Costa Rica: Teach English and Making a Difference

Introduction

In the communities we work with, learning English is a huge opportunity that many students dream of. Our classrooms are filled with eager learners—kids, teens, and young adults—who are excited to improve their skills and take their education to the next level. Unfortunately, many schools are overcrowded or understaffed due to budget limitations, but that doesn’t stop these students from striving for a better education.

This is especially true in Costa Rica, where financial resources are stretched, making it tough to provide the level of education students deserve. English is becoming more important than ever here, as Costa Rica continues to grow as the tourism capital of Central America. For students, mastering English opens up doors for future job opportunities, and they are incredibly grateful to practice with native English speakers like you.

Our mission is simple: to equip these motivated students with the tools they need to succeed. By volunteering with our English language programs, you’ll help them improve their conversation and grammar skills, giving them a much-needed boost for the future. You’ll be part of a team of passionate volunteers who share their knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to support students in building a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

We believe that quality education should be available to everyone, no matter where they come from or how much money they have. That’s why we’re committed to creating lasting change, one classroom at a time. So, if you’re ready to make an impact and help transform lives through education, we’d love for you to join us!

Daily Life

With support from the local government and education board, our project gives you the opportunity to teach in a variety of schools across the region. While most of the demand is for English language classes, you may also have the chance to teach French, German, or Mandarin Chinese, depending on your skills and the needs of the students. The students range from 5 to 19 years old, so you’ll have the opportunity to work with different age groups and skill levels.

In some of the larger schools, there are already English teachers in place, but they often need extra support, which is where you come in. What matters most in this project isn’t the specific teaching methods but the attitude you bring to the classroom. Your energy, enthusiasm, and creativity will be put to great use!

This teaching program offers a meaningful two-way experience. On one hand, you’re giving rural Costa Rican children the valuable opportunity to learn from a native language speaker, which can make a huge difference in their education and future opportunities. On the other hand, you’ll gain firsthand insight into the Costa Rican education system, build lasting relationships with students, teachers, and families, and become fully immersed in the local community.

If you’re ready to make an impact and take on an adventure that’s as rewarding for you as it is for the students, this is the project for you!

Travel & Accommodation

You will be met at San Jose International Airport by a project representative and brought to the project HQ upon arrival.

Your new home will be one of two newly built eco houses in our centre in Esparza: Jaguar House and Toucan House.

The two houses sleep up to 22 people. Most rooms have bunk beds and are shared on a single gender. One room in each house has a bunk bed with a double bed below, single above, suitable for couples or small families, if needed. (Private rooms can be obtained at additional cost; this must be arranged before arriving for your program).

All doors are lockable, but as rooms are shared, and we carry out regular cleaning, we recommend that you don’t lock your rooms.

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

Requirements

• Minimum age 18
• Be keen and enthusiastic to get involved in the project
• Ability to work within a team environment
• Minimum 2 weeks commitment
• Police check (or equivalent) showing that you have no previous criminal convictions
• Signed medical form
• Fluent English skills
• Necessary vaccinations
• Necessary flight & visas

Costs

£550 GBP project fee per week.

* 30% deposit required to confirm your place. The balance will be due 4 weeks prior to your departure.
** For the latest currency conversions, go to xe.com.
*** All payments incur a 5% bank transfer fee

What’s included

• Airport pickup & transfer to the project
• Program Coordination & Orientation
• Emergency and 24/7 In-Country Support
• Accommodation and 3 Meals Daily, 2 meals on weekends.
• Certificate of Participation in Program including Volunteer or Internship Hours
• Resume Support upon Completion of Program

What’s Not included

• Additional meals, drinks, and gratuities
• Extra local excursions
• Flights
• International and domestic airport taxes
• Medical and travel insurance
• Personal items and toiletries
• Police or background check
• Visa costs (where necessary)

Full assistance will be provided in getting all these arranged if you choose our Premium Support.

Premium Support Upgrade

We understand there’s a great deal to plan and organise for your trip. When booking a Placement, many of our participants choose to purchase our Premium Support Upgrade to benefit from the expertise, knowledge and experience of our Project Coordinators.

We can provide the personal advice you need to ensure your trip is organised with excellence and planned with efficiency; ensuring the very best experience possible. Read more about how we can help you.