Kids English Teacher

location
4 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Outstanding 4.9  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • Become more passionate and teach others as you gain hands-on international language teaching experience.
  • Make lifelong memories as you explore the area, see secret waterfalls, surf amazing waves, and watch breathtaking sunsets in between classes.
  • Learn effective and meaningful ways to create and deliver language lessons with eager locals who are excited to learn English.

Highlights

  • Become more passionate and teach others as you gain hands-on international language teaching experience.
  • Make lifelong memories as you explore the area, see secret waterfalls, surf amazing waves, and watch breathtaking sunsets in between classes.
  • Learn effective and meaningful ways to create and deliver language lessons with eager locals who are excited to learn English.
  • Enjoy local cuisine while living at our modern yet rustic lodge located one minute from the waves.
  • Experience local beach town life while working hand-in-hand with children and adult learners in Matapalo, Costa Rica.


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+
    Wheel Chairs

    About the program

    Become an important member of our language school in a tropical beach town. Join the fun & make a long lasting difference for learners in beautiful Matapalo, Costa Rica!

    Our program empowers volunteers to gain professional and personal experience while helping children and adults from a low-income community learn English. WeVol is located on the pristine Matapalo beach just fifteen minutes north of Dominical and thirty minutes south of Quepos-Manuel Antonio. Known ...

    About the program

    Our program empowers volunteers to gain professional and personal experience while helping children and adults from a low-income community learn English. WeVol is located on the pristine Matapalo beach just fifteen minutes north of Dominical and thirty minutes south of Quepos-Manuel Antonio. Known for its beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and laid back culture, Costa Rica is consistently a top choice for eager globetrotters. 

    Matapalo evokes the Costa Rica of yesteryear with empty beaches, roadside ceviche shacks, and endless miles of stunning beaches and vibrant tropical jungle. Volunteers not only get to know and work with local Costa Ricans of all ages, but truly experience the Pura Vida lifestyle that attracts so many travelers to this peaceful nation. Our experienced staff will train you on effective English teaching skills so you are prepared to deliver engaging language lessons. Your work will directly impact the livelihood of locals who are dependent on tourism and parents who are eager for their children to speak English. 

    After classes, those who enjoy catching their own dinner will have a chance to catch a red snapper or a tasty bass. Immerse yourself in a Costa Rican community while supporting our long-term language learning project and experience a unique opportunity to live closely and work with local families. Based on volunteers´desires, you will be working with children or adults and living in picturesque Matapalo beach. 

    In addition, volunteers are encouraged to spearhead innovative teaching programs based on their skills and experience. WeVOL accepts volunteers who are traveling solo, partners, groups, and families. Volunteers receive a certificate of completion for service hours worked. If you are interested in getting even more active, we encourage you to seek extreme sports by enrolling in Surf School, going horseback riding, rafting or kayaking, and more exciting area excursions. Plus, you can join WeVol's Spanish Classes for an additional fee.


    Typical day

    7:30: Breakfast (provided)
    8:00 - 11:00: English Teaching at WeVol
    11:00 - 12:00: Free Time
    12: 00 - 13:30: Cleaning up, preparing lessons and materials, organizing for the next day
    13:30 - 14:30: Fresh Lunch
    14:30 - 16:30: Kids After School Camp
    16:30 - 17:30: Beach time - sunset, beach walks, surf
    17:30 ...

    Typical day

    7:30: Breakfast (provided)
    8:00 - 11:00: English Teaching at WeVol
    11:00 - 12:00: Free Time
    12: 00 - 13:30: Cleaning up, preparing lessons and materials, organizing for the next day
    13:30 - 14:30: Fresh Lunch
    14:30 - 16:30: Kids After School Camp
    16:30 - 17:30: Beach time - sunset, beach walks, surf
    17:30 - 19:30: Shower, call home, internet time
    19:30: Healthy Dinner


    Free-time activities

    Participants will have free time to enjoy sunsets daily and maximize their weekend fun. In addition to the stunning beach, Matapalo also has a great skate park, paved roads for cycling, and a well-maintained soccer field. Located in between Dominical and Manuel Antonio National Park, our town is ...

    Free-time activities

    Participants will have free time to enjoy sunsets daily and maximize their weekend fun. In addition to the stunning beach, Matapalo also has a great skate park, paved roads for cycling, and a well-maintained soccer field. Located in between Dominical and Manuel Antonio National Park, our town is full of options during your free time. Besides the beach activities, participants can shop at the thriving local artisan market in Dominical, head to Quepos to find unique souvenirs, and experience the local farmers´ market which is a sensory overload of smells, colors, and beautiful people. The free time activities here are endless and the only challenge will be fitting them all in before you head home or continue your travels.

