For the children in this program education is the vital stepping stone to future success and the opportunity to leave poverty behind. Nearly all of the students are behind in school or have been held back, and none of them come from families with more than one high school graduate. These students are not only up against poverty, but against a culture of failure and acceptance of academic failure. Reading is the biggest hurdle for our students, as many have illiterate parents and have no books in the home. This program is another painful reminder that illiteracy and poverty always come together. In spite of these circumstances, this project is full of highly intelligent and diligent students, who can succeed in school given the proper resources and support. Our goal is to bring the students up to grade level, provide the support they lack at home, and show students that learning is fun and challenging, as well as their ticket to a better job and better life.
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Where will I be volunteering?
You will be in working in San Ramón, one of the larger Central Valley coffee towns and set in a scenic basin enclosed by rolling mountains. It is a very unique and close knit town. National Geographic Magazine referred to San Ramón as having "the best climate in the world." Located in the Alajuela province, San Ramón is about an hour away from the capital city of San José and Pacific coast beaches. Just south of Costa Rica's cloud forest belt and east of Lake Arenal, San Ramón is the ideal location for travel around Costa Rica. Apart from its weather and central location, the people of San Ramón shine as the friendliest people you will meet in Costa Rica. They are genuinely welcoming to all travelers to all travelers, and are eager to make everyone feel welcome. The University of Costa Rica campus in the town ensures that San Ramón has a vibrant night life.
Project Testimonial: Jody Long, USA
I have learned that your clothes, car and possessions mean nothing really. What matters are your relationship and how you impact others. It is so evident in the culture here and I feel blessed to be taking that back with me. Read My Full Testimonial »
What will I be doing?
The role of the volunteers is to assist the students with a variety of academic studies such as pre-reading, reading fluency, reading comprehension and mathematics. Although the main focus is on learning there is also a playground and Volunteers will have the opportunity to play sports and games with the children.
What is required to volunteer on this project?
- Language Requirement: Intermediate Spanish
- 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. 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?
Internet cafes in San Ramo'n give you the opportunity to communicate with your friends and family members. You will find pay phones dispersed throughout the town, which you can use to make local or international calls with a calling card. You will be directed to areas in which you can purchase international cards to phone home. Depending on your host family, you may be able to accept international calls in your house.
Project Testimonial: Emily Castro, USA
The accommodations are great, the food that Dona Isabel cooks is always delicious, and she always keeps the house very clean and neat. 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. San Ramon 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 Costa Rica
- Project Name: Volunteer in a Community Education Project in Costa Rica
- Project Category: Care and Community
- Project Location: San Ramon, San Ramon
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Project Testimonial: Jenna Thompson, USA
This week has been a life changing experience for me. I came to Costa Rica not really knowing what to expect, but has exceeded all my expectations for the better. Read My Full Testimonial »
- Program Fee: A 1 week experience starts from $710; add $140 for each additional week
- Program fees include:
- Airport Pickup Service
- Welcome Orientation and debriefing
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Program Activities
- In-country coordination support
- Letter of Recommendation
- Certificate
- Items not included: Flights, travel insurance, vaccinations, visa costs, personal expenses, and any other expense not listed above
- Project Transport Arrangements: Public bus, taxi or walking
- Suggested transportation budget: Approximately $20 per week (does not include weekend travel expenses)
- Working Schedule: Monday through Thursday; 4-6 hours per day
- Project Closed Dates:
- Open year round Plus local national holidays as shown in your Volunteer Handbook
- Language Requirement: Intermediate Spanish
- Accommodation Type: Dorm
- Meals: 2 Meals Breakfast and Dinner; Monday to Friday
- Start dates: Fortnightly, on Fridays
- Volunteer Gender: Male & Female
- Minimum age: 18
- Minimum project length: 1 Weeks
- Maximum project length: 26 Weeks
- Maximum number of volunteers: 15
- Resume or CV required: No
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Project Testimonial: Nicole Barens, USA
I want to start off by saying my trip to Costa Rica ws everything I had hoped and more. Read My Full Testimonial »
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