from 1,377€

Great 4.4rating (78)

Work with Disabled Children

location
4 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Great 4.4  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Good response rate

Highlights

  • Enhance your Spanish skills daily, immersing yourself in the language's rich tapestry.
  • Embrace the "tica" way of life, savoring the relaxed charm of Costa Ricans.
  • Cultivate a profound appreciation for diverse cultures and countries, broadening your global perspective.
  • Forge lasting bonds with fellow international volunteers, uniting to create lasting memories.
  • Traverse a land celebrated for its awe-inspiring landscapes and pristine beaches, each destination a masterpiece.

Especially suitable

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
50+

About the program

Assist teachers during lessons, help organize activities, and care for children that have disabilities. Make a positive impact on them and brighten up their day!

The Issue 

The facilities where our volunteers work are non-profit organizations. They often lack professional staff and sufficient financial means to be able to work properly. Volunteers, especially those with previous therapeutic training, are urgently needed to help care for the children and to ...

About the program

The Issue 

The facilities where our volunteers work are non-profit organizations. They often lack professional staff and sufficient financial means to be able to work properly. Volunteers, especially those with previous therapeutic training, are urgently needed to help care for the children and to support the teachers during the lessons.

The Program

Schools and social institutions for disabled children are dedicated to attending children with physical and/or emotional problems who can’t attend a regular school. Some of the children are only slightly impaired, while others have severe disabilities. At the special schools where our volunteers help in Costa Rica, there are mainly autistic children, children with hearing difficulties, children with learning disorders and children with Down Syndrome. Austism is a developmental disorder, which is characterized, among other things, by certain deficits in communication skills and social interaction. Features of autism include absent-mindedness, language difficulties, and atypical behavior, such as performing repetitive activities or being excessively focused on a particular object. Autism is also often accompanied by intellectual impairment. 

There are two different schools where we place volunteers, which are attended by between 250 and 560 children. The children range from babies to teenagers, and there are also young adults between the ages of 18-21 that are taken care of.

The Location

Costa Rica's capital San José located in the heart of this small country. From there, you can reach all of Costa Rica’s attractions in a few hours, some natural beauties like the Irazu volcano and several national parks are even right at the doorstep! With around 340,000 inhabitants, San José itself is not very large, but due to its role as the capital and its central location, it is the country's economic, political and cultural center. 

The inhabitants call themselves "Josefinos" and most are descendants of Italian or Spanish immigrants. These influences are reflected in the architecture and cityscape, which seem very Mediterranean. San José is a pretty town with attractive theaters, museums, art galleries, cultural events – and not at last a lively nightlife. Colorful markets invite you to stroll and shop and on nice places you can relax and watch the hustle and bustle. 

As in all of Costa Rica, there are hardly any "real" addresses in the capital - street signs are usually not found, just like house numbers. Addresses are rather descriptions, like: Name of the district, if available, 200m south of the red church, the house with the green door. Or: Fourth house next to the gas station behind the supermarket. Sounds adventurous? But it works!

What we expect

  • Be tolerant 

Please do not put prejudices of the foreign culture and other people into your luggage. You do not need that during your stay abroad! On the contrary, tolerance is a very important feature if you want to be successful and have fun while volunteering abroad. Respect the foreign culture, the other habits and the different mentality with great respect. While the other way of working may not always make much sense in your eyes, the goal of volunteering abroad is not to criticize or smile at people for acting and doing, but to work with them for a good cause. 

  • Be adaptable 

On a trip abroad, especially in developing countries, you leave your home comfort zone. It is very important that you are ready to adapt to a different life situation. In Latin America, you certainly will not find the usual standards of home again. Especially volunteer projects in developing countries are often located in very secluded areas in the middle of beautiful nature or you live with a local host family, who belongs to a foreign culture. But that's the exciting thing about volunteering abroad! Immerse yourself in a foreign land, experience culture, traditions and people up close, learn from them, just let go and adapt to the other life circumstances. A unique experience that will mature and grow you as a person! 

  • Team spirit 

In a voluntary work, the team idea is always over self-interest. Working in a team is fun and brings good mood and variety! So, for your volunteer work abroad, you should bring along a great deal of team spirit, because you always work together with other people, be it volunteers from other countries or local project staff. However, when so many foreign and diverse cultures meet, teamwork can become a whole new challenge. Even more important, that you have the ability to communicate in a group, work constructively and fairly and do not want to punch through your will at all costs.

