Community Worker for Children

location
4 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Perfect 4.6  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • Put a smile on the children's faces with your volunteer work
  • Experience the "tico" way of life in Costa Rica and life the "pura vida"! :-)
  • Gain Spanish fluency by living and working with a local community

Highlights

  • Put a smile on the children's faces with your volunteer work
  • Experience the "tico" way of life in Costa Rica and life the "pura vida"! :-)
  • Gain Spanish fluency by living and working with a local community
  • Unwind at dream beaches directly at your program place
  • Visit the amazing National Parks that Costa Rica is famous for


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Take an active role in child development and education. Help disadvantaged children in a rural area, right at dream beaches. Get to know Costa Rica off the beaten tracks

    This volunteer initiative is situated in the province of Guanacaste, in a rural area right on the Pacific. It works in the coastal communities of Playa Potrero and Playa Brasilito, where there is a dearth of resources and public services and exclusion of people, especially women, children, and ...

    About the program

    This volunteer initiative is situated in the province of Guanacaste, in a rural area right on the Pacific. It works in the coastal communities of Playa Potrero and Playa Brasilito, where there is a dearth of resources and public services and exclusion of people, especially women, children, and socially marginalized groups, despite an economic boom brought on by rising tourist and foreign investment. Insufficient public education, joblessness, marginalization, aggression, and impoverishment hinder individuals from capitalizing on the economic prospects in the area.

    The goal is to stop the cycle of poverty and violence and help adults and children attain economic stability by offering comprehensive educational and community development initiatives. Children from low-income families can spend their spare time learning, playing, and exploring at the community center. Because many of them come from challenging backgrounds marked by domestic violence or are members of immigrant families from Nicaragua, they also find that someone is listening to their difficulties.

    In addition to English lessons, the program offers various age groups (4-6 years, 7-9 years, 10- 12 years, and teenagers) tutoring in math, reading, writing, and homework support, sports, games, and creativity (art, talent shows, etc.), career guidance for teens, health education, preventing violence (youth and interfamilial), environmental workshops, and much more.

    The center is also dedicated to the general and professional development of the community, as evidenced by the various programs it offers, including adult education, adult English classes, women's self-defense, adult sports, local women's economic development, adult sports programs, a donated computer lab, and community-wide events.

    Volunteers who are tolerant and open-minded are needed for this volunteer program. There is a lot to do, regardless of your abilities in athletics, the arts, listening, presenting, teaching, or tackling. Positive outlook, tolerance, readiness to assist, empathy, and adaptability are what matter.

    Typical day

    You have the exceptional chance to learn more about moral and appropriate voluntary work as a volunteer. Your talents and knowledge will benefit the local community even after you finish your volunteer job. In addition to helping local families and kids, you also advance the area's economy.

    This ...

    Typical day

    You have the exceptional chance to learn more about moral and appropriate voluntary work as a volunteer. Your talents and knowledge will benefit the local community even after you finish your volunteer job. In addition to helping local families and kids, you also advance the area's economy.

    This project has a wide range of tasks. The volunteers can assist with adult education and general community work in addition to their primary support of the children's programs. The majority of the work with the kids happens in the afternoon, which frees up the morning for other pursuits.

    Volunteers work Monday through Friday. When the kids get home from school in the afternoon (between 1:00 and 6:00 p.m.), this is when the majority of the work gets done. Mornings can also be used for administrative tasks, event planning, beach clean-ups, and other activities.

    Tasks that could be assigned include:

    • English language instruction for kids or adults
    • Kids' homework assistance and tutoring
    • Adult computer education
    • Kids' and adults' physical education (ball games, Zumba, surfing, swimming, etc.)
    • Children's and teens' artistic workshops
    • Organizing an event
    • Beaches clean-ups
    • Assistance with women's vocational training programs
    • Support for fundraising
    • Support for administration
    • Control over social media platforms

    Note: There may be variations in the tasks. The quantity of volunteers, the climate, the time of year, the project's present requirements, and self-motivation are some of the variables that affect them. Maybe not every volunteer will take on all of these responsibilities.

    Free-time activities

    The volunteer program is located in a paradise: Playa Potrero, a little coastal hamlet in the northwest of the country, immediately on the Pacific Ocean, about 30 minutes' drive north of Playa Tamarindo, a well-known tourist destination (Guanacaste). About 140 kilometers separate it from San Jose, ...

    Free-time activities

    The volunteer program is located in a paradise: Playa Potrero, a little coastal hamlet in the northwest of the country, immediately on the Pacific Ocean, about 30 minutes' drive north of Playa Tamarindo, a well-known tourist destination (Guanacaste). About 140 kilometers separate it from San Jose, the capital. Above all, this area is known for its stunning bays, peninsulas, and white sand beaches, some of which are the most beautiful, least frequented, and most isolated in the entire nation.

