Teach English in Rural Area, Costa Rica

  Costa Rica

San Carlos

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Throughout the Year

Description: In Costa Rica, as in most countries in the world, it's the rural areas that need volunteers the most; outside the cities resources tend to dry up and children are left with far less opportunities. Luckily for you, rural Costa Rica is also home to some of the most inspiring scenery this side of the National Geographic channel and these schools in particular provide a stunning backdrop to your time here. They are located in the small village of San Carlos in the mountains in the Central Valley, close to Volcano Arenal, although hopefully not too close! Rural schools in Costa Rica do not have any English teachers so you will be a welcome resource for the children and they're guaranteed to make the most of you! Don't worry well prepare you with our TEFL certification when you sign up for the project.

* Why volunteer at this project:
Some rural schools in Costa Rica have English included in the curriculum and must be covered by all children. However, expect a very low English level from the kids... even the English teachers won't have a good level as their skills are very limited.

Also, there is a lack of English teachers to complete the required level. Volunteers are valued where English is their native or near native language to aid in the learning of the children and the teachers themselves. By teaching young people English you will be able to make a positive impact on their lives and make more opportunities available to them, for example by going to university, getting jobs in tourism and business and commerce.

* Your role as a volunteer:
The rural teaching volunteers are needed to teach English either by assisting the teachers or taking your own class, depending on your skills, and can also get involved in other lessons. You may also be able to play sports with the children. You will need to work with limited resources and be able to think on your feet.

* Where the project is based:
Please arrange your flight to arrive into San Jose (SJO) on the specified arrival date. you would be staying with a local family for all these schools where you can immerse yourself in the culture. You would need to be prepared to be the only English speaking person in the location which will be fantastic if you are looking for immersion in the culture and also to greatly improve your Spanish.

The schools are located in small villages near to La Fortuna and Arenal volcano, a stunning place to visit.

Highlights:
* Being part of the community in the stunning Costa Rican countryside
* Helping develop the language skills of your students
* Learning (practising?!) your Spanish - much more fun than in a classroom back home!

Qualifications: What kind of skills you need to go on this type of project:

Most of all for these projects, volunteers must have a love of children and be committed to the project. You will need to be flexible and willing to get involved in anything that is asked of you. You must also be aware that the children you are working with are very lively and also disruptive and will need perseverance and tolerance when working with them.

You will need to be able to think on your feet so that you are able to tailor your lessons to the different needs of the children if necessary. Volunteers who are independent and do not mind being one of the only volunteers in the area would be ideally suited. The schools have limited resources and so you will need to be able to be creative with limited facilities.

Cost in US$: USD 1,535.00 for 4 weeks, USD 275.00 for every week thereafter

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: The rural teaching volunteers are needed to teach English either by assisting the teachers or taking your own class, depending on your skills, and can also get involved in other lessons. You may also be able to play sports with the children. You will need to work with limited resources and be able to think on your feet.

Age Range: 18 and above

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 50,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 400 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994