Support Children in Schools in Beach Villages

location
4 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Fantastic 4.5  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • Be part of a transformative project, offering essential English classes and creative subjects to prepare Costa Rican children for a brighter future in the expanding tourism industry.
  • Teach in rural schools between Sámara and Nosara, where classes are small and intimate, allowing you to build strong connections with students and truly make a difference.
  • Experience the beauty of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast while immersing yourself in its culture, all while giving back to local communities through your teaching and creativity.

Highlights

  • Be part of a transformative project, offering essential English classes and creative subjects to prepare Costa Rican children for a brighter future in the expanding tourism industry.
  • Teach in rural schools between Sámara and Nosara, where classes are small and intimate, allowing you to build strong connections with students and truly make a difference.
  • Experience the beauty of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast while immersing yourself in its culture, all while giving back to local communities through your teaching and creativity.
  • You’ll be working with motivated local educators and students, making a meaningful contribution while enjoying the support of a passionate community.


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    If you are interested in working with children and giving classes in English, sports, arts or other subjects, you're in demand in the little schools in beach villages.

    About the Program

    Update January 2022:

    The global Corona pandemic has also affected our cooperation with government schools and completely paralyzed them for almost two years. Currently it is still quite difficult in the state schools with which we have cooperated so far, because they are still ...

    About the program

    About the Program

    Update January 2022:

    The global Corona pandemic has also affected our cooperation with government schools and completely paralyzed them for almost two years. Currently it is still quite difficult in the state schools with which we have cooperated so far, because they are still 'behind' with the curricula and the exams.

    Currently we have started a cooperation with a small private school near Nosara, which works according to the Montessori pedagogy. This school is run by a Costa Rican couple, is accredited by the Costa Rican Ministry of Education and has about 60 students. Although a monthly tuition fee is charged, it is not an 'elite school for rich kids' - the school also awards many scholarships to families without adequate income.

    All the following information and task descriptions apply just as much to the private school - only the vacation periods (see there) are a little different and shorter.


    In any case, we plan to resume cooperation with the state schools as soon as possible. As a general rule, only volunteers with full immunizations will be accepted to work with the children.

    If you are interested in working with children and giving classes en English, sports, arts or other subjects, you're in demand in the local schools. In most of the 'escuelas' in this area the children only have lessons in Spanish, Math, Social Science and Natural Science due to the lack of teachers and financial resources. Your classes will be in the afternoons after the regular classes and they are free for the children.

    English especially is getting more and more important for Costaricans to provide better opportunities in the expanding tourism market, wich is the main income sector in this country. Therefor especially the parents are very interested in English classes. Additional subjects that stimulates their creativity and develop their individuality are important for an adequate education and are very popular for the children. Your volunteering in teaching assistance and your efforts in creating new material will be very much appreciated!

    We work with 5-8 schools and Kindergardens in the area between Sámara and Nosara on the pacific coast. These schools are very small - some only have one classroom, 16 children of 6 levels and one teacher. 

    Furthermore we highly appreciate from the volunteers to be active and motivated by themselves, to offer language classes for the local youth and adults and bring their own ideas for the community progress.

    Between Christmas and New Year the school is closed. 

    During the school holidays there will be holiday programs for the children!

    Our Volunteers

    Our volunteers should be creative and have a talent for improvisation as even the most basic resources are often limited and require to use your imagination. We are looking for motivated, responsible and independently working volunteers. They should have a basic knowledge of the Spanish language and bring clothes for a decent dress code. It would be great if the volunteers could bring all kind of didactic material (books, games, music...).

    The Location

    The schools are located on the northwest pacific coast of Costa Rica in Guanacaste between Sámara and Nosara.



    Typical day

    As we work with several kindergardens, elementary schools and also schools raised from private foundations the typical day structure varies a lot! Mostly you will not find such a strict time schedule as you might be used to ... and please be open for the actual needs of the school. 

    Your time in the ...

    Typical day

    As we work with several kindergardens, elementary schools and also schools raised from private foundations the typical day structure varies a lot! Mostly you will not find such a strict time schedule as you might be used to ... and please be open for the actual needs of the school. 

    Your time in the school may change between 2 and 6 hours a day and there is more work if you offer extra activities after school. 

