Teaching Kids & Community Center Assistant

location
4 - 30 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

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

Highlights

  • Participate in the Costa Rican worklife and experience the Pura Vida!
  • Find out if education is your passion in a relaxed, stress-free environment.
  • Gain Spanish fluency by living with a host family and sharing daily life with locals.

Highlights

  • Participate in the Costa Rican worklife and experience the Pura Vida!
  • Find out if education is your passion in a relaxed, stress-free environment.
  • Gain Spanish fluency by living with a host family and sharing daily life with locals.
  • Make memories you'll never forget with the local kids and feel their positivity.
  • Visit the world's most biologically diverse place on excursions.


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Would you like to work with children, teach them English or another new skill, and at the same time learn about local communities in Costa Rica? Then volunteer with us!

    As a volunteer on this project, you will be able to create your own workshops to teach children. This could be an English workshop or any other skill you’d like to teach. You can also help with an existing environmental education program called “Educa Osa”. Additionally, you will help as a ...

    About the program

    As a volunteer on this project, you will be able to create your own workshops to teach children. This could be an English workshop or any other skill you’d like to teach. You can also help with an existing environmental education program called “Educa Osa”. Additionally, you will help as a volunteer at the public library in Puerto Jiménez, the biggest town on the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica. The Osa Peninsula is an economically challenged area with few employment opportunities and education in this area of Costa Rica isn’t up to the same standards as in the rest of the country. However, kids are often very eager to learn more, and workshops and classes outside of school are very popular in this community. The parents are extremely grateful for your help because they want their children to have the best education possible.

    During your volunteer time, you will have the freedom to think of all kinds of different workshops and classes to start, or you can help with existing workshops already developed by other volunteers and employees at the library. There is a team of people at the library who will be able to help you with your workshop plans, and with whom you can discuss your ideas. They are also there to help if you struggle with the language, or with anything personal. You will quickly feel like a part of this beautiful community in one of the most rural and remote areas of Costa Rica.

    This project can be divided into two parts:

    1. Workshops at the community center and library.
    You will be able to create classes and workshops. Examples of workshops that have been given at the library in previous years are English classes, dance classes, jewelry making, Spanish classes, and private tutoring. You can make this entirely your own; think of something you’re good at and teach the local kids (or adults). Language classes – specifically English – are especially welcome and are greatly appreciated in this community. However, any fun class you come up with that the kids can do together outside of school is great!

    2. Library and community center help:
    The library always needs help with different things as well. The library front desk needs manning – the number of days is something that can be discussed with the team there – and you may also need to help with organizing, painting, and doing other tasks to keep the space up and running. However, these are often small tasks, which leaves enough time to prepare for your classes! There is also time to increase your language skills by reading and speaking – seeing as there are many great books in the library, and every day you will encounter Spanish- and English-speaking customers!

    The kids and adults will instantly take you into their hearts – and you will not only be a teacher but a role model and friend. You will make a positive difference in people’s lives while having fun, making lots of friends, learning about Costa Rican customs and culture, and gaining invaluable teaching experiences!


    Typical day

    This is just an example of what your day might look like; a lot of it is up to you. You can also decide together with the library team what days you have to open and close.

    7 am: eat breakfast with the host family
    8 am: open the library; prepare for the class (printing materials, setting up tabels, ...

    Typical day

    This is just an example of what your day might look like; a lot of it is up to you. You can also decide together with the library team what days you have to open and close.

    7 am: eat breakfast with the host family
    8 am: open the library; prepare for the class (printing materials, setting up tabels, etc.)
    10-12 am: English class for kids!
    12 pm: tidy up and reflect on the class
    1-2 pm: COMIDA! Eat lunch with the host family
    2 pm: read a book, keeping watch of the library
    4:45 pm: start cleaning, tidying up used books, etc.
    5:00 pm: close
    7:00 pm: eat dinner with the host family

    Free-time activities

    There is plenty to do around the Osa Peninsula, and we can help you organize activities around Puerto Jimenez during your project time. Unfortunately, any extra-curricular activities are not covered by the Green Life Volunteers project fee.


    Activities may be surfing, paddle boarding, Corcovado ...

    Free-time activities

    There is plenty to do around the Osa Peninsula, and we can help you organize activities around Puerto Jimenez during your project time. Unfortunately, any extra-curricular activities are not covered by the Green Life Volunteers project fee.