    This region includes well-known national parks including Rincon de la Vieja, Santa Rosa, Monteverde, and Arenal. Guanacaste is the most truly representative of the ancestral cultural legacy (a blend of Spanish and Chorotega culture) in all of Costa Rica. The horse and cattle ranches, where the "Sabaneros" with their horses, big white sombreros, and lassos define the everyday picture, are the characteristic places in the coastal hinterland where people live. Guanacaste is often known as "the Wild West" of Costa Rica because of this.

    Diverse recreational pursuits can be found in the neighboring Tamarindo area, including kayaking, surfing, sailing, snorkeling, diving, fishing, horseback riding, golfing, hiking, and mountain biking. There's a peaceful hideaway for people who just wish to unwind on the gorgeous beach. In the nearby national parks and private reserves, nature enthusiasts can investigate the tropical plants and animals. Tamarindo offers an appealing nightlife that includes restaurants, bars, discos, live music, and even a casino, so night owls get their money's worth.

    This area experiences year-round sunshine and quite comfortable temperatures, which range from 22°C to 34°C. Even though there is a lot of sunshine throughout the dry season, the shore always seems delightfully fresh because to the constant breeze from the north.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak Spanish (intermediate level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    CV and volunteer questionnaire

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 12:30 - 18:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by South America Inside

    Our volunteer community work in Costa Rica includes:
    • Single room in local homestay
    • Breakfast & dinner
    • Advice from our experienced staff
    • On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
    • Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
    • Your placement in the volunteer project
    • Pre-departure information
    • Packing list
    • Country handbook
    • Intercultural guide
    • On-site volunteer coordinator
    • 24/7 emergency number
    • Advice on travel insurance
    • Certificate of participation

    Accommodation

    As part of this volunteer program, lodging is offered in homestays with neighborhood families, giving you the chance to practice your Spanish and fully immerse yourself in the culture. You will experience ordinary life off the beaten path with your hosts, and you will always have someone to contact for advice, queries, and local dos and don'ts. 

    Because breakfast and dinner are included in your homestay, you'll also have the opportunity to experience the local food firsthand.
    You will be housed in a single room while the bathroom can be private or shared.

    Food & Beverages

    Breakfast & dinner are included.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. We assist you to find cheap flights to Costa Rica. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Costa Rica provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Costa Rica you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Costa Rica. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    The volunteer program is up and running throughout the year with the exception of December and January as well as the first two weeks of July. Arrivals are flexible and the program can be started on any day.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    4 weeks (min. stay) 1,446€
    5 weeks 1,646€
    6 weeks 1,845€
    7 weeks 2,045€
    9 weeks 2,444€
    11 weeks 2,843€
    24 weeks (max. stay) 5,437€
    Average fees 293€/week

    Program fees

    293€ per week 4 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    4 - 24 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with South America Inside during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    South America Inside

    Perfect 4.6 rating (128 reviews)

    Agency - founded in 2003

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate

    Coordinated by

    Marion

    Spoken languages: English, German, Spanish

    About the project

    South America Inside promotes intercultural, linguistic and educational exchanges. Its volunteer programs are addressed to students, professionals and retirees.

    Meet your organization

    South America Inside is an intercultural management agency, founded back in 2003, which specializes in the promotion of programs abroad, language travel and educational programs throughout Latin America.

    Since 2007, to enrich the experience of our global-minded clients and to provide them with even more possibilities, South America Inside has been expanding their program offerings throughout South and Central America.

    Working together with some of the best language schools in Latin America, South America Inside provides high quality language courses in almost every Latin American country.

    Thanks to a professional team of motivated and friendly staff, South America Inside has been very successful over the past several years and have been able to establish an outstanding network of what we call "Insider Contacts." To enrich the experience of their clients and to provide them with more possibilities, South America Inside has been expanding our program offerings throughout Central and South America, in addition to our well-established Chilean programs.

    Volunteer Work

    Do you dream of staying abroad while doing something positive? Are you looking for a unique experience that will leave a mark on your life? Then a Volunteer Work program in South America or Central America is perfect for you!

    With South America Inside you can combine an adventure abroad with social commitment, and create lasting memories in Latin America. Support the protection of endangered species; help a local community construct new homes; give new hope to impoverished children.

    The possibilities to lend a hand are diverse, as there are the many places where help is needed. We have classified our volunteer projects in different areas so you can easily find the one (or more!) projects that best match your needs and interests.

