Program Profile
Costa Rica’s commitment to the education of all its citizens is virtually unmatched in the developing world. The Costa Rica program is one of WorldTeach's longest running program, with 2012 marking our 22nd year of partnership with the Ministry of Education (MEP). However, while great strides have been made in offering greater access to education, such expansion also brings challenges. WorldTeach Costa Rica summer volunteers thus serve in small, rural communities teaching English to elementary school students that would not otherwise receive English language instruction. Costa Rican English teachers are drawn to larger towns and cities, where they receive higher pay, and the excitement of city life. Thus, WorldTeach volunteers are able to provide service to help students learn English, not only because it is an educational requirement, but because of their desire to do so.
Volunteer Role
WorldTeach Costa Rica volunteers work as English teachers in rural, elementary schools throughout the country. Volunteers teach multiple classes ranging from first to sixth graders, focusing on all aspects of English-language acquisition, from listening and speaking to reading and writing. In any given school, some of students have had several years of English while others have no familiarity with the language. Class size can range from one student to as large as 30 students.
In addition to teaching duties, volunteers will plan and implement a school/community project during Quince Dias, a two-week holiday during the summer. The nature of this project will vary depending on the need of the community as well as the skills and knowledge of the volunteer. This may involve the school and its students, or members of the wider community. It may be an art, drama or music project, a sports event, or an environmental initiative. Last year's projects included painting school murals, teaching adult classes, building volleyball courts and benches around the soccer field, and creating a beautiful yearbook for the school.
Please note that volunteers participating in WorldTeach summer programs are not eligible to receive WorldTeach TEFL certification.
Placements & Housing
Volunteers are located in all of the seven provinces across the country. Because Costa Rican teachers seek out positions in larger towns and cities, schools in need tend to be in rural areas. The sites range from living in smaller remote agricultural villages, to indigenous reservations, to the coffee-producing highlands just outside the capital city of San José, to the Southern Zone near one of the most famous and beautiful National Forests. Most placements are in fairly rural areas, but because distances are short in Costa Rica and public transportation is very easy to use, it is unlikely that you will be placed more than two hours from another WorldTeach volunteer.
Click here for a video defining "rural" in WorldTeach Costa Rica!
All volunteers live with local Costa Rican families who receive compensation from the Ministry of Education for providing volunteers with food and lodging. 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 a soda (a small restaurant) in town. Of course, coffee is readily available in Costa Rica!
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Being placed with a host family forced me not only to learn the language at an unbelievable rate, but also the culture and local things that I never would have learned otherwise. - Costa Rica Year Volunteer |
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 host for several years. 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.
View where Costa Rica Summer volunteers were placed last year. Please note that placements vary from year to year, depending on school and regional needs.
Financial Information
The cost of the Costa Rica Summer program is $4,490. This includes pre-departure information and preparation, round-trip international airfare, health insurance, week-long in-country orientation, transportation to your site, meals and housing during orientation and throughout your teaching service, and 24-hour field support.
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:
that volunteers might be the only English speaker in town. Every year we have volunteers with no Spanish background that go on to have successful experiences at their sites, and pick up a great deal of the language over the course of the summer. This requires a positive attitude, a sense of humor, and a willingness to use gestures and sign language.