Nestling between its tropical Caribbean and Pacific coasts, Costa Rica is one of the most breath-taking countries in the world. Travel to this tropical paradise and take part in an exciting teaching project that will fully integrate you into the local community and leave you forever in love with the people, landscapes, beaches, rainforests, volcanoes and wildlife that this magical destination has to offer.
Check out our Costa Rica Teaching video
Teaching English in local schools will give you a real insight into Costa Rican culture, and in your weekends off you can enjoy trips around the local countryside offering you in a world of adventure sports, tremendous landscapes of natural beauty, great food, lively music and laid-back people.
Check out all the latest updates, videos, pictures and articles
from our Costa Rica projects on the Gap Year Blog:
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
-
Discover a land of intense beauty and colourful culture
-
Earn your TEFL certificate for free if you complete 20 teaching hours
-
Help improve the lives of local children and communities
|
Location |
Costa Rica |
|
Activities |
Help to teach English
Get involved in extracurricular activities
Support community development activities |
|
Transport |
Airport pick-up and transfer to Frontier house |
|
Accommodation |
Frontier volunteer house or campsite
or upgrade to a local hostel or guest house
|
|
Before you go |
Pre-departure support
Travel & medical advice & documentation
Advice on visas and equipment
Discounted medical kit
Free Frontier t-shirt
Free Frontier TEFL Certification if you complete necessary teaching hours
TEFL Training and BTEC available |
|
In-country |
Accommodation
Food two meals a day five days a week
Airport pickup
Internal ground transfers to Frontier house
Local orientation and training
In-country emergency support
24 hour international HQ back-up |
What Next? Apply Now!
WHAT DOES THE PROJECT DO?
You will be working in a local school offering support to children learning English and supporting them with other aspects of their lives and education. Frontier volunteers work with a local school in Puerto Jimenez which is always in need of assistance from volunteers. This project has been running for a number of years and the school staff are extremely keen to develop their English teaching curriculum to increase the positive impact of language education on the community of the region.
WHAT WILL I BE DOING?
Your work schedule will be challenging and varied, but always enjoyable, as you embark on your placement within this local school. There are a range of classroom activities taking place and you will finalise your schedule on arrival based upon local needs and duration of your stay. Whatever your schedule you will engage fully with local children, using your creativity and initiative to assist in the activities of the project.
You will benefit in terms of your personal and professional experience and will be encouraged to formulate ideas and develop your teaching skills and techniques. Working either with a local teacher or independently, you could be directly involved with leading lessons, marking pupils' work, preparing homework or assembling innovative and effective lesson plans. You may be asked to help teach a variety of essential subjects such as basic maths, English, reading, and indeed anything else in which you have experience. Your level of involvement will obviously depend on the length of your stay as well as your existing skills and qualifications.
There are also a range of extracurricular activities for you to contribute to, depending on your personal skills and interests – whether it be helping to coach a sports team, helping with a drama club, helping with a choir, or conducting one to one language tuition for children who are struggling. Just use your initiative and get the kids involved! Whatever you decide, you are sure to gain huge satisfaction from inspiring these enthusiastic children, whilst enhancing your own skills and experience significantly.
As well as taking part in teaching and running after-school activities, depending on the length of your visit , you may also have the opportunity to assist in the day-to-day running of classroom activities, help in the school office or get involved in activities in the wider community. There are plans for an environmental education project to be launched and your energy and involvement will be key in getting this off the ground. Whatever your skills and interests, we’re sure you will find a way to use them to help the long-term development of this friendly community.
This project runs five days a week so you will have weekends off to explore further afield or to relax and enjoy the social life in the clubs, bars and restaurants of Puerto Jimenez.
What Next? Apply Now!
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE?
You will be greeted at the local Airport by a Frontier staff member and travel by bus or taxi 20 minutes to the Frontier house. Please arrange to arrive on Sunday afternoon
WHERE WILL I BE STAYING?
You will be staying in the Frontier house in Puerto Jimenez close to your school. Your accommodation will be in a shared room and will be basic but clean, tidy and comfortable or in busy periods in the camp in the Frontier garden. If you prefer you can upgrade to local hostel accommodation for an additional fee of $50 per week.
WHAT WILL I BE EATING?
Costa Rican food is simple but delicious, with a focus on rice, beans and good quality fruit and vegetables. You could learn to make gallo pinto, the staple food of the nation, which is fried rice and black beans. Other favourites include light and crispy tortillas stuffed with delicious cheeses, vegetables and every now and then some diced meat. You will be provided with breakfast and dinner each day in the Frontier house five days a week your weekends are free and you can cater for yourself enjoying reasonably priced meals in local bars and restaurants around town or trying out street stalls.
On account of the lush nature of Costa Rica's natural habitats, the range of fresh fruit and vegetables is vast and abundant, so make sure you sample some of the fresh market produce. Another thing to try is some Costa Rican coffee, famous the world over and representing the country's biggest export, its fragrant aroma synonymous with the lush plantations found in Central America. And don't forget the rum!
What Next? Apply Now!
UNFORGETABLE EXPERIENCE
|
22 Oct 2012
I can't even describe the experience I had with Frontier! It's really best if you go see ...
Read more
Homestays and Teaching in Costa Rica
|
21 Jul 2011
Just after about 10 days in Puerto Jimnez I am so glad I chose to volunteer with Frontier in Cost...
Read more
4 weeks not enough
|
3 Jun 2011
Having spent the last few weeks volunteering as teachers in Puerto Jiminez we already feel comple...
Read more
A home from home in Costa Rica
|
4 May 2011
It is not until I set foot on the gravel roads of Puerto Jimenez, carrying a bright red, 30 kilo ...
Read more
The kids were so great, they never stopped smiling and were so lovely to teach!
|
3 Feb 2011
Amazing project, I loved every minute of it! My host family were great, they made me feel so welc...
Read more
1 to 5
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Costa Rica provides everything you could ever desire for an action-packed and eye-opening gap year or eco break. You may wish to explore some of the activities and unforgettable sights that are on offer here whether it is in your spare time, or even in a few extra days spent in this spectacular country at the beginning or end of the project. There are so many possibilities to explore – here are just a few suggestions! Try white water rafting, river kayaking or ocean kayaking – all activities that Costa Rica is famous for whether you are an expert or a compete novice.
If you have a head for heights see the landscape stretch out beneath you from a canopy tree top tour, or even an aerial tram! Other adventure activities that are on offer include biking, hiking, snorkelling and even bungee jumping! For something more sedate, there are butterfly and insect farms – fascinating for those with an interest in the natural world. Alternatively you may want to visit the Frontier Costa Rica Osa Peninsula camp ($10 food & accommodation per day, transport not included). Costa Rica really does have something for everyone – you will never be short of ways to enjoy your spare time!
* Please note that you will need to cover your own costs for extra activities.
