In San Ramon there is a school for children with disabilities like PCI, Down syndrome, Autism, Aspergers, blindness and others. It gives an integral education to children with special needs in order to help them have an opportunity of a higher quality and more efficient life. The institution provides several services to these children like language therapy, help with emotional problems and conduct, physiotherapy, art classes, music and more.

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Where will I be volunteering?

You will be in working in San Ramon, 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 Ramon as having "the best climate in the world." Located in the Alajuela province, San Ramon is about an hour away from the capital city of San Jose and Pacific coast beaches. Just south of Costa Rica's cloud forest belt and east of Lake Arenal, San Ramon 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: Emilie Covell, USA

After picking up three other volunteers, we all proceeded to the dorms in San Ramon where we were warmly welcomed by the pre-existing volunteers, and a delicious Costa Rican meal cooked by the kind-hearted mother of the dorm, Dona Isabel. Read My Full Testimonial »

What will I be doing?

You will be assisting the teacher with all classroom activities. There is only one teacher, so the children do not always get the attention they need. You will need to help give each student individual attention to further improve their development.

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 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: Lindsey Lawless, USA

I'll be at quite a loss back in the states if I can't find some plantains to fry! 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 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 Costa Rica
  • Project Name: Volunteer to Work in a Special Needs School in Costa Rica
  • Project Category: Care and Community
  • Project Location: San Ramon
  • Program Fee: A 2 week experience starts from $850; 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
    • 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

    • Send me this project's full information packet

  • 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; Approximately 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: Intermediate 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: 39 Weeks
  • Maximum number of volunteers: 12
  • Resume or CV required: No

Send me this project's full information packet