Teach English in Costa Rica, Esparza
Teach English to children in a fun and practical way! Create real-life situations, games and other activities while utilizing your mother tongue. There is a lot of freedom for your own creativity to bring new forms of teaching and ideas to the classroom. Give back to the local rural community by teaching children in government schools and by giving them exposure to other cultures and languages. Teach in one of the many rural schools around Esparza and get an inside track on the Costa Rican educational system.
Your Role
The local government and Educational Supervisor are fully behind our project, giving us access to many schools in the area. This program consists of teaching English to students aged between 5 and 19. Some of the larger schools have English teachers, but the teachers themselves often struggle. Participants will be free to choose their own way of teaching and may bring their own ideas into class. It is important to understand that the methods of teaching are less important than the attitude of the participant towards the students. In addition, the subjects to be taught can alter, depending on current activities in the schools which might include, for example, environmental issues or current festivals.
The teaching program serves a dual purpose; of course it is meant to help children in rural Costa Rica to have a chance to learn English with a mother tongue speaker, but it also benefits you, giving you an insight into the Costa Rican education system as well as an excellent opportunity to become good friends with students, teachers and even parents, and so take a full role in the community.
Trip Objectives
Costa Rica relies heavily on tourism, and tourism relies on locals speaking popular tourist languages. Private schools are often bilingual, but expensive, and children in government schools are left behind. This programme gives you the chance to improve the prospects of children in government schools by broadening their cultural horizons and giving them the confidence to use and practice English. They will learn in order to converse with you, and it will benefit them for life.
Therefore, the main aim is to continue to improve the children’s prospects by teaching them a world language. You will gain teaching experience, an invaluable life skill, and experience deep cultural immersion.
Example Itinerary – Monday to Friday
A portion of your first day will be spent with an introduction to local staff and facilities.
Your day will start with breakfast in the volunteer centre at 7:00am, followed by transport to the school. You will be organizing and balancing a range of activities for your duration at the school. Your schedule can be flexible, but you should be prepared to teach for at least 3-6 hours a day. You will have lunch at the school and can expect to remain there from as early as 8:00 am until just after 4.30pm, depending on your schedule, giving you plenty of time to immerse yourself in the school and its activities, and to get to know its students and staff. Dinner will be between 6:00pm and 8:00pm.
When confirming your dates please take note of the long holidays (late Dec to early Feb) and the Easter holidays which schools may take advantage of. During such times, renovation work continues, with the option to join special classes and English camps when requested by the local community.
Weekends
Weekends will be free, with brunch at 10:00 and dinner between 6:00pm and 8:00pm.
We require you to join us for a minimum of two weeks, which could be mixed with this activity or combined with others in Costa Rica that are more specific.
Criminal Records Check
We require you to complete a criminal records check in order to take part in this experience. We can accept those that have been done in the last two years if you have the certificate. In the UK it can be done through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), in the USA further details can be found on Travel.State.Gov, otherwise please search for your local service provider. We may also request a reference from a reliable source. You must supply these to us before departure and also take a copy with you to present to the in-country team.
Why do we require a criminal background check?
1) Ensuring a safe environment is conducive to learning, productivity and overall positive experiences for everyone involved.
2) We implement thorough screening processes and we are committed to safety and integrity, fostering trust among participants and the local community.
3) Conducting background checks serves as a preventive measure, deterring individuals with questionable backgrounds from attempting to participate in our programme.
4) Safeguards vulnerable people from potential harm within the programme.
You can arrive on any weekend of the year and your placement will start on the Monday.
Arrival Notes
We require you to arrive at SJO (Juan Santamaría) international airport on a Saturday or Sunday, otherwise there might be an additional charge to support your arrival. If you are arriving overland, then please contact us to arrange a meeting point.
Additional charge per person of USD $80 for transport transfer outside standard collection time.
Visa
British nationals don’t need a visa to enter Costa Rica. You can stay as a tourist visitor for up to 3 months/90 days, although the exact period is at the discretion of the immigration officer on arrival. Durations longer than this will require a visit to Panamá or Nicaragua which is very easy to arrange once in country, which will allow a further 90 day tourist visa when re-entering Costa Rica.
