public phones scattered all over town.

Project Testimonial: Jenna Harvey, USA

Now that I´m done here (for now, of course), the only thing I can think about is when I can next travel!... Read My Full Testimonial »

What can I do in my free time?

uVolunteer anticipates and encourages your desire for travel and adventure. Your time away from volunteering is open for you to decide your activities. You may decide to take advantage of the local culture and spend time within the community over the weekend. Otherwise, there is ample opportunity to explore Costa Rica and all it has to offer.

Great weekend trips include:

  • Arenal Volcano National Park in La Fortuna
  • Póas Volcano National Park in Cartago
  • Canopy tours in Monteverde
  • Museums in San José
  • Rafting on the Pacuare River in Turriabla
  • Surfing in Jacó, Puerto Viejo, Tamarindo, and Montezuma
  • Program Name: Volunteer Costa Rica
  • Project Name: Volunteer to Teach in a Bilingual Nursery in Costa Rica
  • Project Category: Care and Community
  • Project Location: Samara
  • Program Fee: A 2 week experience starts from $997; add $150 for each additional week
  • Program fees include:
    • Airport Pickup Service
    • Welcome Orientation and debriefing
    • A volunteer project
    • Accommodation
    • Meals
    • Volunteer Activities
    • Project Donation
    • The best in-country coordination support
    • 24/7 emergency hot line
    • Letter of Recommendation
    • Certificate
  • Items not included: Flights, travel insurance, vaccinations, visa costs, personal expenses, and any other expense not listed above

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  • Project Transport Arrangements: Child Care Center is located very near by the Home stay (15 Minutes Walk)
  • Suggested transportation budget: None (does not include weekend travel expenses)
  • Working Schedule: Monday through Thursday; 4-6 hours per day
  • Project Closed Dates:
    • Easter Week
    • First two full weeks of July
    • Mid December to mid February
      • Plus local national holidays as shown in your Volunteer Handbook
  • Language Requirement: Basic Spanish
  • Accommodation Type: Dorm
  • Meals: 2 Meals Breakfast and Dinner
  • Start dates: Fortnightly, on Fridays
  • Volunteer Gender: Male & Female
  • Minimum age: 18
  • Minimum project length: 2 Weeks
  • Maximum project length: 52 Weeks
  • Maximum number of volunteers: 12
  • Resume or CV required: No

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