Volunteer in Monteverde's Cloud Forest School in Costa Rica

The Cloud Forest School is a innovative, private, bilingual, non-sectarian K-11 school serving the children of Monteverde, Costa Rica. Founded in 1991, local parents responded to the need to increase educational opportunities to a growing population of school-age children in the area. The CFS offers creative, experiential instruction to its students with an emphasis on integrating environmental education into all facets of the curriculum. Their mission is to encourage a new generation of ecologically aware, bilingual individuals with the skills and motivation to make environmentally and socially conscious decisions on a local, national, and global scale. The project separates participants into two categories: Volunteers and Interns. Both qualify for the project's language program if desired. This includes four hours of beginner and intermediate Spanish classes per week and is included in the program fee.

Send me this project's full information packet

Where will I be volunteering?

The Cloud Forest School is located in the stunning Tilarán Mountains of Costa Rica. It also neighbors with the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and the Children's International Rainforest. Many people find Monteverde a dynamic and interesting place in which to live and work. The diverse cultural mixture, conservation efforts and ongoing biological research provide a stimulating environment.

What am I going to be doing?

• Volunteers: (If you cannot commit to three months or want to do more environmental projects.) You will be working on land stewardship projects. You will work in the garden, and help with trail maintenance and miscellaneous tasks needed on campus. You will work with the Land Manager who has several years experience managing volunteers with different Spanish speaking abilities. This means you will get a lot of practice with your Spanish but you do not need to speak Spanish to enroll on this project.
• Interns: (If you chose to intern you must stay at least 3 months in the Cloud Forest School.) You will work as one of the following: full-time classroom assistant, an assistant to the special education teacher, or as an assistant to the environmental education teacher.
• Full-time classroom assistant: Work closely with a teacher to assist in all aspects of the classroom.
• Assistant to the environmental education teacher: Work with the environmental education coordinator to help with the program and its curriculum, and work on specific environmental projects.
• Assistant to the special education teacher: Work under the guidance of the teacher to provide one-on-one or small group assistance to students needing extra support in the areas of reading, math and English as a Second Language.

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.

• Volunteers: You will only be required to work 4 days per week (Monday to Thursday) for a maximum of 6 hours per day.
• Interns: You will work a full time schedule, Monday through Friday 8 hours per day.

Send me this project's full information packet

Will I be able to communicate with family and friends?

In your home stay there is a phone available, but you must use a phone card that can be purchased when you arrive to Costa Rica. Internet cafes are also scattered throughout Monteverde.

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. San Ramón is incredibly beautiful and full of fun activities in which you can take part. It is also conveniently located to beaches and other tourist-friendly areas.

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
• Project Name: Volunteer in Monteverde's Cloud Forest School in Costa Rica
• Project Category: Teaching
• Project Location: Monteverde
• Program Fee: A 2 week experience starts from $985; add $140 for each additional week
• Program fees include:
  • Airport Pickup Service
  • Welcome Orientation and debriefing
  • A volunteer project
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • Program 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

Send me this project's full information packet

• Project Transport Arrangements: Public bus, taxi or walking
• Suggested transportation budget: Approximately $30 per week (does not include weekend travel expenses)
• Working Schedule: Monday through Friday; 4-7 hours per day
• Language Requirement: Basic Spanish
• Accommodation Type:
• Meals: 3 Meals Daily
• 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: 3
• Resume or CV required: Yes