Children's Home - Orphanage | Volunteer Costa Rica

There is always a shortage of staff in the children's homes so it's very difficult for them to attend to all of the children. Therefore, they focus primarily on the most essential needs of the children. Your job as a volunteer is to provide academic support to the children, particularly in the subject of English. The young children who do not yet attend school are especially enthusiastic about acquiring English vocabulary, so that they may learn how to speak to volunteers. Volunteers may develop games based on English vocabulary, or other recreational activities that the children can learn and enjoy. Volunteers on this project need to be creative and self-motivating, and also enjoy working with children. The children benefit from volunteers who model proper behavior, and provide kind words of encouragement.

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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 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.

What am I going to be doing?

You will work with the children during the day by assisting the staff members. You will be helping the children academically and emotionally, as well as developing activities in which the children can participate. Even though the children do receive attention from the tías on a daily basis, they are still left to their own devices for a significant portion of the day. Therefore, you will need to provide more supervision and companionship.

What is required to volunteer on this project?

Language Requirement: Intermediate 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. 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 Ramon 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 also be provided a local phone card for emergencies, as well as 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.

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 a Children’s Home/Orphanage in San Ramon, Costa Rica
Project Category: Care and Community
Project Location: San Ramon
Project Testimonial: Della Adams, USA

When I initially decided to volunteer in Costa Rica I checked out several websites. After much review I went with uVolunteer. Read My Full Testimonial »
Program Fee: A 2 week experience starts from $765; add $120 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
- Extra Local Activity
- Costa Rican Cooking Class
- 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: Public bus, taxi or walking
Suggested transportation budget: Approximately $20 per week (does not include weekend travel expenses)
Working Schedule: Monday through Thursday; 3-5 hours a day
Language Requirement: Intermediate Spanish
Accommodation Type:
Meals: 2 Meals Breakfast and Dinner
Start dates: Fortnightly, on Fridays
Volunteer Gender: Female
Minimum age: 18
Minimum project length: 2 Weeks
Maximum project length: 26 Weeks
Maximum number of volunteers: 18
Resume or CV required: Yes
Project Testimonial: Aniek Woudstra, Holland

I did the Canopy Tour in Monteverde, This means I flew above the forest and jungle. Very tuanis! Read My Full Testimonial »