  • Be helpful and responsible 

For most projects, volunteers who "do a good job" are most appreciated. By participating in a voluntary service abroad, you are consciously choosing to work in another country. You are not on a vacation trip. So, you have choosen to offer your help and valuable time to other people, nature protection or animals welfare. What really matters is your helpfulness! A really very important and unavoidable trait is the sense of responsibility. The volunteer project is counting on your support and your cooperation has been tightly scheduled. A high level of responsibility is the alpha and omega. During your volunteer work in Latin America, you are assigned to certain areas of activity that you must do on your own. Please take your role as a volunteer very seriously and carry out your tasks in the project conscientiously and carefully. 

  • Be flexible 

Be prepared for the fact that volunteering in Latin America is much different from what you know or are used to at home. The Latin Americans have a completely different order, time and work understanding. Even their logic of approaching certain things may not always make much sense in your eyes. The different language and culture can quickly lead to misunderstandings or communication problems. An important principle for you: always be flexible and spontaneous! You will soon realize that there is a solution for all situations and that you can quickly develop a plan B from a problem. 

  • Be proactive and take initiative 

During your voluntary work abroad, do not expect someone to explain to you in a big way what needs to be done, where and when. Often there is only a brief introduction and then your proactivity and initiative are asked. Get actively involved, offer your help and see where you can best apply your skills and strengths. It is always great when volunteers constructively and friendly affix ideas and suggest their own small projects.



Typical day

On a day-to-day basis, you will be expected to help teachers during classes by assisting the students and preparing teaching materials for the classes. Since English is becoming an increasingly important language in Costa Rica, you will be expected to teach the children English on a regular basis.

He

Typical day

On a day-to-day basis, you will be expected to help teachers during classes by assisting the students and preparing teaching materials for the classes. Since English is becoming an increasingly important language in Costa Rica, you will be expected to teach the children English on a regular basis.

Here is a small overview of what your tasks may include:

  • Helping the teachers during classes
  • Teaching English
  • Preparing lessons
  • Organizing games and activities
  • Playing sports and games
  • Helping out with day-to-day operations
  • Providing caring attention to the children
  • Assisting the teachers
  • Help with feeding and bathing the youngest children
  • Monitoring naptime for the small children
  • Supervising the children while they play, eat, sleep, or study

At work, you will be surrounded by other people (be it volunteers or teachers) who are all passionate about helping children. This creates a welcoming, safe atmosphere for both children and volunteers alike.

Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of volunteers, weather, season, current needs of the project, as well as self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.


Free-time activities

Costa Rica is the perfect place to combine volunteer work with tourism, enjoy activities like:

  • Visit cultural institutions like the National Museum, the Gold Museum, and the Jade Museum to learn about Costa Rica's history and art.
  • Attend performances at the National Theater, which is renowned for its ...

Free-time activities

Costa Rica is the perfect place to combine volunteer work with tourism, enjoy activities like:

  • Visit cultural institutions like the National Museum, the Gold Museum, and the Jade Museum to learn about Costa Rica's history and art.
  • Attend performances at the National Theater, which is renowned for its neoclassical architecture and cultural events.  
  • Explore the city's historic neighborhoods, parks, and markets on guided walking tours. 
  • Discover local cuisine and shop for traditional crafts and souvenirs in the bustling Central Market.
  • Stroll through parks like La Sabana, Parque Nacional, and Parque España, where you can relax and people-watch.
  • Savor Costa Rican coffee and dine in various restaurants, trying typical dishes like gallo pinto and casado.
  • Enjoy the lush greenery at the Spirogyra Butterfly Garden and the Lankester Botanical Garden. 
  • Check local listings for cultural events, festivals, and exhibitions taking place during your visit. 
  • Explore malls like Multiplaza and Avenida Central for shopping and dining options. 
  • Use San José as a base for day trips to nearby attractions, including volcanoes, coffee plantations, and rainforests. 
  • Experience San José's vibrant nightlife with bars, clubs, and live music venues.


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

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.

