Orientation
On your first day of work you will be shown the location of the home that you have chosen. Our project co-ordinator will accompany you and introduce you to the “tías” and/or home administrator. On your first day, you and the person in charge of the particular project will work out a schedule so you can decide on volunteer hours and plan activities.
Accommodation and Meals
During your time as a volunteer you will stay with a Costa Rican host family. These families are carefully selected to ensure clean, comfortable and safe lodging and provide you with a fantastic opportunity for you to practise your Spanish. The host family will provide you with a private bedroom, two meals a day (breakfast and dinner) and will take care of your laundry.
Free Time
The free time you have will depend on your agreed schedule. During your free time, volunteers are welcome to use the Internet and telephone facilities at the volunteer centre, the cafeteria, where there is free coffee and fruit juice, and use of travel information and reservation desk. You will also have the chance to participate in daily salsa classes, cooking classes, and conversation classes. The country's capital of San José has many museums, theatres, international restaurants, discotheques and bars.
Project Support
Throughout your stay you will have the support and guidance of a volunteer work coordinator and their team. They will be able to help you with any questions or advice you may need during your time on the project.
In addition, you are also able to contact our UK staff 24 hours a day should you need to, via our emergency contact number.
Project Age Limit
Minimum 18 years, maximum decided on potential participants’ health.
Project Requirements
Having an intermediate level of Spanish is very important and experience of working with children is preferred but not essential. Often there are only one or two people in charge of the children. Some of the children go to school, but those who don’t are in the homes all day, which can be small and crowded. Volunteers will find this work very demanding but extremely rewarding.
