Teaching English & Community Development
Coordinator | Natalie
Coordinator | Natalie
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Highlights
Learn about Costa Rican and Latin American culture.
Improve your English teaching skills and develop transferable skills like teamwork and leadership.
In supporting English education you will not only contribute to UN SDG #4, Quality Education, but also UN SDG #8, Decent Work and Economic Growth.
Learn, practice and improve your Spanish skills.
Surf, swim, or relax on the many beaches.
Travel to Costa Rica to teach English in Quepos.
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Work and live with like-minded volunteers in the beautiful resort town of Quepos all whilst having an incredible impact by teaching English to local community memebers.
Volunteers on this program will work with GVI staff, interns, and other volunteers to provide free individual English education classes to members from the local community. We work with ongoing curriculums to introduce English vocabulary and discuss sustainable development topics like environmental awareness. We also offer conversational classes so students can practice real situations and feel more confident in speaking English. Our work is based on the needs of the community, which means that the specifics of the classes, such as the time schedules, ages, and levels of English language competency change over time. Participants on a one week program will be teaching adults only.
Quepos is known as the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park, a popular destination for tourists. In addition the town features many popular beaches. Tourism brings in many business opportunities for locals, however, in order to access these opportunities, locals must fulfill the requirements of employers who are looking to cater to English-speaking travellers. Therefore, the request from local schools is often for more English educational support.
Volunteers on this program will work with GVI staff, interns, and other volunteers to provide free individual English education classes to members from the local community. We work with ongoing curriculums to introduce English vocabulary and discuss sustainable development topics like environmental awareness. We also offer conversational classes so students can practice real situations and feel more confident in speaking English. Our work is based on the needs of the community, which means that the specifics of the classes, such as the time schedules, ages, and levels of English language competency change over time. Participants on a one week program will be teaching adults only.
Typical day
Typical Day Description - Monday:
Morning: Planning or training at the base
Early afternoon: Lunch and house meeting at the base
Afternoon: Interacting with the children
Late afternoon: Spanish Class
Early evening: Cooking and other chores
Evening: Dinner
Tuesday
Morning: Childcare, community work, English teaching
Early afternoon: Lunch and house meeting
Afternoon: Childcare, community work, English teaching
Late afternoon: Free time followed by Spanish class or Adult English lessons
Early evening: Cooking and other chores
Evening: Dinner
Free-time activities
You will be based in the Quepos/Manuel Antonio area located on the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica and working in the region. Travelling around the local area is easy and can be done on the frequent public buses or by taxi. Quepos is small enough to walk most anywhere, and Manuel Antonio is less than a 10 minute bus ride. Street addresses are not really used in Costa Rica - landmarks are used instead.
In your down time you will be free to travel in the local area. Playa Hermosa and Jaco are one hour by bus and Playa Dominical is less than 40 minutes away. There will be plenty of time to try out surfing, kayaking, snorkelling, or hiking in the area. Zip lining, horseback riding, ATV and catamaran tours are also options for your free time.
If you would like to travel to the other side of the Country or visit the beautiful North of Southern parts, we recommend you to take a few days before or after the program as you may not have enough time to do so just during the weekends.
In your down time you will be free to travel in the local area. Playa Hermosa and Jaco are one hour by bus and Playa Dominical is less than 40 minutes away. There will be plenty of time to try out surfing, kayaking, snorkelling, or hiking in the area. Zip lining, horseback riding, ATV and catamaran tours are also options for your free time.
If you would like to travel to the other side of the Country or visit the beautiful North of Southern parts, we recommend you to take a few days before or after the program as you may not have enough time to do so just during the weekends.
Water Sports
Swimming
Concert/
Music
Music
Sightseeing
Diving/
Snorkling
Snorkling
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Souvenirs
Climbing
Safari/
Zoo
Zoo
Hiking
Museum/
Opera
Opera
Sports
Requirements
In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.
You need to speak English (basic level)
or Spanish (basic level)
required
at High School level
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
What's Included
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 24-hour emergency phone
- 24-hour in-country support
- Access to Alumni Services and Discounts
- Airport pick-up (unless otherwise stated)
- All necessary project equipment and materials
- All necessary project training by experienced staff
- Location orientation
- Long term experienced staff
- Meals while on project (except on work placements for long term internships)
- Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
- Welcome meeting
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- 20 hours of Spanish lessons unless already fluent
- Additional 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)
Most volunteers arrange international flights to arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose (IATA code: SJO) at least one day before the project starts.
Airport pick-ups can be arranged from 06:00 PM - 09:30 PM the day before your project start date, please request this from the GVI office.
If you are arriving earlier than the allocated pick up window, you are welcome to wait for our staff to arrive at the airport or you can arrange your own transport to Casa Colon. Official airport taxis are orange, and cost approx US$30 to the hostel. Alternatively, you can arrange an airport pick up with Casa Colon for about $25 or you can get a bus from outside the airport (approx. US$1, every 20-30mins).
Airport pick-ups can be arranged from 06:00 PM - 09:30 PM the day before your project start date, please request this from the GVI office.
If you are arriving earlier than the allocated pick up window, you are welcome to wait for our staff to arrive at the airport or you can arrange your own transport to Casa Colon. Official airport taxis are orange, and cost approx US$30 to the hostel. Alternatively, you can arrange an airport pick up with Casa Colon for about $25 or you can get a bus from outside the airport (approx. US$1, every 20-30mins).
