Kaya Volunteering for Educational and Teaching Projects in Costa Rica

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Volunteering for 16 and 17 year olds in Costa Rica

If you are looking to spend your holidays doing something different and help others through volunteering overseas why not join Kaya and work on one of 4 projects in Costa Rica that accept 16 and 17 year olds. If you are 16 or 17 years old, you can join local staff and older volunteers to work in schools, childcare centres, a coffee cooperative or a turtle protection project.

The projects support communities in and around Atenas, and for many a low level of income is generated from agricultural activities such as coffee or orchid growing. The communities rely on drop in nutrition centres, located next to elementary schools where children can have a meal and nutritious snacks while their parents work. The parents are often looking to generate extra income which is why coffee cooperatives have been set up. Children are taken to childcare centres so parents are able to work. In elementary schools, there is often a lack of resources and extra classroom help is always welcomed. There is also a project which protects land turtles, which are often overlooked in favour of sea turtles.

Bring your enthusiasm and willingness to help where needed and support local communities and initiatives in Costa Rica through volunteering in your spare time.

Teach in Elementary Schools and Kindergartens in San Jose, Costa Rica

Volunteer abroad with Kaya and Teach in Elementary Schools and Kindergartens in San Jose, Costa Rica to get hands-on experience with children who will really benefit from international instruction. Kaya work with an amazing variety of public schools that are in and around San Jose, the bustling capital of Costa Rica. All projects welcome volunteers to teach English as well as to interact with the children in various subjects such as sports, arts and even educational trips and recreational activities. Resources are often thin on the ground and children often come from low income families. The government funds some of their programs but their families are asked to pay for materials and a tuition fee.

The projects work with schools with children aged 2 - 15 in different placements. Volunteers can work in elementary schools, teaching english or a specialised subject. Alternatively volunteers can work with students up to the age of 18 that are beginning to learn a trade and need extra support learning English. Volunteers can also choose to work in kindergartens and daycare centres by helping out with the younger children’s routines and play times help prepare lessons and teaching classes along side the local teachers. Bring your skills, enthusiasm and interests and share them with the teachers and students of San Jose!

Learn Spanish

Established in 1989, Kaya’s learn Spanish in Costa Rica program offers a unique Spanish immersion language course that enables students to learn the language and at the same time experience Costa Rican culture. While Spanish instruction is the focal point of all academic classes, you will have the chance to engage with Latin dance classes as well as cooking classes to practice and improve your speaking, dancing and cooking skills outside of the classroom.

You can study abroad in Costa Rica and experience a new classroom methodology, constructed so students can communicate, comprehend and use accurate pronounciation in Spanish quickly via different approaches. Our instructors pay special attention to individual language needs which emphasizes active student participation. Your classes will be intense, yet enjoyable, challenging and most of all - fun!

There are ten levels of instruction which we currently offer students: Beginner I, II & III; Intermediate I, II & III; Advanced I, II, & III, as well as specialized Spanish courses for medical, legal or business professionals, Spanish teachers, etc. Students will be placed in the appropriate level, according to your proficiency as determined by a written test and an oral evaluation.

Costa Rica Spring Break Volunteering Week

Want to do something amazing with your Spring Break this year? Join us in San Jose for a week of community volunteering helping abandoned and underprivileged children in the city’s children’s homes , community and day care centres. The children’s homes care for children who have been abandoned or removed from their families by the government for their safety. The children’s progress is monitored and attempts are made to find families for the children where possible. Community centres provide assistance to poor families, running various community initiatives including day care for their young children, support with learning, a feeding programme and housing for teenage orphans. Spend your Spring Break this year helping others.

Spring Break in Costa Rica will give you the opportunity to discover some of the amazing things that attract tourists to this amazing country. You will be exposed to cultural activities such as a cooking class and Spanish lessons as well as exploring some of the amazing sights and having lots of fun - the choice is yours! So whether it is exploring the cloud forest, relaxing in the hot springs or white water rafting, bring your enthusiasm and positive attitude to support local families, and give something back during your time in Costa Rica this Spring Break!