• Quality Education

Work with Disabled Children

location
4 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Perfect 4.6  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • Enhance your Spanish skills while practicing every day with the locals
  • Embrace the "tico" way of life, savoring the relaxed charm of Costa Ricans
  • Cultivate a profound appreciation for diverse cultures and countries, broadening your global perspective

Highlights

  • Enhance your Spanish skills while practicing every day with the locals
  • Embrace the "tico" way of life, savoring the relaxed charm of Costa Ricans
  • Cultivate a profound appreciation for diverse cultures and countries, broadening your global perspective
  • Forge lasting bonds with fellow international volunteers, uniting to create lasting memories
  • Traverse a land celebrated for its awesome landscapes and pristine beaches, each destination a masterpiece

    • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    50+

    About the program

    Assist teachers during lessons, help organize activities, and care for children that have disabilities. Make a positive impact on them and brighten up their day!

    The Issue 

    The facilities where our volunteers work are non-profit organizations. They often lack professional staff and sufficient financial means to be able to work properly. Volunteers, especially those with previous therapeutic training, are urgently needed to help care for the children and to ...

    About the program

    The Issue 

    The facilities where our volunteers work are non-profit organizations. They often lack professional staff and sufficient financial means to be able to work properly. Volunteers, especially those with previous therapeutic training, are urgently needed to help care for the children and to support the teachers during the lessons.

    The Program

    Schools and social institutions for disabled children are dedicated to attending children with physical and/or mental problems who can’t attend a regular school. Some of the children are only slightly impaired, while others have severe disabilities. At the special schools where our volunteers help in Costa Rica, there are mainly autistic children, children with hearing difficulties, children with learning disorders and children with Down Syndrome. Autism is a developmental disorder, which is characterized, among other things, by certain deficits in communication skills and social interaction. Features of autism include absent-mindedness, language difficulties, and atypical behavior, such as performing repetitive activities or being excessively focused on a particular object. 

    There are two different schools where we place volunteers, which are attended by between 250 and 560 children. The children range from toddlers to teenagers.

    The Location

    Costa Rica's capital San José 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

    On a day-to-day basis, you will be expected to help teachers during classes by assisting the students and preparing teaching materials for the classes. Since English is becoming an increasingly important language in Costa Rica, you might also be expected to teach the children English.

    Here is ...

    Typical day

    On a day-to-day basis, you will be expected to help teachers during classes by assisting the students and preparing teaching materials for the classes. Since English is becoming an increasingly important language in Costa Rica, you might also be expected to teach the children English.

    Here is a small overview of what your tasks may include:

    • Helping the teachers during classes
    • Teaching English
    • Preparing lessons
    • Organizing games and activities
    • Playing sports and games
    • Helping out with day-to-day operations
    • Providing caring attention to the children
    • Assisting the teachers
    • Help with feeding and bathing the youngest children
    • Monitoring naptime for the small children
    • Supervising the children while they play, eat, sleep, or study

    At work, you will be surrounded by other people (be it volunteers or teachers) who are all passionate about helping children. This creates a welcoming, safe atmosphere for both children and staff.

    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:

    • Visit cultural institutions like the National Museum, the Gold Museum, and the Jade Museum to learn about Costa Rica's history and art.
    • Attend performances at the National Theater, which is renowned for its ...

    Free-time activities

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

    • Visit cultural institutions like the National Museum, the Gold Museum, and the Jade Museum to learn about Costa Rica's history and art.
    • Attend performances at the National Theater, which is renowned for its neoclassical architecture and cultural events.  
    • Explore the city's historic neighborhoods, parks, and markets on guided walking tours. 
    • Discover local cuisine and shop for traditional crafts and souvenirs in the bustling Central Market.
    • Stroll through parks like La Sabana, Parque Nacional, and Parque España, where you can relax and people-watch.
    • Savor Costa Rican coffee and dine in various restaurants, trying typical dishes like gallo pinto and casado.
    • Enjoy the lush greenery at the Spirogyra Butterfly Garden and the Lankester Botanical Garden. 
    • Check local listings for cultural events, festivals, and exhibitions taking place during your visit. 
    • Explore malls like Multiplaza and Avenida Central for shopping and dining options. 
    • Use San José as a base for day trips to nearby attractions, including volcanoes, coffee plantations, and rainforests. 
    • Experience San José's vibrant nightlife with bars, clubs, and live music venues.

    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

    Required Documents

    CV, Copy of Passport and Criminal Record Check

    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

    Program fees include: 

    • Homestay, single room
    • Breakfast, dinner
    • Laundry service once a week
    • Airport pick-up
    • 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

                              Airport pick-up is provided and will drop you off at your homestay. 

                              Accommodation

                              An important part of our volunteer programs has always been to provide an intense glimpse into the culture of the host country. Therefore, our volunteers live in homestays. Living with a local hosts will allow you to experience the country in the most authentic way possible. You can immerse into local customs, taste typical meals, and experience the culture and traditions first-hand. You will quickly realize how much your Spanish skills improve each day. Our homestays are carefully screened and selected, and many hosts have years of experience with our international volunteers. 

                              You will be provided with a single room, while the bathroom can be private or shared. 

                              Food & Beverages

                              Half-board is included in the volunteer program with daily breakfast and dinner. Special dietary requirements can be taken care of but have 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. Not available during the school holidays from December to the end of February, the first two weeks of July as well as the Easter week. 

                              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

                              Undine K. rating5

                              2024 at Work with Disabled Children

                              Ich bin gut in San Jose angekommen und habe mich gut eingelebt. Das Homestay gefällt mit gut. Die Frau, bei der ich untergekommen bin, ist nett und hilfsbereit. Auch das Essen ist lecker 🙂 Ein bisschen Schade ist, dass ich die Küchen nicht benutzten darf, um mir beispielsweise am Wochenende ...
                              Christiane Apedo Amah rating5

                              2019 at Work with Disabled Children

                              working as a volonteer in Costa Rica was a riching expérience, I stay with a mama Tica Who is very kind and warmful, I speak a lot with her and have been able to really improve my spanish. the center CRLA wich is in charge of volonteering work is very professional and I love going there after my ...
                              Luisa rating4.6

                              2015 at Work with Disabled Children

                              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 ...
                              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! ...
                              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, ...
                              Alex S. rating5

                              2024 at Help Stray Dogs

                              Mir geht’s prima. War ein langer Tag, bin daher auch gut kaputt 🙂 Sowohl Spanischkurs als auch die Arbeit im Tierheim machen sehr viel Spaß! Ich muss zwar all das bisschen, was ich an Spanisch kann, zusammenkratzen, um durch den Tag zu kommen, aber das wird sicherlich besser mit der Zeit ...

                              Location

                              Americas > Central America > Costa Rica > San Jose

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                              Volunteer Abroad  >  Education  >  Special Needs in Costa Rica
                              Contact Marion
                                Very high response rate
                              English, German, Spanish

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