    Your Tasks

    Your work mainly includes:

    • Teaching English, sports, games, art and craft or other subjects
    • 2-4 hours of work with the children in the mornings, the afternoon or both
    • in some schools: joining and helping the teacher in the morning classes; administrative work in the school
    • cleaning the facilities you use in the school and the volunteer office; maintainance of the material collection and preparing new material
    • preparing school events like sport activities, presentations, exhibitions, beach cleanings
    • help in the recycle program and in community service: beautifying projects, gardening, making playgrounds, painting etc. according to the actual needs of the community


    Free-time activities

    After work you can go to the beach, swim, surf or snorkel. The next village with leisure time possibilities is not far: there are tours for watching dolphins, kayaking, canopy, fishing and others. Go out in the evenings to listen to music and dance.

    On the weekends you can go on tours in and around ...

    Free-time activities

    After work you can go to the beach, swim, surf or snorkel. The next village with leisure time possibilities is not far: there are tours for watching dolphins, kayaking, canopy, fishing and others. Go out in the evenings to listen to music and dance.

    On the weekends you can go on tours in and around this area and there are a lot of places to visit in Costa Rica: National Park Monteverde, National Park Manuel Antonio, Volcano Arenal, visit the caribbean coast, visit our rainforest lodge, go on a trip to Nicaragua or Panamá ...


    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 (intermediate level) or Spanish (basic level)

    Education Requirements

    at High school graduation level

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    CV and letter of motivation

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    Bring creativity and talent for improvisation as even the most basic resources are often limited and require to use your imagination. You should enjoy to work independently and self-motivated. And, first of all, you should have fun and be conscious of the responsibility to work with children (6-12 years).

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by first hand Costa Rica

    We organize the journey to the project and we also do hostel reservations in San José if needed (mostly it is needed!) - and, if you will combine projects, we will also organize the transportation between the projects. You will have to pay the cost for the pickup and the transport.

    Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

    You will be picked up at the airport by our driver with a sign with your name and you will directly get in contact with your german, english, spanish speaking coordinator via phone. The driver will drive you to the reserved hostel (if necessary), give you the bus ticket (he will buy a ticket in advance to reserve you a seat in the bus), pick you up at the hostel the day of your journey to the project and bring you to the bus.
    You will be picked up from the bus by your coordinator and/or the guestfamiliy.
    The cost will be around 70 US$ plus the hostel night (about 13 US$ (dorm) and 45 US$ (single/double room).

    Accommodation

    You will be living with a family in the village and you will have your own room - maybe shared with another volunteer but mostly you will have your own family!

    The rooms of our guest families are pretty different - just as different as individual tastes and economic possibilities are! So, please don't expect your room to be exactly like the one you find in the photos (we will have to update some photos soon) ... maybe your room is completely different! Our philosophy is not to choose a project because of its accommodation - it will be definitely be a lot more rustic than you are used to and you will experience that life in Costa Rica doesn't take part inside the houses, but outside. 

    We have many many years of experience with our volunteers in our guest families and we haven't had one single case in which a volunteer couldn't get along with the room ... so, wether your room is very nice or not, doesn't say anything about the heartiness of your family and the wonderful experiences you make in the project! ;-) 

    Food & Beverages

    You'll enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner with the family based on the tipical Costarican diet, for example rice, beans, vegetables, meat and fruit.

    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

    This program is available all year. Please have the school holidays in mind: 

    State schools:
    • mid December until mid February (there will be holiday programs) 
    • Easter week
    • last weeks of June / first week of July (no holiday program)

    Private school:
    • Start of school: first week in January
    • Easter week
    • last weeks of June / first week of July (no holiday program)
    • last week of September
    • Exams - middle of October
    • November/December: Extra activities 'campamento'

    It starts every Monday. Please arrive at least one day before the programs starts. Your family will welcome you already on Friday before your project starts.  

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

    Program fees

    4 weeks (min. stay) 1,367€
    6 weeks 1,766€
    8 weeks 2,205€
    12 weeks 3,082€
    16 weeks 3,960€
    24 weeks (max. stay) 5,476€
    Average fees 284€/week

    Program fees

    284€ 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 first hand Costa Rica during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    first hand Costa Rica

    Fantastic 4.5 rating (100 reviews)

    Agency - founded in 2006

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate

    Coordinated by

    Sofia

    Spoken languages: French, Spanish, German, English

    About the project

    We offer you to immerse in the daily life of costarican families and work routines of teaching and conservation projects. These new found knowledges teach you a lot.

