Teaching English to 'Ticos' - Costa Rica

Costa Rica is well-loved by visitors for its natural beauty- from lush rain forests and active volcanoes to miles of Pacific and Caribbean coastline- but it is the friendly, easygoing nature of the Ticos (as the locals are called) that makes their stay unforgettable. A middle-income country that is often hailed as a model for sustainable development, particularly of the tourism industry, pockets of poverty and deprivation still exist, particularly in rural areas.

This project will have you working together with rural communities to create communal creative learning centers where children and adults can learn English, access free books and develop the skills that will help them overcome the challenges of rural life and achieve economic stability.

The community centres in which you will work offer experiential learning programs and English language instruction. Lessons focus on complementing the school curriculum or providing training for specific occupational needs. Teachers incorporate critical thinking, literacy building, and creativity into all lessons to meet the individual needs of students in a fun and stimulating way. The centres are run on the belief that enhanced education leads to knowledge, and knowledge leads to empowerment.

You will have endless opportunities to contribute- by teaching English, creative arts, sports, by helping tutor for exams, or planning new lessons. The children who come to the centre need stimulus and dive into any opportunity they receive.

In addition to teaching, you will have the opportunity to implement their skills in other areas of the project. These may include grant writing, web development, public relations, fundraising, and any other essential functions to a growing non-profit. The organization can arrange Spanish lessons and weekend excursions so that volunteers can fully experience all that the famous 'Pura Vida' (Pure Life) of Costa Rica has to offer.

You will be given easy to follow instructions on how to get to the project location from San Jose or Liberia International Airport. Airport pickup can be arranged at an extra cost.

We are able to arrange homestay or housing options depending on your preferences. You can be assured your stay will be comfortable.

* Min age 18

* 2 months minimum time commitment

You are asked to stay for an entire semester. Dates for 2012 are;

First session: January 23rd - March 22nd
Second session: April 10th - June 29th
Third session: July 30th - October 12th
Fourth session: October 22nd - December 14th

* A love for children and teaching

* English and/or Spanish skills

* Full travel & medical insurance

* Necessary vaccinations 

* Necessary flights & visas 

Fee:

 £249 GBP Placement Fee
 

What's Included:

Fee includes 24 hour support, project activities and integration into the project.

We charge a flat, one-off Placement Fee of £249 GBP per person per project. This covers our costs for promoting the project and providing our services. We offer full pre-departure support (for all necessary flights, visas and vaccinations) and ongoing assistance throughout your placement.
 

What's not included:

Food, accommodation, flights, insurance, airport pickup, visas (if applicable) and vaccinations. Full assistance will be provided in getting all these sorted.

You are asked to cover your living and travel expenses (approx. $30 per day).