Nestling between its tropical Caribbean and Pacific coasts, Costa Rica is one of the most breath-taking countries in the world. Travel to this tropical paradise and take part in an exciting teaching project that will fully integrate you into the local community and leave you forever in love with the people, landscapes, beaches, rainforests, volcanoes and wildlife that this magical destination has to offer.
Teaching English in local schools will give you a real insight into Costa Rican culture, and in your weekends off you can enjoy trips around the local countryside offering you in a world of adventure sports, tremendous landscapes of natural beauty, great food, lively music and laid-back people.
WHAT DOES THE PROJECT DO?
You will be working in a local school offering support to children learning English and supporting them with other aspects of their lives and education. Volunteers work with a local school in Puerto Jimenez which is always in need of assistance from volunteers. This project has recently taken off and the school staff are extremely keen to develop their English teaching curriculum to increase the positive impact of language education on the community of the region.
WHAT WILL I BE DOING?
Your work schedule will be challenging, varied and sometimes unpredictable but always enjoyable, as you embark on your placement within this local school. There are a range of classroom activities taking place and you will finalise your schedule on arrival based upon local needs and duration of your stay. Whatever your schedule you will engage fully with local children, using your creativity and initiative to assist in the activities of the project
You will benefit in terms of your personal and professional experience and will be encouraged to formulate ideas and develop your teaching skills and techniques. Working with the local teachers you will be working one on one or with small groups, focusing on those children who are behind in their education. You may be asked to help with a variety of essential subjects such as basic maths, English, reading, and you may also be asked to plan your own lessons for your small group. Your level of involvement will obviously depend on the length of your stay as well as your existing skills and qualifications.
There are also extracurricular activities with the volunteers running an after school activities program everyday. This can be playing football, dodgeball, hide and seek and any other games you can come up with. Just use your initiative and get the kids involved! Whatever you decide, you are sure to gain huge satisfaction from inspiring these enthusiastic children, whilst enhancing your own skills and experience significantly.
As well as taking part in teaching and running after-school activities, depending on the length of your visit , you may also have the opportunity to assist in the day-to-day running of classroom activities, help in the school office or get involved in activities in the wider community. The school is always in need of extra funds so any ideas you have for fundraising projects will be greatly appreciated. There are also evening adult English classes given to the local community members that you can get involved in.
This project runs five days a week so you will have weekends off to explore further afield or to relax and enjoy the social life in the clubs, bars and restaurants of Puerto Jimenez.
