Quick Facts
Program code
CR-VOL106
Category
Volunteer Work, Child Care, Education / Teaching
Country
Costa Rica
Location
Playa Potrero, Playa Brasilito, Pacific Coast, Guanacaste
Program start
Project always starts on a Monday, while the accommodation is available on the Sunday before.
The project is closed from beginning of December to the end of January, the Easter week, as well as the first two weeks of July
Minimum duration
2 weeks
Minimum age
18 years
Contact us
Happy to help you
(+1) 954 762 7607
(+56) 9 7516 9816
(+49) 7735 425 339
skype: chileinside
8 am - 4 pm EST
Project details
This volunteer project is located in a rural area directly on the Pacific in the province of Guanacaste. It operates in the coastal towns of Playa Potrero and Playa Brasilito, where, despite an economic boom due to growing tourism and foreign investment, there is a lack of resources and public services and people, particularly women and children and socially marginalized groups, are excluded. Inadequate public education, unemployment, social exclusion, violence and poverty prevent people from taking advantage of the region's economic opportunities.
The mission is to provide comprehensive educational and community development programs to children and adults so they can break the cycle of poverty and violence and achieve economic stability. In the community center, disadvantaged children can spend their free time and have a place to learn, play and discover. They also find an open ear for their problems, because many come from difficult backgrounds characterized by domestic violence or migrant families from Nicaragua.
The program for the children includes English lessons, tutoring in math, reading, writing and homework support, sports (swimming, surfing, etc.), games and creativity (art, talent shows, etc.) in different age groups (4-6 years, 7-9 years, 10- 12 years and teenagers), but also personality development, career advice for teens, health education, prevention of violence (youth and interfamilial), environmental workshops and much more.
In addition, the center is also committed to the development of adults in need and community development in general: there are adult education programs, English lessons for adults, local women's economic development programs, women's self-defense, adult sports programs, a donated computer lab, and community-wide activities.
The volunteer project is looking for active support from open-minded and tolerant volunteers. No matter whether your strengths lie in sports, the creative areas, listening, presenting, teaching or tackling, there is a lot to do. What is important is a positive attitude, patience, willingness to help, empathy and adaptability.
Tasks
As a volunteer, you have the unique opportunity to learn more about ethical and responsible volunteer work. Your volunteer work will have a lasting impact on the local community by contributing your skills and knowledge. You support local families and children and contribute to the economic development of the region.
The tasks in this project are very diverse. Although the volunteers primarily support the children's programs, they can also help with adult education and support general community work. The work with the children takes place almost exclusively in the afternoon, leaving time for other activities in the morning.
Volunteers work from Monday to Friday. Most of the work occurs in the afternoon (approx. 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.) when the children come home from school. Activities such as beach clean-ups or work in administration or event preparation can also take place in the morning.
Possible tasks can be:
- English lessons for children and/or adults
- Homework help and tutoring for children
- Computer courses for adults
- Physical education for children and/or adults (swimming, surfing, Zumba, ball games, etc.)
- Creative workshops for children and teens
- Trips with children and teens
- Event organization
- Beach clean-ups
- Help with vocational training courses for women
- Assistance with fundraising
- Assistance in administration
- Management of social media channels
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.
Accommodation
In this volunteer program, accommodation is provided in homestays with local families so that you can really immerse yourself in local life and practice your Spanish skills. With your hosts you will get to know everyday life off the beaten track, and you will always have a contact person at hand for questions, tips and local do's and don'ts.
You'll also get to know the local cuisine first hand, as your homestay accommodation includes breakfast and dinner.
You will stay in a single room; in most families the bathroom is shared with other family members or other volunteers.
Note: In Latin America, especially in remote areas where many of our volunteer projects take place, the cellular or internet connection is not always reliable and fast.
Location
The volunteer program takes place in paradise: in the small coastal town of Playa Potrero, just half an hour's drive north of the popular city of Playa Tamarindo, directly on the Pacific in the northwest of the country (Guanacaste). It is approximately 140 kilometers from the capital, San Jose. This region is characterized above all by its beautiful bays, peninsulas, and white sandy beaches, some of which are the least visited, most remote and at the same time most beautiful in the country.
Well-known national parks such as Santa Rosa, Monteverde, Arenal and Rincon de la Vieja are part of this region. No region in Costa Rica reflects the ancestral cultural heritage (a mix of Spanish and Chorotega culture) as authentically as Guanacaste. The typical life in the hinterland of the coast takes place on the horse and cattle ranches, where the "Sabaneros" with their horses, large white sombreros and lassos shape the daily scene. For this reason, Guanacaste is also nicknamed “the Wild West” of Costa Rica.
The nearby Tamarindo offers a wide range of leisure activities for every taste: active people can do sports, be it kayaking, surfing, sailing, snorkeling, diving, fishing, horse riding, golfing, hiking or mountain biking. For those who just want to relax on the beautiful beach, there is an oasis of calm. Nature lovers can explore the tropical flora and fauna in the surrounding national parks and private reserves. Night owls also get their money's worth in Tamarindo, thanks to an attractive nightlife with restaurants, bars, discos, live music and even a casino.
The sun shines all year round in this region and the temperatures are extremely pleasant and range between 22°C and 34°C. Despite the abundant sunshine during the dry season, fresh winds from the north ensure a pleasantly fresh feeling on the coast.
Language skills
Spanish at communication level. For optimal preparation for your volunteer work in Costa Rica, we advise you to take a Spanish course before the program starts. This gives you the opportunity to slowly get used to the language, culture and mentality.
You can book your Spanish course in Costa Rica directly with us!
Requirements
- Spanish skills (book your Spanish course in Costa Rica!)
- Minimum age 18 years
- Please provide a criminal record check with your application documents
- Completion of a foreign travel health insurance (get your travel insurance here!)
- Application at least 4 weeks before the desired start of the program. Read more about our application process here.)
Pre-departure and in-country support
Before arrival, our experienced team will be at your disposal to assist you throughout the booking process and travel planning. With the booking confirmation you will receive our 24-hour emergency number, so that you can reach us 24/7 in case of emergency.
In addition to the assistance given by our office staff you will be supported by the volunteer coordinator on site.
Costs & Services
Our volunteer community work in Costa Rica includes:
- Single room in local homestay
- Breakfast & dinner
- 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
- On-site volunteer coordinator
- 24/7 emergency number
- Advice on travel insurance
- Certificate of participation
Costs
Application fee: US$ 150
Program fee: US$ 850 (minimum stay 2 weeks)
Each additional week: US$ 200
Additionally, you can book:
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Volunteer Guide
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