I got to play sports and games with kids, teach english to adults, meet a ton of people, and even sneak away on weekends to several amazing locations along the Pacific Coast… 
Program Volunteer Costa Rica
Project: Volunteer Teaching Sports and Physical Education in Costa Rica
Upon arrival in San Jose, staff from u-volunteer picked us, another volunteer and myself, up and brought us to the San Ramon where we would be living with a host-family for the duration of our project.
I was placed with an amazing family who introduced me to traditional Costa Rican food, as well as gave me pointers about the town, and made me feel welcome. They did not speak english, so ''charades'' became a ritual throughout my conversations.
My projects, teaching kids PE and assisting at an english school for adults, were both equally fantastic and rewarding.
The first day at INA, the english school, I had to stand in front of the 30 students and give a brief presentation about myself. During the break, six students came up to me to properly introduce themselves, and find out more about me. Throughout the 4 weeks, I got to help them with their pronunciation, watch their presentations and share some stories of my own.
My first day at the elementary school, where I taught PE with another volunteer, was very humbling. As we were pumping up basketballs, the bell rang and tons of kids swarmed around us! They were sooo excited that we were there to teach them sports because it is sadly not usually included into their school curriculum due to lack of funds. The kids gave us hugs and asked us a ton of questions all at the same time. It made me happy to assist in teaching them drills, play games with them, and prove to the little girls that it was just as cool and fun for girls to play sports as it was for boys.
On weekends, it was great to take off with other volunteers, by bus, and travel outside of San Ramon...even if the heat got a tad overwhelming at times. My project was short and sweet however, in the short time I spent in San Ramon, I was able to explore Costa Rica and meet generous, humble, and welcoming Costa Ricans as well as fellow volunteers I can call my friends.
Thanks uVolunteer and Pura Vida
Iza Labbe