Accommodation is in a group house with toilet facilities, running water (please note: no hot water on base), and basic amenities. There is a shared kitchen and living area where volunteers can plan lessons and enjoy free time. Rooms are shared with other volunteers and are mixed sex. This is a Central American country and the standard of living is different. Bearing this in mind, accommodations are quite comfortable.
A deposit of 20USD is required for house keys and extra t-shirts to work on the project. This is returned at the end of the program after handing in the keys and the extra working t-shirts, please budget for it.
Dorm Room
A deposit of 20USD is required for house keys and extra t-shirts to work on the project. This is returned at the end of the program after handing in the keys and the extra working t-shirts, please budget for it.
Food will be cooked in traditional local style (lots of rice and beans) and vegetarians can be accommodated. Everyone makes their own breakfast with the products in the house provided by GVI and will be mainly porridge, bread or cereal with fresh fruit and coffee or tea. During project days, we eat lunch on project, which is usually rice and beans accompanied by salad or potatoes, plantain, or yucca, etc. Dinner will be cooked by the group, with rotating cooking responsibilities. A typicall evening meal may include beans, rice, pasta, fresh fruit, and vegetables.Out of environmental considerations, we provide meat or chicken twice a week. There are many cafes and restaurants in the local area and you are free to go out for dinner at your own expense.
Limited access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
The nearest airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. We assist you to find cheap flights to Costa Rica.
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Costa Rica provides security and is a plus to have.
If you are intending to volunteer in Costa Rica you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Costa Rica.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Details on arrival
Due to the current situation you have the flexibility of changing the destination and start dates for this program at no extra cost. This added flexibility can be utilised until 31 December 2020.
2020
- 11 Jan 2020
- 25 Jan 2020
- 08 Feb 2020
- 22 Feb 2020
- 07 Mar 2020
- 21 Mar 2020
- 04 Apr 2020
- 18 Apr 2020
- 02 May 2020
- 16 May 2020
- 30 May 2020
- 13 Jun 2020
- 27 Jun 2020
- 11 Jul 2020
- 25 Jul 2020
- 08 Aug 2020
- 22 Aug 2020
- 05 Sep 2020
- 19 Sep 2020
- 03 Oct 2020
- 17 Oct 2020
- 31 Oct 2020
- 14 Nov 2020
- 28 Nov 2020
2021
- 09 Jan 2021
- 23 Jan 2021
- 06 Feb 2021
- 20 Feb 2021
- 06 Mar 2021
- 20 Mar 2021
- 03 Apr 2021
- 17 Apr 2021
- 01 May 2021
- 15 May 2021
- 29 May 2021
- 12 Jun 2021
- 26 Jun 2021
- 10 Jul 2021
- 24 Jul 2021
- 07 Aug 2021
- 21 Aug 2021
- 04 Sep 2021
- 18 Sep 2021
- 02 Oct 2021
- 16 Oct 2021
- 30 Oct 2021
- 13 Nov 2021
- 27 Nov 2021
This program is paused due to COVID-19 and reopens August 2020. Apply Now!
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 - 12 weeks
Program fees
1 week
(min. stay)
$1,712
2 weeks
$1,972
4 weeks
$2,463
6 weeks
$2,983
8 weeks
$3,503
10 weeks
$4,023
12 weeks
(max. stay)
$4,543
Average fees
$1,045
/week
The organization charges its fees in EUR. The price table in USD is subject to currency fluctuation.
Global Vision International (GVI)
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.
Your final payment will be agreed with Global Vision International (GVI) during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
Why book with Volunteer World
Volunteer World is the world's leading comparison platform for international volunteer opportunities. We guide you through a safe and easy
application process
- including all necessary payments. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you free access to our:
Quality Assurance
High ethical standards & transparent social impact
Flex Option
Change your reservation at no extra costs
Refund Guarantee
We refund your fees if Global Vision International (GVI) cancels your trip
Support & Mediation
We cover your back no matter what happens
Our services are free of charge!
All program fees are charged directly by Global Vision International (GVI).
What are people saying about Volunteer World?
Teaching English & Community Development
Travel to Costa Rica to teach English in Quepos.
$925/week
You might be also interested in
Devon, United Kingdom
Join this online Internship today to gain real experience contributing to the work of NGOs, government organisations and social enterprises that focus on key issues.
Devon, United Kingdom
Join this Online Internship to gain real-world experience and a contextual understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities of a public health professional.
Devon, United Kingdom
Most conservation organisations agree that marine species are under threat. Join this online Internship to kickstart your career and help solve this problem.
Devon, United Kingdom
Join us on the Climate Crisis and Clean Energy Virtual Online Internship to gain experience in projects that help to prevent the climate crisis.
Cusco, Peru
Explore the dramatic landscapes and ancient cultures of the Peruvian Andes and work to conserve environmental resources and promote sustainable tourism.
Pokhara, Nepal
Make an impact by improving the health and safety standards of educational facilities in Pokhara and hike the Himalayas with other teen volunteers.
404 Not Found
Why am I seeing this?
You requested a page that doesn't exist on this site any more. This could be caused by a link you followed that was out of date, by a typing in the wrong address in the address bar, or simply because the post has been deleted.