For further entry requirements visit Costa Rica Embassy.
Location
Esparza is a medium-sized agricultural town nestled amongst the mountains above Rio Barranca, in the Central Pacific Coast area of Costa Rica. The area was first settled by the Chorotega and Huetar peoples. The Chorotega people fled from Mexico 1,500 years ago and brought their traditions with them. This is a possible reason why there are Mexican words which jump several countries and turn up again in Costa Rica.
The Spanish town was founded in 1577, making it the second oldest in the country. It has a rich history which includes legends of hidden pirate gold. Esparza is the second largest cantón in the province of Puntarenas, covering an area of 216.80 km², and with a population of approximately 35,000.
Social Life in Esparza and Costa Rica
Your placement will keep you busy during the week, but you will generally have your evenings and weekends free to get to know Esparza, Costa Rica, and of course your fellow volunteers. Esparza is a largely rural community, and off the tourist track, which means you can experience genuine Costa Rican culture. The pace of life is relaxed, and it is not unusual to see horses being ridden in the street. Our in-country team will organize a weekly evening activity, such as dancing lessons, cooking lessons, Spanish lessons or a trip to a nearby town or tourist destination. Every month, on a weekend, there will be an organised trip to a tourist destination – volcano, beach, waterfall, canopy, ziplining, horse riding etc. When there are local events and fiestas we will make sure that you are involved.
Accommodation
Your new home will be one of two eco houses in our centre in Esparza: Jaguar House and Toucan House, sleeping 22 people max. Rooms are single gender occupancy, and sleep a maximum of 4 people in bunk beds. We have two private rooms available for those travelling as couples. Each house has two western style WC/shower rooms with cold water, which is refreshing in the heat of Esparza. Rooms are equipped with mosquito screens and 2 fans. All doors are lockable.
Washing facilities are provided, and there is a large dining hall/games room/communal area shared by both houses, with free WiFi, TV and table tennis, plus a large garden of tropical plants, including coconut palm, papaya, banana, and citrus.
With the environment in mind, all volunteers are asked to be sensitive with the resources they use, in regards to water, paper and electricity.
Facilities
There are shops within 300 metres of the centre, and bars, restaurants, and an excellent public pool within 15 minutes walk. There is an ATM within 1km and more ATMs in town, about 2kms. Buses into town and further afield leave from within 300ms of the centre.
Esparza and the surrounding area has plenty of shops, bars and restaurants within easy reach.
Travel and Adventure in Esparza and Puntarenas
Esparza and Puntarenas have plenty to offer for weekend activities, including horse riding, watersports (surf is huge), game fishing, canopy tours, Puntarenas Marina, National Parks, hotels to suit all budgets, and some of the best scenery in the world. Puntarenas is also ideally suited to take a scenic ferry to the Nicoya Peninsula and its many secluded beaches.
Beautiful beaches for surf and relaxation are a short bus journey away from the centre, and Esparza has its own secluded waterfall with legends of buried pirate treasure.
Esparza is on the Panamerican Highway, so access to the rest of Costa Rica and the rest of the American continent is at your doorstep.
Accommodation
Your home will be one of two eco houses in our centre in Esparza: Jaguar House and Toucan House, sleeping 22 people max. Rooms are single gender occupancy, and sleep a maximum of 4 people in bunk beds. We have two private rooms available for those travelling as couples. Each house has two western style WC/shower rooms with cold water, which is refreshing in the heat of Esparza. Rooms are equipped with mosquito screens and 2 fans. All doors are lockable. Laundry facilities and a kitchen are provided, and there is a large dining hall/games room/communal area shared by both houses, with free WiFi, TV and table tennis, plus a large garden of tropical plants, including coconut palm, papaya, banana, and citrus.
Food
Three meals a day on weekdays (two on weekends) are included during your stay. The meals will mainly be a mix of traditional and modern Costa Rican food, so you may experience the Costa Rican take on foods you will be familiar with. Most meals will include either fish, chicken, pork or beef, but vegetarians can be catered for. Tea and coffee making facilities are provided in the kitchens.
Airport Transfer
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the accommodation.
Airport Pick-Up
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the accommodation.