Language Skills

You need to speak Spanish (intermediate level) or English (intermediate level)

Education Requirements

at High School level

Required Documents

CV, Copy of Passport and Criminal Record Check

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

What's Included

What's Included

Services by South America Inside

Program fees include: 

  • Homestay, single room
  • Breakfast, dinner
  • Laundry service once a week
  • Airport Pick-up
  • Advice from our experienced staff
  • On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
  • Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
  • Your placement in the volunteer project
  • Pre-departure information
  • Packing list
  • Country handbook
  • Intercultural guide
  • Welcome meeting in San José
  • On-site volunteer coordinator
  • 24/7 emergency number
  • Advice on travel insurance
  • Certificate of participation

                            Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

                            Airport pick-up is provided and will drop you off at your homestay. 

                            Accommodation

                            You will be living in a single room with a local host family, sharing both bathrooms and living spaces. This will allow you to indulge in the culture of Costa Rica and improve your Spanish skills. Living with a host family will allow you to live like the locals and experience the country in the most authentic way possible. 

                            Food & Beverages

                            Half-board is provided by the host family (breakfast and dinner). Special diatry requirements can be taken care of.

                            Internet Access

                            Good access at the project site

                            What's NOT included?

                            What's NOT included?

                            Flight Tickets

                            The nearest airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. We assist you to find cheap flights to Costa Rica. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

                            Travel Insurance

                            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. GET A QUOTE

                            Vaccines

                            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. VACCINE CHECKER

                            Details on arrival

                            The volunteer work can be joined throughout the year. The start and end date can be set flexible, according to your availability and travel plans. Ask our experienced staff to coordinate your participation in this meaningfull volunteer project.

                            Availability
                            Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

                            Program fees

                            4 weeks (min. stay) 1,377€
                            5 weeks 1,591€
                            6 weeks 1,804€
                            7 weeks 2,018€
                            8 weeks 2,231€
                            9 weeks 2,444€
                            10 weeks 2,658€
                            11 weeks 2,871€
                            12 weeks 3,085€
                            24 weeks (max. stay) 5,645€
                            Average fees 289€/week

                            Program fees

                            289€ per week 4 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

                            Payment methods

                            Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

                            NO CREDIT CARD FEES


                            Duration

                            4 - 24 weeks

                            Deposit

                            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.


                            Final Payment

                            Your final payment will be agreed with South America Inside during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


                            Meet your organization

                            South America Inside

                            Great 4.4 rating (78 reviews)

                            Agency - founded in 2003

                            Verified by Volunteer World

                              Good response rate

                            Coordinated by

                            Marion

                            Spoken languages: German, Spanish, English

                            About the project

                            South America Inside promotes intercultural, linguistic and educational exchanges. Its volunteer programs are addressed to students, professionals and retirees.

                            Meet your organization

                            South America Inside is an intercultural management agency, founded back in 2003, which specializes in the promotion of programs abroad, language travel and educational programs throughout Latin America.

                            Since 2007, to enrich the experience of our global-minded clients and to provide them with even more possibilities, South America Inside has been expanding their program offerings throughout South and Central America.

                            Working together with some of the best language schools in Latin America, South America Inside provides high quality language courses in almost every Latin American country.

                            Thanks to a professional team of motivated and friendly staff, South America Inside has been very successful over the past several years and have been able to establish an outstanding network of what we call "Insider Contacts." To enrich the experience of their clients and to provide them with more possibilities, South America Inside has been expanding our program offerings throughout Central and South America, in addition to our well-established Chilean programs.

                            Volunteer Work

                            Do you dream of staying abroad while doing something positive? Are you looking for a unique experience that will leave a mark on your life? Then a Volunteer Work program in South America or Central America is perfect for you!

                            With South America Inside you can combine an adventure abroad with social commitment, and create lasting memories in Latin America. Support the protection of endangered species; help a local community construct new homes; give new hope to impoverished children.

                            The possibilities to lend a hand are diverse, as there are the many places where help is needed. We have classified our volunteer projects in different areas so you can easily find the one (or more!) projects that best match your needs and interests.

                            Why with us

                            There are many persuasive reasons that speak in favor of South America Inside when it comes to selecting your perfect provider of language, study and volunteer travel abroad. Following, we have prepared a short summary so that you can get us to know a little better.

