The goal of the program is to teach English to the community and schools of Costa Rica. Most Costa Rican schools have English lessons but most of the teachers in public schools are not native speakers. Volunteers are needed to assist local teachers, helping students with pronunciation, everyday vocabulary, conversational skills and classroom activities that encourage the use of practical English language. The Costa Rican government has outlined English as one of their priorities so there is a high demand for English study. Our teaching program in Costa Rica involves teaching a vast array of different students including Kindergarten, Elementary, High School and Adults. This is a great opportunity to work with a variety of different groups. You do not need teaching experience or qualifications to volunteer on this project, nor will you be required to create your own classes. In all classes you will be following a set curriculum and will be working with other teachers or volunteers.
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Where will I be volunteering?
Our teaching projects in Costa Rica are based in the rural communities and districts in and around the town of San Ramón. San Ramón, one of the larger Central Valley coffee towns is set in a scenic basin enclosed by rolling mountains. It is a very unique and close knit community. 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 the 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.
Project Testimonial: Moritz Knickrehm, German
It’s difficult to summarise the best time of my life on one page. Although I had some expectations from the trip, little did I know then that they would all be exceeded! Read My Full Testimonial »
What will I be doing?
You will be assisting the teacher with all aspects of the classroom. You may also be required to help the teacher with the daily lesson plans. Teachers need extra help with pronunciation and the conservational parts of the English language. If you’re experienced and confident you may have the chance to be the sole teacher in the classroom.
What is required to volunteer on this project?
- Language Requirement: Intermediate Spanish
However, you can still join this project if your Spanish does not meet the requirements, by taking our Spanish language course. - 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. All school based projects are for a minimum of 4 weeks. It is possible to volunteer for 2 weeks in the Adult Community Classes only. OR, if we have another volunteer already based in a school for a longer period of time it will be possible for you to join that volunteer and teach the classes together.
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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: Madeline Joll, Australia
I chose to come to Costa Rica to volunteer for a number of reasons. 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
Project Testimonial: Lindsey and Christina, USA
One our favorite parts of San Ramon was our daily meetings in the park with Jessie, our volunteer sister, for chocolate covered bananas! Read My Full Testimonial »
- Program Name: Volunteer Costa Rica
- Project Name: Volunteer Teaching English in Costa Rica
- Project Category: Teaching
- Project Location: San Ramon
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Project Testimonial: Helena Cicmil, British
My 5 weeks in Costa Rica have gone beyond my expectations. Read My Full Testimonial »
- 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
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Program Activities
- In-country coordination support
- 24/7 emergency hot line
- Letter of Recommendation
- Certificate
- Travel Insurance Coverage: Read Full Policy Details
- Items not included: Flights, travel insurance, visa costs, in-country transportation during program 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:
- Easter Week
- First two full weeks of July
- 2rd week in December to 2nd week January 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: 2 Weeks
- Maximum project length: 26 Weeks
- Maximum number of volunteers: 14
- Resume or CV required: No
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Project Testimonial: Daniel Schmidth, USA
It was a great opportunity to get to know how other people view the United States and see things from other people's perspectives. Read My Full Testimonial »
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