    Activities may be surfing, paddle boarding, Corcovado National Park hikes, bird watching, mangrove and sunset kayaking, dolphin tours, zip-lining, and much more. If there are several volunteers in Puerto Jimenez at the same time, often they form groups to do some weekend activities together. Or you may decide that you would like to venture off on your own – either way, we will be there to help you get things set up! Just ask us during or before your volunteer time!


    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 (basic level) or Spanish (basic level)

    Education Requirements

    at High school level

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    CV

    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 and Friday from 08:00 - 17:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Green Life Volunteers

    An organizational fee is included in the first week’s fee and covers the “behind the scenes costs”, such as staff salaries, office space rental, transaction and bank fees, and more. Our weekly fee for additional weeks covers the costs of your host family and food, the local staff on your project, and a donation to help with the daily running costs of the program you will help on.

    Not included in our fee are:
    • Your first and last night in San Jose in a hostel
    • Travel to and from the international airport (airport shuttles are around 30$ each way to San Jose - We can set this up for you, just ask us during sign-up)
    • Travel to the project site (usually by public buses, which are from around 10-16$ one way)
    • National/ International flights
    • Travel insurance
    • Visa costs
    • Any additional food or snacks besides the meals provided
    • Extra-curricular activities

    Accommodation

    All interns or the Teaching Kids and Community Center project can either be accommodated in a host family or, depending on the length of stay, choose to live in their own apartment or housing.

    You will be spending time with local Costa Ricans, who not may speak English that well. It will allow you to fully immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture!

    If you wish, we can also arrange private accommodation in Puerto Jimenez for the time of your stay. The apartment and housing rates are 400 USD per month for a furnished apartment, plus you will buy your own food. In case you choose this option, we will discuss the fees during your sign-up process, and we may be able to offer you a discounted first week’s fee.

    Food & Beverages

    If you choose to stay in private accommodation, you will need to buy and cook your own food, which can cost you anywhere from 400-600 USD per month - note that food is expensive in Costa Rica. If you choose to stay with a host family, they will provide two or three meals a day, depending on their activities.
    Food in Costa Rica is simple but delicious, and you will have access to a great variety of fruits, veggies, and dairy products in Costa Rica. Meals at your host family often include rice and beans; other common items include tortillas, salad, chicken, fish, pork, beef, pasta, soup, cereal, sandwiches, cheese, fruits, veggies, and fresh-squeezed juices. You will help prepare meals with your host family, and you will experience a whole new way of cooking and preparing food.
    Vegetarians should have no problems with the diet in Costa Rica. Since Costa Rica is a tropical country, the variety of vegetables and fruits is fairly large. Nonetheless, it is important to let us know about any dietary needs in advance so the family is notified and they can prepare accordingly. Those who follow a vegan diet should note that tofu is not readily available in Costa Rica, especially on the Osa Peninsula.
    You will be offered three meals a day usually breakfast is early around 7am, lunch is between 12 and 1; dinner is between 6 and 7 p.m. You will have coffee and other snacks available at the project throughout the day as well – just talk to your host family about your needs.

    Internet Access

    Good 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

    You can start this project anytime, whenever is convenient for you! We don't have specific start dates, because this volunteering program is year-round.

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

    Program fees

    4 weeks (min. stay) 904€
    5 weeks 1,054€
    9 weeks 1,655€
    17 weeks 2,857€
    30 weeks (max. stay) 4,810€
    Average fees 193€/week

    Program fees

    193€ per week 4 - 30 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    4 - 30 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 Green Life Volunteers during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Green Life Volunteers

    Outstanding 4.9 rating (34 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 2012

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate

    Coordinated by

    Janina

    About the project

    A small non-profit organization aims at providing affordable volunteering programs and improving the living standard of local peoples in Costa Rica

    Meet your organization

    Our goal is to provide power to small rural elementary schools around the Osa that are off-grid and without power. Furthermore we educate the local community about solar.

    Who we are? 

    Green Life Volunteers (GLV) is a small registered non-profit organization in Costa Rica, run by Janina Schan, the founder and manager, and dedicated Interns and volunteers. Janina founded GLV in 2012, after working already in the volunteer industry in Costa Rica for around a year. Our interns are students from Universities that need the internship to graduate, to conduct research, or they really just want to gain experience.

    What we do?

    Green Life Volunteers is a volunteer service organization placing volunteers in projects around Costa Rica. Some of the projects are created by GLV such as the Solar Power Project, and others are projects offered by other non-profit organisations, such as our Turtle Conservation. The projects we collaborate with are in need of help and have experience working with volunteers – which guarantees you to have a great time and an awesome experience. The projects are always run by local members of the community, non-profit, and with a benefit for people, nature, or animals.

