Teach at an Elementary School

location
4 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

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

Highlights

  • Dive into the "tico" way of life, embracing the vibrant culture of Costa Ricans.
  • Immerse in a country renowned for its rich biodiversity and idyllic beaches, awakening your sense of wonder.
  • Enrich your resume with valuable international volunteer experience, affirming your dedication to global impact.

Highlights

  • Dive into the "tico" way of life, embracing the vibrant culture of Costa Ricans.
  • Immerse in a country renowned for its rich biodiversity and idyllic beaches, awakening your sense of wonder.
  • Enrich your resume with valuable international volunteer experience, affirming your dedication to global impact.
  • Forge friendships with like-minded individuals from around the world, uniting to make a difference.
  • Expand your intercultural horizons, fully immersing yourself in a new, enriching way of life.


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    50+

    About the program

    Work as a volunteer teacher at an elementary school in Costa Rica. Be a role model for children and give them new perspectives for their future! 👨‍🏫

    The Program

    During this volunteer project, you will help provide education for children between the ages of 5-12 in a Costa Rican school. Some schools also have younger children that are in kindergarten or pre-kindergarten. Depending on the school, there could be between 100-650 children. 

    As ...

    About the program

    The Program

    During this volunteer project, you will help provide education for children between the ages of 5-12 in a Costa Rican school. Some schools also have younger children that are in kindergarten or pre-kindergarten. Depending on the school, there could be between 100-650 children. 

    As a volunteer, you can decide whether you would like to work full-time or part-time, as the schools are flexible with their work schedules. Although no teaching experience or special skills are needed for this project, volunteers should be patient, willing to work independently, proactive, and creative.

    At the schools, children are taught regular school subjects, such as science, math, and geography. Lessons in art, music, computing, and physical education are also offered. English is taught as their foreign language class.

    Usually, the children at the schools come from low-income families. The schools are financed by an annual budget from the government, and parents only have to pay a small tuition fee and for some school materials.

    The Location

    Costa Rica's capital San José is located in the heart of this small country. From there, you can reach all of Costa Rica’s attractions in a few hours, some natural beauties like the Irazu volcano and several national parks are even right at the doorstep! With around 340,000 inhabitants, San José itself is not very large, but due to its role as the capital and its central location, it is the country's economic, political and cultural center. 

    The inhabitants call themselves "Josefinos" and most are descendants of Italian or Spanish immigrants. These influences are reflected in the architecture and cityscape, which seem very Mediterranean. San José is a pretty town with attractive theaters, museums, art galleries, cultural events – and not at last a lively nightlife. Colorful markets invite you to stroll and shop and on nice places you can relax and watch the hustle and bustle. 

    As in all of Costa Rica, there are hardly any "real" addresses in the capital - street signs are usually not found, just like house numbers. Addresses are rather descriptions, like: Name of the district, 200m south of the red church, the house with the green door. Or: Fourth house next to the gas station behind the supermarket. Sounds adventurous? But it works!


    Typical day

    As a volunteer you may carry out the following tasks and responsibilities:

    • Teaching arts and crafts
    • Teaching languages (English)
    • Preparing materials for the lessons
    • Organizing activities and games
    • Playing sports and outdoor games
    • Helping out with light chores necessary for ...

    Typical day

    As a volunteer you may carry out the following tasks and responsibilities:

    • Teaching arts and crafts
    • Teaching languages (English)
    • Preparing materials for the lessons
    • Organizing activities and games
    • Playing sports and outdoor games
    • Helping out with light chores necessary for the day-to-day operation of the schools
    • Helping with the improvement and elaboration of the facilities and projects
    • Providing warm and caring attention to the children
    • Assisting the teachers in charge of the children with different tasks

    Volunteers are encouraged to be creative and to showcase their own personal skills and ideas. Suggestions are always welcome, and can be further discussed with your in-country volunteer coordinator.

    Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of volunteers, weather, season, current needs of the project, as well as self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.


    Free-time activities

    Costa Rica is the perfect place to combine volunteer work with tourism, enjoy activities like:

    • Adventure sport
    • Dream beaches
    • Ecotourism
    • Local culture
    • Bird / wildlife watching
    • Visits to unique National Parks
    • Rural tourism
    • Sightseeing and history in San José

    Free-time activities

    Costa Rica is the perfect place to combine volunteer work with tourism, enjoy activities like:

    • Adventure sport
    • Dream beaches
    • Ecotourism
    • Local culture
    • Bird / wildlife watching
    • Visits to unique National Parks
    • Rural tourism
    • Sightseeing and history in San José


    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) or English (intermediate level)

    Education Requirements

    at High School 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

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by South America Inside

    • Accommodation in local homestay, single room
    • Breakfast and dinner
    • Laundry service once a week
    • Airport pick-up
    • Escort to the project site on the first day
    • 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
    • Welcome meeting in San José
    • On-site volunteer coordinator
    • 24/7 emergency number
    • Advice on travel insurance
    • Certificate of participation

                          Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

                          Our local staff will pick you up at the airport in San José and bring you to your homestay.

                          Accommodation

                          Living with in a local homestay is the perfect way to practice your Spanish and get to know a country’s culture and way of life. While in Costa Rica, you will have your private room. The bathrooms and common areas are usually shared with other house-mates, who can be other volunteers, Spanish students or family members. 

                          Food & Beverages

                          The host family will provide you with half-board (breakfast and dinner). Special dietary requirements can be accommodated but need to be informed to us in advance.

                          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

                          The volunteer work can be joined throughout the year. The start and end date can be set flexible, according to your availability and travel plans. Ask our experienced staff to coordinate your participation in this meaningful volunteer project.

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

                          Program fees

                          4 weeks (min. stay) 1,476€
                          5 weeks 1,711€
                          6 weeks 1,945€
                          7 weeks 2,180€
                          8 weeks 2,414€
                          9 weeks 2,648€
                          10 weeks 2,883€
                          11 weeks 3,117€
                          12 weeks 3,352€
                          24 weeks (max. stay) 6,165€
                          Average fees 312€/week

                          Program fees

                          312€ 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

                          Sofia Alverus rating5

                          2024 at Teach at an Elementary School

                          I had two amazing months in Nosara, The pacific coast of Costa Rica. The teachers and the kids were so lovely and we still stay in contact. I stayed with a costarican family, very friendly and open minded. They helped me a lot and I’m specially great full that they helped me get in contact with a ...
                          Susan Lund rating4.8

                          2023 at Teach at an Elementary School

                          This was a wonderful experience! And I had enough time to do other things in Costa Rica as well. Everything was well coordinated. My ride was waiting for me late in the evening when I arrived, and I had an overview with one of the supervisors the next day. Basically it was a before and after school ...
                          I really enjoyed Costa Rica! The entire experience is something I wouldn’t trade for anything in world, and I met quite a few more people than I thought I would. The Costa Rica Language Academy did a wonderful job with preparing me for volunteer work, even allowing me to go to language classes for ...
                          Luisa rating4.6

                          2015 at Teach at an Elementary School

                          I couldn’t imagine a better stay abroad as my stay in Costa Rica. The information about my tasks at the volunteer project were given to me on site while I was accompanied to go there. I helped four weeks as a volunteer in a special school in the department of "hearing and speaking". There I was ...
                          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, ...
                          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! ...

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                          English, German, Spanish

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