The local government and Educational Supervisor are fully behind our project, giving us access to many schools in the area. You'll work with students aged between 5 and 19, teaching language classes, usually English, although we can cater for French, German or Mandarin Chinese.

Some of the larger schools have English teachers, but the teachers themselves often struggle. You'll be free to choose your own way of teaching and may bring your own ideas into class. The methods of teaching are less important than your attitude towards the students.

The subjects to be taught can alter, depending on current activities in the schools which might include, for example, environmental issues or current festivals.

The teaching program serves a dual purpose; of course it is meant to help children in rural Costa Rica to have a chance to learn another language with a mother tongue speaker, but it also benefits you, giving you an insight into the Costa Rican education system as well as an excellent opportunity to become good friends with students, teachers and even parents, and so take a full role in the community.

 

EXAMPLE SCHEDULE:

Monday to Friday:
You'll be organizing and balancing a range of classes for your duration at the school. With some schools your schedule can be flexible and you may also have some say in what classes you prefer to teach, but you should be prepared to teach 3-6 hours a day.

You'll have lunch at the school and can expect to remain there from 08:00 until just after 16:30, depending on your schedule, giving you plenty of time to immerse yourself in the school and its activities, and to get to know its students and staff.

 

ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD

Your new home will be one of two newly built eco houses in our centre in Esparza. The two houses sleep up to 22 people and there is a room suitable for a small family as well.

There is also a large dining hall/games room/communal area shared by both houses, with free WiFi, TV and table tennis, and a large garden of tropical plants, including coconut palm, papaya, banana, and citrus.

FOOD: Three meals a day on weekdays (two on weekends) are included during your stay. The meals will mainly be a mix of traditional and modern Costa Rican food, so you may experience the Costa Rican take on foods you will be familiar with. Most meals will include either fish, chicken, pork or beef, but vegetarians can be catered for.

There are shops within 300 metres of the centre, and bars, restaurants, and an excellent public pool within 15 minutes walk. There is an ATM within 1km and more ATMs in town, about 2kms. Buses into town and further afield leave from within 300ms of the centre. Esparza and the surrounding area has plenty of shops, bars and restaurants within easy reach.

 

WHAT TO DO NEXT:

If you'd like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us! If you'd like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we'll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.