    Why with us

    There are many persuasive reasons that speak in favor of South America Inside when it comes to selecting your perfect provider of language, study and volunteer travel abroad. Following, we have prepared a short summary so that you can get us to know a little better.

    Our Insider benefits at a glance:

      Regional Experience
    Over one decade (established in 2003) of dedication to language, work and study travel programs in Latin America. Thanks to our long standing work and life experience in the South American continent, we know this region really well. Therefore, we can help and inform you in a professional and competent way.

      Multifaceted Offers
    Over time we have developed new programs to offer a wide array of work abroad opportunities to our clients. We have been pioneers in launching new exchange programs, as we have been the first in offering Work & Travel/Working Holiday and Farm Stays in Chile and successfully introduced these programs into the market back in 2005. Since 2012, we are the only agency to offer this type of program in Costa Rica.

      Insider Advice
    Despite living in the modern era of the internet, we know that reliable and competent advice is still an important criterion for most of us. At South America Inside, you will find the benefits of an internet provider and an independent travel agency. We will be glad to pass on our extensive knowledge and regional experience.!

      Location
    It is difficult to run programs when there is nobody “on the ground” to evaluate existing options and search for new opportunities. So, we are located in Chile, on location, and we know everything that is going on first hand. We know what it is like to live as a foreigner in South America and will be happy to assist you in making your stay unforgettable!

      Independence
    South America Inside is an independent provider of language courses, internships, volunteer work, Farm Stays and Work & Travel programs in Latin America. We neither depend financially nor structurally on any other company, language school, association or organization. Therefore, we are able to give personalized information in accordance to your needs and availability.

    •  Multilingual Team

    Our team is multilingual and international! We speak fluent English, Spanish and German, as well as some French and Portuguese. With our customers, we can communicate in their native language and we avoid misunderstandings with local partners by communicating in Spanish with them. You can be sure that there will be an English-speaking contact person for you before, during, and after your stay.

      Customer Service
    Excellent customer service is one of the most important goals for South America Inside, and this is evident with the positive feedback we regularly receive from our many happy clients. Emails are answered within 48 business hours and every client is treated with the same friendliness and expertise.

      Gapless and Accurate Information flow
    With South America Inside you will have one and the same contact person before, during and after your trip. With that said, we guarantee a gapless and accurate information flow and you will always be very well informed.

      Approved Program Places
    Many of our program places, especially in the area of internships and volunteer work, are designed in the way that they will be recognized by most universities, colleges or academies.

    128 reviews · rating4.6

    Gabriel P. rating5

    2024 at Community Worker for Children

    Letzten Mittwoch bin ich in Libera gelandet. Die Reise war relativ lang und mit Verspätung. Nach 15 Stunden bin ich dann im Hostel angekommen. Ich brauchte einen Moment um mich dran zu gewöhnen. Ich blieb bis am Sonntag in Liberia und habe auch dort schon Leute kennen gelernt 🙂 Am Sonntag ...
    Marc A. rating4.8

    2024 at Community Worker for Children

    Es geht mir gut und ich bin nun schon in der zweitletzten Woche. Die Zeit geht so schnell vorbei. Ich bin gut eingearbeitet und mein spanisch hat sich stets verbessert. Natürlich nocht nicht fliessend aber ich benutze meinen Übersetzer nicht mehr so häufig wie am Anfang.☺️ Fühle mich sehr ...
    Regina N. rating5

    2024 at Help Stray Dogs

    Die Arbeit gefällt mir sehr gut! Ich bin super reingekommen und fühle mich sehr wohl 🙂 Die Menschen sind sehr offen und freundlich! Herzlichen Dank! ...
    Alex S. rating5

    2024 at Help Stray Dogs

    Mir geht’s prima. War ein langer Tag, bin daher auch gut kaputt 🙂 Sowohl Spanischkurs als auch die Arbeit im Tierheim machen sehr viel Spaß! Ich muss zwar all das bisschen, was ich an Spanisch kann, zusammenkratzen, um durch den Tag zu kommen, aber das wird sicherlich besser mit der Zeit ...
    Stacey Garratt rating5

    2024 at Local Women Empowerment Supporter

    I have been travelling for 7 months in total and just had the most wonderful experience in Ecuador. I can confidently say in the last 6 weeks I have created my favourite memories of this journey in an all-encompassing way. Firstly, the program itself was incredible, I constantly felt supported, ...
    Nathalie K. rating5

    2024 at Local Wildlife Helper

    Everything is alright. The family host in San José is very kind. I visited San José yesterday. This morning I arrived at the rescue center and it's amazing! It beautifull, the animals are so cute. And the volonteers are very friendly. Thanks for everything and have a good ...

    Location

    Americas > Central America > Costa Rica > Playa Potrero

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