    Where we work?

    We offer our volunteer placements in Costa Rica. Upon entering Costa Rica you will be granted a 90 day Tourist Visa* if you wish to stay longer  than the 90 days you will need to leave the country for 72 hours – offering a good excuse to  jump across the border and see neighbouring countries Panama or Nicaragua! This is an easy process and we will provide you with all the information you need on how to do this. Residents of USA, Canada, the EU, Australia and New Zealand are given 90 days Visa. For all other countries check with your embassy.

    If you are travelling to Costa Rica from South America or Saharan Africa you will be required to have the Yellow Fever vaccination.  

    Costa Rica is the most developed country in Central America and attracts over 2 million tourists each year! With tourism being its highest source of income Costa Rica has been sculpted to welcome and make life easier and safer for tourists. Families, youngsters and solo travellers are most welcome. As a country Costa Rica is a stable democracy. Medical care is modern and the tab-water is safe to drink.

    Our mission/vision

    We are a volunteer service organization placing volunteers in local non-profit organizations which are run by members of the local community and most importantly are in real need of help. GLV makes sure that every project has a positive impact on the local people, on the community, and the local animals and nature.

    Our goals / Objective

    Green Life Volunteers  provides non-profit organizations with volunteers who bring the man-power and know-how needed for their conservation or social development efforts. GLV makes sure that every project has a positive impact on the local people, on the community, and the local wildlife and nature.

    Who are we looking for?

    We are looking for open minded individuals who love animals, conservation and social development. For us you’re not just a number - every volunteer has specific wishes, needs, and expectations, and we work hard to find the right volunteer work for you!

    Why choose us?

    We work with projects which are in need of actual help! Most organizations in Costa Rica make up “fake” projects which are entirely run by foreigners, make no actual difference and have no impact on the surrounding communities. You’ll spend large sums of money that go directly into foreigners pockets – no income and no benefit is made to any local community member.

    We make sure and GUARANTEE that our projects are: local, grassroot, non-profit organizations, run by members of the local community, registered and licensed, and most importantly – IN ACTUAL NEED OF HELP!

    34 reviews · rating4.9

    Rozelijn rating5

    2024 at Work in Turtle Conservation

    I volunteered for two weeks at the Mariposa camp in Carate for turtle conservation, and these were absolutely two of the most special weeks of my life. I would recommend the COPROT camps to anyone who wants to experience this beautiful life in one of the most rural and biologically diverse places on ...
    Paul rating5

    2024 at National Park Ranger

    I spent the first morning with a staff member building a steel bed frame so I would have a bed. They did outfit the bed very nicely for me with bed sheets and a proper mosquito netting. Most of the accommodation is under a roof in open air setting. My last three nights they moved me to a cabin ...
    Fred Baron rating4.6

    2024 at Wildlife Sanctuary and Rescue Center

    We sent our 18 year old son to the Wildlife Sanctuary and Rescue center for a week stay. Once past the little home sickness, he had a blast taking care of the various animals, preparing the food and feeding them, cleaning, etc. The center is also organizing many activities to keep the teenagers ...
    Adilene Armenta Tovar rating4.2

    2024 at Veterinary Internship

    I highly recommend this internship if you are looking for hands-on from the very first day, Doctor Ricardo is amazing and always willing to teach and explain things, but you will be spending most of your day helping his vet assistant Karla, she is very kind and also very knowledgeable, also a great ...
    Samuel du Feu rating5

    2023 at Work in Turtle Conservation

    We had an amazing week volunteering with Kuemar - the turtle conservation organisation that we were paired with near Matapalo on the northern side of the Nicoya Peninsula. The volunteer work was very hands on. We did night patrol every night from approx 8pm-2am (or later) where we were busy ...
    Annelie Grundmann rating4.4

    2022 at Work in Turtle Conservation

    Ich hatte eine tolle Zeit in dem Schildkröten-Rescue-Center in Camaronal! Meine größte Angst war, dass ich keine Schildkröten sehe, aber bereits am ersten Abend durfte ich dabei sein, als circa 100 Schildkrötenbabies ins Meer entlassen wurden :) Die Arbeit mit den Schildkröten (Morgen- und ...

    Location

    Americas > Central America > Costa Rica > Puerto Jimenez

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