from 1,730€

Outstanding 4.9rating (49)

Adult English Tutor

location
4 - 8 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

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

Highlights

  • Experience local beach town life while teaching 1-on-1 classes to adult learners in Matapalo, Costa Rica.
  • Enjoy local cuisine while living at our modern yet rustic lodge located one minute from the waves.
  • 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 design and deliver language lessons with learners who are motivated to learn English.
  • Become more passionate and teach others as you gain hands-on international language teaching experience.

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+
Wheel Chairs

About the program

Become an impactful member of our language school. Join the fun & make a long lasting difference for your adult students in beautiful Matapalo and Dominical, Costa Rica!

Our program empowers tutors to gain professional and personal experience by teaching 1-on-1 English classes to adults from a low-income community. WeVol is located on the pristine Matapalo beach just fifteen minutes north of Dominical and thirty minutes south of Quepos-Manuel Antonio. The WeVol ...

About the program

Our program empowers tutors to gain professional and personal experience by teaching 1-on-1 English classes to adults from a low-income community. WeVol is located on the pristine Matapalo beach just fifteen minutes north of Dominical and thirty minutes south of Quepos-Manuel Antonio. The WeVol Language Academy is located in Dominical, so volunteers truly become an integral member of this rural beach area by teaching in Dominical and living in Matapalo.

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 from decades ago with empty beaches, roadside ceviche shacks, and endless miles of stunning beaches and vibrant tropical jungle. Tutors not only get to know and work with Costa Ricans who are motivated to learn, but truly experience the Pura Vida lifestyle that attracts so many travelers to this peaceful nation. Our experienced teaching 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.

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. 

WeVol accepts volunteer tutors 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)
8:30 - 9:00: Commute or Prepare for Classes
9:00 - 11:30: English Teaching
11:30 - 13:30: Prepare and organize lessons & materials for the next day
13:30 - 14:30: Lunch
14:30 - 16:00: Tutoring Sessions
16:00 - 19:30: Beach & Relax- sunset, beach walk, surf lesson

19:30: Healthy ...

Typical day

7:30: Breakfast (provided)
8:30 - 9:00: Commute or Prepare for Classes
9:00 - 11:30: English Teaching
11:30 - 13:30: Prepare and organize lessons & materials for the next day
13:30 - 14:30: Lunch
14:30 - 16:00: Tutoring Sessions
16:00 - 19:30: Beach & Relax- sunset, beach walk, surf lesson

19:30: Healthy Dinner

Free-time activities

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. Participants will have free time to enjoy sunsets daily and maximize their weekend fun.  Located in between Dominical and Manuel Antonio National Park, our ...

Free-time activities

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. Participants will have free time to enjoy sunsets daily and maximize their weekend fun.  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. In addition to the stunning beach, Matapalo also has a great skate park, paved roads for cycling, and a well-maintained soccer field.

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

Nationality Restrictions

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

Other Skills

Previous Teaching Experience Preferred

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 07:30 - 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) 1,730€
6 weeks 2,607€
8 weeks (max. stay) 3,460€
Average fees 432€/week

Program fees

432€ per week 4 - 8 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

4 - 8 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

Ralph Dreißig rating4.6

2023 at Adult English Tutor

I was there for 6 weeks. My main job was to teach English to adults, but I was also involved in many other projects, such as renovating the elementary school, helping with the reforestation project, assisting the WeVol team with two high school classes from the US, and helping with the children's ...
Gabi Jeffrey rating4.8

2022 at Adult English Tutor

We were able to enjoy a small town while making an impact. We volunteering teaching English to tourism professionals, invest in some long term projects in local schools, and meet some of the kids via a community party. Worthwhile. Our hosts were great. Food awesome and accommodation and travel all ...
Madison Ditullio rating5

2024 at Reforestation and Community Development

Words cannot describe the feeling of joy and happiness you get when you spend time with the kids of Matapalo and giving back to their community. I have not stopped raving about my time with Kerri and Jamie at WeVol Costa Rica. I canot wait to come back and see how far these kids have come since the ...
Volunteering at WeVOL was an experience that holds a special place in my heart. From painting a mural with local children to immersing myself in the vibrant wildlife and beach life of Matapalo, every moment was filled with unforgettable memories. What truly made the experience extraordinary was the ...
Iris Brockmann rating5

2024 at Reforestation and Community Development

Much more than fine - GREAT: - the people - The hosts, the kids, friends and neigbours - kind, helpfull, awake, with humor, energie, interessted, kreativ, - the project - supporting communal development - the kids, the nature, the village with so verity, kreativ, flexible timetable, amazing ...
I had a wonderful time at WeVol. Kerri and Jaime are both very wholehearted and inspiring people. Matapalo is a very nice place to stay and the sunset at the beach is amazing. We painted a mural in school, cleaned up a park and I also got to work with the kids. All in all, it was very enriching and ...

Location


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Spanish, English

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