    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 English (fluently)

    Education Requirements

    at High School Diploma level

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    High School or College Diploma and Letter of Reference

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    Native or Fluent English Speaker

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 07:00 - 14:30

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by WeVOL

    • Arrival Transportation
    • Shared Room Accommodation
    • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner daily
    • Orientation & Teacher Training
    • Transportation to School & Language Center
    • Waterfall Tour
    • Early morning, mid-afternoon or late evening snack daily
    • Surfboards (with Surf School programs)

    Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

    All participants fly into SJO International Airport and our taxi driver will be there to greet you. The WeVOL driver will take you from SJO airport to the Tracopa bus terminal. Prior to your arrival, we will have communicated and you will have your bus ticket in the form of a QR code. The bus trip takes less than 4 hours and brings you directly to Playa Matapalo. The WeVOL team will meet you at the bus stop (about 3 minutes away from WeVOL) and bring you to the lodge to meet everyone. 

    Accommodation

    Matapalo is a small beach town on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast that thrives on a new tourism industry.  Our rooms are comfortable, unique, and perfect to experience the natural beauty of Costa Rica while relaxing in between classes and exploring. All rooms have a private bathroom and air conditioning is available. Rooms are comfortable with double, twin, and bunk beds and include all basic features needed to ensure a comfortable stay and total privacy during your down time. Our accommodations are designed to fit and blend in to our natural surroundings and tropical gardens. Relax and unwind as you hear the sounds of waves and wildlife. We spend every afternoon enjoying the blazing sunsets and often share time with evening bonfires as the moon rises over the ocean. WeVOL participants live in a tropical, coastal environment, it’s recommended that you bring plenty of sunscreen and bug spray. Be sure to bring a flashlight or headlamp. Don’t forget your swim suit and a rash guard. The weather is very hot, so pack light summer clothes.

    Food & Beverages

    We are known for our great food! Enjoy healthy, locally sourced meals with the freshest ingredients along with caring, friendly service. We are proud to serve fresh and local produce whenever possible in all of our dishes. Our extensive menu caters to all types of lifestyles and dietary requirements or preferences.

    Sample Menu:

    Breakfast:
    Fresh local fruit (mangoes, bananas, pineapples)
    Toast and Cereal
    Eggs
    Cheese

    Lunch:

    • Chicken Salad Sandwich with provolone on wheat roll with vegetables
    • Vegetarian: Eggplant sandwich on wheat roll with vegetables

    Dinner:

    • Pasta Salad with ham
    • Vegetarian: Pasta Salad with garlic mushrooms

    All dietary requirements are catered for (food allergies, vegan, vegetarian, no seafood, dairy free, etc). 
    Our team enjoys meeting the needs of our volunteers - fresh fruit, drinking water, juices, and coffee/tea are provided.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    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

    Volunteers can arrive any day and WeVOL provides local bus transportation from the Tracopa bus terminal located near SJO airport. The bus ticket is provided by WeVOL and the bus takes you to the entrance of Playa Matapalo. WeVOL leaders will meet you there and we will be in communication using WhatsApp prior to your arrival and during the bus trip. The ride is less than 4 hours from the bus terminal to Playa Matapalo.

    Participants stay at Guava Lodge located in Matapalo, Costa Rica. Guava Lodge is a five-room modern lodge with a studio apartment and a restaurant on-site. Guava Lodge is located 200 meters from the ocean and has a lovely tropical garden with lush flora and fascinating fauna - imagine monkeys, scarlet macaws, avocado trees and hibiscus flowers! Each room has a private bathroom. Towels and linens are provided. Our staff will make sure that you will feel at home as soon as you arrive.

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

    Program fees

    4 weeks (min. stay) 1,771€
    5 weeks 2,220€
    6 weeks 2,668€
    7 weeks 3,117€
    8 weeks 3,541€
    9 weeks 3,990€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 5,337€
    Average fees 443€/week

    Program fees

    443€ per week 4 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    4 - 12 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 WeVOL during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    WeVOL

    Outstanding 4.9 rating (49 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 2022

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate

    Coordinated by

    Kerri

    Spoken languages: Spanish, English

    About the project

    WeVOL offers meaningful voluntourism and adventure programs supporting English learning in local public schools and community development projects in rural Costa Rica.

    Meet your organization

    Travel Like You Care is our motto and WeVOL knows how to do it!
    WeVOL accepts eager globetrotters who want to experience and give back to Costa Rica in meaningful and memorable ways.

    Who we are? 
    The WeVOL team is composed of bilingual international tourism and education professionals who have worked in Costa Rica for more than twenty years. We are ready to assist you during every step of your travel and volunteer experience. Our team consists of Costa Rican and international staff members who lead and manage volunteer activities, provide delicious and nutritious meals, and ensure that lodging and amenities meet your expectations. Our team enjoys working AND playing hard, plus sharing the Pura Vida lifestyle with all participants. We are more than happy to share our local knowledge with volunteers. We offer Pre-Trip Packing and Arrival Support, Orientation & Training upon arrival, and dedicated support during your volunteer work. 