    Meet your organization

    In 1994 we at first hand moved to Costa Rica and everything started when my son went to a little elementary school near Sámara: 11 children, 6 degrees, one classroom and one teacher. We started bringing volunteers to this little school and 'poco a poco' other schools addressed us with interest of having volunteers and families offered themselves for having volunteers in their house.

    Since then a lot has changed and developed at first hand – we started many new teaching programs and conservation projects all over the country – but one thing is still the same: we have a very personal and very close contact to all of our schools, guestfamilies and projects. We live in Costa Rica and we will be there when you need us!

    First hand offers volunteer opportunities in schools, kindergarten, music schools, turtle camps, animal reserves, macaw stations, farms and in the rainforest.

    We, the agency for volunteer work first hand, are in direct contact with schools and environmental conservation projects planning, organizing and joining our volunteers during this unforgettable and worthy experience!

    We have 20 years experience of living in Costa Rica and feel commited to the people, comunitary help and sustainable ecological development. Through the 'Asociación Intercambio Cultural ALEGRIA - AICA', a non-profit organization, we have been promoting intercultural exchange in all areas of artistic expression and organizing festivals and benefit events. 

    First hand offers projects almost everywhere in Costa Rica. San Jose, Islita, Buena Vista, Manzanillo, Drake Bay, Mata Palo...just to name a few!

    Our Vision

    first hand wants to contribute to a sustainable development and mutual respect by intercultural exchange and learning from each other.

    Why volunteering with first hand?

    Your contribution makes the difference in educating children, preserving marine turtles or other animals and protecting the rainforests of Costa Rica. You live and work with locals and you get to learn the real life of Costaricans. Every day you deal directly with opinions, lifestyles and routines of a different culture. These new found knowledges teach you more about yourself! You learn or improve your spanish skills. Language is the key to understanding the values of a different culture. Work experiences in foreign countries are indispensable in times of globalization. A volunteer based commitment will open many doors for you.

    About Costa Rica

    Costa Rica is a little tropical paradise between two oceans. Hardly any other country has such an abundance of plants and animals on such a small terrain. 25% of it's area is protected by national parks. Active volcanos, hot springs, rain and cloud forests, mountain rivers, spectacular waterfalls, subterranean caves, coral reefs, mangroves, amazing caribbean and pacific beaches and a fascinating animal world invite you to discover and enjoy.

    Costa Rica has the oldest democracy in Latin America, a working social system, responsable environmental laws and is the only country in the world that has no army. The relaxed 'pura vida' lifestyle of the 'ticos' and their hospitality towards visitors make it one of the safest top destinations in Latin America.

    100 reviews · rating4.5

    Mélina Valloir Cherki rating4.4

    2023 at Support Children in Schools in Beach Villages

    This has been the best trip of my life. This experience was incredible on all levels. First of all the family that hosted me were very kind, very welcoming and very present when I needed help. Secondly, in regards to the school that I helped out in, everyone there was extremely nice to me and made ...
    Translated: "I will never forget the past five months. If I had to describe my time in Costa Rica in a word, then it would be: super-toller-fun-experience-experience-richly-beautiful !!! I have been allowed to live in a very nice and big family and even had my own room and also bathroom. There was ...
    Translated: "After my arrival in Esterones near Sámara I was warmly received by my dear host family. I was accommodated in my own small house with toilet and cold shower, next to the house of my large host family (four generations). The food was simple but delicious and my host mother always made ...
    „Im Sommer 2018 verbrachte ich vier spannende Wochen als Volunteer in Garca, Costa Rica. Mein Wunsch war es mit Kindern an der Grundschule zu arbeiten. Arabella und Didier waren meine Gasteltern. Sie leben mitten im Gruenen und betreiben einen grossen Hof mit vielen Schafen, Huehnern und Schweine. ..
    My time in Costa Rica was just great! Esterones is a small village close to the wonderful Pacific. I stayed for four weeks and felt like “ at home“ there. I had my own nice appartment right to my guestparents house. Their kitchen was open for me and so I enjoyed the wonderful fresh fruits ...
    Due to the great communication with first hand. I decided to volunteer quite quickly. It has been six unforgettable weeks for me. I stayed with my host family in a little village called Matapalo. I had a great time with my host family they treated me like their own daughter from the very beginning. ..

    Location


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      Very high response rate
    French, Spanish, German, English

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