Training
An orientation and induction to the local area will be provided in your first few days helping you settle in and adjust to your new surroundings.
Support
Our in-country team also operates an informal help desk during working hours for any feedback and questions from our participants.
Flights, Travel Insurance, Visas, Vaccinations, Spending Money, In Country Travel, Laundry Detergent, Toiletries, Soft Drinks and Alcohol, Extra activities not on itinerary. Return transport to airport but we will assist. CRB Check.
Preferred Duration
The longer the better but 4 to 12 weeks is usually a good amount of time.
Typical Hours
Working Monday to Friday for 4 to 5 hours a day. There may be additional work depending on needs at the time so please be open to this.
Pre-requisites
Mother-tongue English speakers. No teaching experience necessary.
Ideal For
Teaching gap year and career breaks in Latin America, teaching holidays overseas, gap year programmes in Latin America.
Suitable for ages 18 to 70
Most participants are between 18 and 25, so please be aware of this. We do welcome older people because of the value and experience they bring to the community.
Three meals a day on weekdays (two on weekends) are included during your stay. The meals will mainly be a mix of traditional and modern Costa Rican food, so you may experience the Costa Rican take on foods you will be familiar with. Most meals will include either fish, chicken, pork or beef, but vegetarians can be catered for. We may be biased, but Costa Rican food is delicious!
Accommodation is provided in our comfortable houses (shared rooms of max 4 people.) There is WiFi, TV and table tennis, plus laundry and cooking facilities and a large garden. You will be provided with a 24/7 emergency number for each respective country on arrival, and you will have the dedicated support from English speaking staff on site. Our in-country team is always available during working hours for any feedback and questions from our participants.
We recommend that those taking part in this trip should be 18+ year olds. For those who are under 18 years old, it is still possible to take part in the trip, we would however need written consent from a parent or legal guardian. Please mention this in the comments section of your booking.
The general schedules for this trip runs from Monday to Friday with evenings during the week, and weekends free for travel, excursions and activities. This trip is available all year but please take note that schedule adjustments may occur on certain dates throughout the year, due to the constant evolution of the projects and circumstances beyond our control.
As part of our in-country service we endeavour to provide an airport pick-up for all participants. A participant should arrive at their arrival airport on the Saturday or Sunday of the weekend of their trip start date, and will be met in the airport arrivals by a member of our in-country team or transfer service. There are 2 times for a pick up; one at 10:00 and one at 16:00; participants should book their flight accordingly and should inform us which time they prefer to be picked up.
You will be met at the airport by the in-country team, and be transferred to your accommodation by public transport (Taxi or Coach).
You will need to be socially active whilst taking part in your trip! This trip incorporates lots of interaction with the local people and culture and involves some local travel, so our volunteer projects will need you to use your initiative and the ability to think on your feet. In all cases, our in-country coordinators will be there to guide you and provide 24hr support to ensure that everything is running smoothly.
Unfortunately, Costa Rica was until recently a destination for child sex tourism. The government cracked down heavily on this. The check is relatively inexpensive, but allows us to confidently place volunteers into local schools, and enables us to demonstrate that we care about the safety of the children with whom we work. Contact us for more information on getting your DBS if you do not have one already.
As our projects progress, we will work with schools to build up a stock of equipment. Footballs and cones will be supplied, but you will be instrumental in helping us to take this project in the right direction to benefit the maximum number of children, so any additional equipment you can bring in your weight allowance is greatly appreciated. We are here to make a difference!
USD or CRC. But you don’t need much- you can use your card to pay in most places, or to withdraw money.
"Easily the most rewarding trip I have ever undertaken! To see the progress the local kids made in your time out there, under your tutelage, was so inspiring! Would highly recommend it!"
Joe Taylor
"What a trip! Spending 12 weeks in the stunning Costa Rican countryside, would have been a reward enough, but the bonds I made with my fellow travelling companions will last a lifetime, and my pride in my class of kids at the local school and the progress they made is a constant source of inspiration."
Brett McCallum
"I honestly couldn't have had a better time in Costa Rica, and the short time that I spent there with my new found friends will be remembered with treasured memories. Also, the challenge of helping local kids to improve impressively in a short space of time, was a reward in itself."
Callum Sutton
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