    What we do?
    Our program empowers volunteers to gain professional and personal experience while also helping and supporting people living in a low-income community.  To do this, WeVOL offers meaningful volunteer experiences that combine hard work, dedication, a desire to explore cultures and meet new people, and a mutual cross-cultural exchange of talents and expertise. Immerse yourself in a Costa Rican community while supporting our long- and short-term projects, plus experience a unique opportunity to live and work with local families. WeVOL takes the stress out of trip planning so our participants truly maximize their well-deserved vacation time.

    Where we work?
    WeVOL is located in Matapalo, Costa Rica - an ideal destination for first-time and experienced volunteers. Costa Rica boosts progressive environmental and social policies and is widely considered one of the most sustainable countries on our planet. At the same time, Costa Rica is still a developing country with a low national income and a number of socioeconomic issues. WeVOL offers a variety of ways for eager travelers to get involved and help the vulnerable population living in our quaint beach town. Not only will you support positive community development as a volunteer with WeVOL and make new friends, you will also relish in the natural beauty of our lodge. All rooms are nestled in a lush garden surrounded by fruit trees (imagine: avocados growing right outside of your window) and is located less than a 1-minute walk to the beach.

    Visitors to Costa Rica must have a valid passport as well as proof of their exit from the country before their visa or entry stamp expires. The visa stamp is usually 90 days. Proof of exit is needed and the immigration officer will ask for it upon your arrival and possibly from your point of departure. Entry into Costa Rica is valid for all countries. 

    Our Mission
    WeVOL's mission is to save eager globetrotters stress, time, and money while supporting their personal goals of giving back to local communities and experiencing meaningful cross-cultural exchange. 

    Our Goals
    As an innovative international volunteer and travel company, WeVOL's goal is for all participants to contribute their time to work on projects and causes with the aim of bringing benefits and knowledge to our local beach community. 

    Who are we looking for?
    WeVOL welcomes and supports travelers from all over the world, with special needs or handicapped, and regardless of religious or political views, sexual orientation, or race. Participants working directly with schoolchildren in local schools are required to be 18 years of age or older and be fluent or native English speaker. 

    Why choose us?
    Travel Like You Care is our motto and WeVOL knows how to do it!
    We have a great beach town location and modern lodge. We will be sure your volunteer time is well spent. Plus, you will enjoy three amazingly delicious and fresh meals per day. The WeVOL team is excited to receive volunteers from around the world - you will be in great and knowledgable hands! 

    Accommodation
    Volunteers stay at our modern and fully equipped lodge located less than a 1-minute walk from the beach. Each room has a maximum of three volunteers and there is a private bathroom in each room. Accommodations are high quality, modern, clean, and comfortable with free high-speed WiFi connection.

    Volunteer Work
    A half-day orientation will be provided for all volunteers. Culture, greetings, locations, transportation, safety, and volunteer requirements are discussed and agreed upon during Orientation with the local staff and team. As needed, transportation will be provided to-and-from volunteer work sites and schools. All participants will receive a certificate of completion at the end of their volunteer program.

    Meals
    Volunteers are provided with three freshly cooked meals a day. Meals vary and generally include freshly made soups, vegetables, meat, salad, rice, potatoes, juice, dessert. Plus, we cater to all dietary restrictions and preferences. 

    49 reviews · rating4.9

    Lena Sophie Aspmair rating5

    2024 at Kids English Teacher

    This was honestly the best start into my gap year I could have wished for! I spent a month with Kerri at WeVOL and I felt so at home - Kerri is a brilliant person that has an amazing impact on the local community and cares so much for both the volunteers she hosts and the children she works so hard ...
    Jarmin Paddick rating5

    2024 at Kids English Teacher

    Where do I start... Matapalo, and WeVol, will forever have a place in my heart. And, it just can't keep me away! The kids are full of gratitude, love, and fun! It is human connection in its purest form. You will leave Costa Rica having gained perspective that you wouldn't have imagined. Be prepared ...
    Rachel Chesterton rating5

    2024 at Kids English Teacher

    I loved being part of it. Kerri is passionate about what she does and about the local kids. She is such a vital part of the community and to get an insight into the life of the town and how to try and help was such a joy and privilege. I was very sad to ...
    Juul van Heemskerck van Beest rating4.8

    2023 at Kids English Teacher

    I recently had the privilege of participating in a remarkable volunteer project in Matapalo, and I am excited to share my experience. This endeavor involved working with children, and I must say that it was an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding journey. The care and support provided by Kerri and ...
    Caroline Corcoles rating4.4

    2023 at Kids English Teacher

    I spent two wonderful months in Matapalo, being part of the WeVol team. WeVol is a small and very close knitted community, and Kerri and Jaime are amazing hosts. A kindhearted couple, always making sure to put the well-being of the volunteers first. They were like a family to me and made me feel ...
    Monica de Luca rating4.2

    2023 at Kids English Teacher

    I had a great experience volunteering with WeVol! The hosts were very welcoming and made myself and my group feel comfortable. We had the opportunity to help the children with English lessons & organize activities. Would definitely recommend to ...

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    Spanish, English

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