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Program Profile

Every year, WorldTeach places approximately 20 volunteer teachers to serve in Costa Rican primary schools, teaching grades 1st through 6th. Volunteers provide opportunities for English language learning to students that would not normally have an English teacher.  WorldTeach works closely with the Ministry of Education (MEP) on volunteer placements to identify schools lacking local English teachers, ensuring that no Costa Rican teachers' jobs are displaced, as well as serving in schools with an acute need.  In addition, since 2002, WorldTeach has assisted the MEP with its pilot bilingual schools program to provide instruction in English across all subjects. 

All volunteers are under contract with the MEP and must comply with the teaching responsibilities that the Ministry requests.  In return, the Ministry ensures that volunteers receive work visas, provides a small living allowance, and works with the WorldTeach Field Staff to arrange school placements. While Costa Rica has certainly made great strides in English acquisition over the past two decades, WorldTeach is excited to continue assisting in its trend towards a truly bilingual society. 

Volunteer Role

Your service in Costa Rica will begin with a nearly month-long intensive orientation run by the Field Staff. Orientation will include TEFL training, one week of intensive practice teaching, Spanish classes, information sessions and discussions about Costa Rican culture and politics, health and safety issues, and cross-cultural adjustment.

After orientation, volunteers travel to their sites and begin their teaching assignments. As a year long WorldTeach volunteer in Costa Rica you will serve as a full-time teacher at a public elementary school spending about 20 hours a week in the classroom.  You will teach English to first through sixth grades. The schools are generally small, and you are likely to be the only English teacher in a total school staff of 1-8 teachers. The School Director will be your direct supervisor. 

Apart from classroom hours your responsibilities will include lesson planning, creating and grading homework and exams, and attending parent and school staff meetings. Students' English level is generally low and varies greatly between communities and even among students in the same school and grade.

Many WorldTeach Costa Rica volunteers start or contribute to community projects in addition to their regular teaching responsibilities. The projects that volunteers pursue in their communities depend on local needs, as well as volunteer talents and interests. Some examples of past projects include adult classes, English clubs for informal practice, developing environmental education or conservation projects, arranging sport or drama activities, and developing a small English library.

Volunteers in the Costa Rica year long program will be eligible for WorldTeach TEFL certification. Please note that for all departures leaving on or after July 1, 2012, an additional $50 is required by volunteers to participate in the TEFL Certification program. 

Placements & Housing

Volunteers in the year long program are placed throughout the seven provinces of the country and placements are individual. The bus system is well established however, so most volunteers won't be more than a two to three hour bus ride from another volunteer.

All volunteers live with local Costa Rican families who receive compensation from the Ministry of Education for providing volunteers with food and lodging. Most volunteers have their own room and share the bathroom and living space with their host family. While most homes have hot water and a telephone, some may not have such amenities. Rice and beans are the staples of the Costa Rican diet and are generally served at every meal. Other traditional fare includes fried plantains, eggs, tortillas, and fresh and fabulous tropical fruits. Although host families will provide most meals, volunteers may also eat some meals at the school cafeteria with fellow teachers, or at soda (a small restaurant) in town. Of course, coffee is readily available in Costa Rica!

The host families are chosen by the WorldTeach Field Staff and take part because they enjoy the cultural exchange of hosting a volunteer, many of which have been host families for several years. 

View current Costa Rica year long placements. Please note that placements vary from year to year, depending on school and regional needs.

Financial Information

The cost of the Costa Rica year long program is $5,990. This includes pre-departure information and preparation, round-trip international airfare, health insurance, 3-week long in-country orientation, transportation to your site, meals and housing during orientation and throughout your teaching service, and 24-hour field support. 

WorldTeach Costa Rica volunteers receive a monthly stipend directly from the Ministry of Education once they begin teaching of approximately $100 per month.  This stipend is more than ample to cover the costs of supplemental food, local travel and utilities.  Each host family receives a monthly amount to cover the costs of room and board (3 meals a day) for their volunteer.

Many volunteers are able to successfully fundraise all or a significant portion of their volunteer commitment. Please refer to our fundraising guide for more information about fundraising possibilities.

Read more about costs and services here. 

Requirements

Volunteers must: