Physical Education Teacher | Volunteer Costa Rica

uVolunteer is currently working with a school in the town of San Ramón to create a physical education program. Because this is a project that is based on creating something from the ground up, we are looking for volunteers who are interested in developing a program that will continue for years to come. The project is specifically designed to give volunteers who have a background, passion or skill for sports education an opportunity to develop a program for a low resourced school in Costa Rica.

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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.

What will I be doing?

You will be introducing a physical education program that future volunteers will be able to use and develop. There are limited resources so you must be creative and self motivated. You will mainly work with third through sixth grade, but you may have the chance to work with younger children as well. During the rainy season (April - October) there may be occasions when it is not possible for you to conduct sports lessons outdoors. During these times volunteers will be required to plan activites for children inside such as bingo or board games.

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 Ramón 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.

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 Ramo'n 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 Teaching Sports and Physical Education in Costa Rica
Project Category: Teaching
Project Location: San Ramon
Project Testimonial: Matthew Kinzelberg, USA

My name at school is "Profe"... short for professor. Read My Full Testimonial »
Program Fee: A 4 week experience starts from $1130; add $140 for each additional week
Program fees include:
- Airport Pickup Service
- Welcome Orientation and debriefing
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Program Activities
- Project Donation
- In-country coordination support
- 24/7 emergency hot line
- Letter of Recommendation
- Certificate
Items not included: Flights, travel insurance, visa costs, in-country transportation during program 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; 4-6 hours per day
Project Closed Dates:
- Easter Week
- First two full weeks of July
- Mid December to mid February
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: 4 Weeks
Maximum project length: 26 Weeks
Maximum number of volunteers: 12
Resume or CV required: No
Project Testimonial: Michael Band, USA

Upon arriving in San Jose on July 7th my hopes were high and my expectations were endless. Read My Full Testimonial »