                            Our Insider benefits at a glance:

                              Regional Experience
                            Over one decade (established in 2003) of dedication to language, work and study travel programs in Latin America. Thanks to our long standing work and life experience in the South American continent, we know this region really well. Therefore, we can help and inform you in a professional and competent way.

                              Multifaceted Offers
                            Over time we have developed new programs to offer a wide array of work abroad opportunities to our clients. We have been pioneers in launching new exchange programs, as we have been the first in offering Work & Travel/Working Holiday and Farm Stays in Chile and successfully introduced these programs into the market back in 2005. Since 2012, we are the only agency to offer this type of program in Costa Rica.

                              Insider Advice
                            Despite living in the modern era of the internet, we know that reliable and competent advice is still an important criterion for most of us. At South America Inside, you will find the benefits of an internet provider and an independent travel agency. We will be glad to pass on our extensive knowledge and regional experience.!

                              Location
                            It is difficult to run programs when there is nobody “on the ground” to evaluate existing options and search for new opportunities. So, we are located in Chile, on location, and we know everything that is going on first hand. We know what it is like to live as a foreigner in South America and will be happy to assist you in making your stay unforgettable!

                              Independence
                            South America Inside is an independent provider of language courses, internships, volunteer work, Farm Stays and Work & Travel programs in Latin America. We neither depend financially nor structurally on any other company, language school, association or organization. Therefore, we are able to give personalized information in accordance to your needs and availability.

                            •  Multilingual Team

                            Our team is multilingual and international! We speak fluent English, Spanish and German, as well as some French and Portuguese. With our customers, we can communicate in their native language and we avoid misunderstandings with local partners by communicating in Spanish with them. You can be sure that there will be an English-speaking contact person for you before, during, and after your stay.

                              Customer Service
                            Excellent customer service is one of the most important goals for South America Inside, and this is evident with the positive feedback we regularly receive from our many happy clients. Emails are answered within 48 business hours and every client is treated with the same friendliness and expertise.

                              Gapless and Accurate Information flow
                            With South America Inside you will have one and the same contact person before, during and after your trip. With that said, we guarantee a gapless and accurate information flow and you will always be very well informed.

                              Approved Program Places
                            Many of our program places, especially in the area of internships and volunteer work, are designed in the way that they will be recognized by most universities, colleges or academies.

                            78 reviews · rating4.4

                            Christiane Apedo Amah rating5

                            2019 at Work with Disabled Children

                            working as a volonteer in Costa Rica was a riching expérience, I stay with a mama Tica Who is very kind and warmful, I speak a lot with her and have been able to really improve my spanish. the center CRLA wich is in charge of volonteering work is very professional and I love going there after my ...
                            Luisa rating4.6

                            2015 at Work with Disabled Children

                            I couldn’t imagine a better stay abroad as my stay in Costa Rica. The information about my tasks at the volunteer project were given to me on site while I was accompanied to go there. I helped four weeks as a volunteer in a special school in the department of "hearing and speaking". There I was ...
                            GERALDINE QUIRKE rating3.2

                            2024 at Work in a National Park

                            When I scheduled volunteer time the indication was that there was a limited number of volunteers based on the projects/work to be done. As more and more volunteers arrived i realized that we were more valued for the money we paid than for the limited amount of work to be done. Also, I felt that ...
                            lyne bourbonnais rating3.8

                            2024 at Eco Farm Worker

                            j'ai bien aimé mon expérience à Antigua qui est une superbe ville facile à visiter. Vivre dans une famille, y prendre les repas est une très belle incursion dans la vie guatémaltèque. et quoi de mieux pour l'immersion en langue espagnole! eco farm: bien qu'au départ je n'ai pas bien saisi ...
                            Emilie Hasni rating4.2

                            2023 at Help Save Sea Turtles

                            Magnifique expérience avec les tortues et avec les autres volontaires aussi. Le cadre est magnifique, les couchers de soleil et les balades dans la nature autour du lieu du volontariat sont superbes. Petite info : si tu veux avoir internet, le seul réseau qui fonctionne est Kolbi. Nous on a ...
                            Floriana D. rating5

                            2023 at Local Wildlife Helper

                            Hey there, I love my experience, it is amazing !!! Tomorrow I am going to visit and I am working, it's going very well ! Thank you for everything!! ...

                            Location


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                            Contact Marion
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