English Program Playa Jaco
This wonderful project was created with the goal of helping to improve the English speaking abilities of children in Jaco Beach on Costa Rica's stunning Pacific coast. Volunteers will work as Teacher’s Assistants and will generally work Monday - Friday, for up to 4 hours per day, depending on the needs of the school. Classes have high numbers of students and generally lack adequate resources so volunteers are needed to help with planning creative lessons and running games and activities, especially with the younger children. With English language skills, these children will have a greater chance of employment, especially in the tourism sector. English language skills will also greatly aid youth into higher education.
Goals of this Project:
- Provide free English language classes to the children of Jaco Beach
- Improve the future prospects of the children of Costa Rica
- Expose non-English speakers to native English speakers in order to improve pronunciation and conversational skills
- Enable inter-cultural exchange which benefits both students and international volunteers alike.
How You Can Help
Volunteers play an integral role in achieving the goals of this project; assisting students to learn the English language. They provide a valid and effective means of English language tuition and allow students to learn directly off native English language speakers – a major benefit for learners of the language.
The degree to which volunteer are able to assist will depend on Spanish proficiency, however, everyone with a positive attitude can assist in meaningful way.
Volunteers spend their time assisting the local teacher with daily activities, and will spend time teaching and playing with the children. They will contribute in a number of ways and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Help the teacher with the planned classroom activities
- Converse in and teach basic English to the children
- Play games, read and sing to the children in English
- Teach children good hygiene practices and life skills
- Help the children with projects
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years (17 with parental consent) and over who wish to help create a brighter future for children through the power of education. This project best suits those with experience and/or qualifications in the field of childhood development and education, though volunteers who simply wish to explore an interest in this field are also welcomed as there are many ways you can assist in the classroom.
Volunteers on this project will need an understanding of Spanish in order to communicate effectively with staff and students.
All volunteers should dress appropriately for a teaching role (covered shoulders and knees are preferable).
Whilst not mandatory, completing a TEFL course prior to joining this project would prove to be highly beneficial. Volunteers on this project will need an understanding of Spanish in order to communicate effectively with staff and students.
Importantly, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Police check
- Resume
Project Location
This hugely beneficial program is dedicated to helping the children of Jaco Beach (Playa Jaco), a small town beside a beautiful beach on Costa Rica’s south Pacific coast, set near lush green rain forest and mountains with an active tourism market and buzzing night life scene. Jaco Beach is one of Costa Rica’s top surfing hot spots and the town, with its bustling main street of shops and cafes, has a vibrant, friendly and relaxed atmosphere. This is a truly wonderful place to volunteer and give back to the local community!
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every SATURDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 2 weeks to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Volunteers are collected upon arrival into San Jose and accommodated with a trusted host family in Santa Barbara de Heredia (40mins north of San Jose) on Saturday night.
On Sunday arrangements are made for the journey (by public bus) to Playa Jacó where volunteers are met by local staff and taken to their accommodation to settle in.
Our local representative in Jaco provides a comprehensive orientation on Monday morning which covers how to get around, where to purchase necessities and an introduction to the project. This is a great chance to ask any last minute questions!
- Program Arrival Day: SATURDAY
- Program Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Juan Santamaria International Airport, San Jose, Costa Rica (Code: SJO)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers on this amazing program are accommodated to the south of bustling Jaco township, a short ride from the beach, shops and restaurants.
Depending on volunteer numbers accommodation will be provided at a basic but comfortable hotel or with a welcoming host family. Both accommodations have shared rooms (up to 4 volunteers of the same gender) and each room has a TV, fan and small fridge. Wifi is freely available and both accommodations have access to a pool.
A fantastic base from which to volunteer and explore!
Volunteers are provided with breakfast and lunch each day throughout the placement.
Dinner can either be delivered or eaten out at one of the local cafes or restaurants where you can try cheap and tasty local food. At the host family lodgings dinner can be arranged for $40 per week.
Arranging your own accommodation?
No problem! The program fee is adjusted to $165 for the 1st week + $30 for each additional week.
Prefer a private room?
Please let us know and we can request a private room at the following additional cost per room, per week:
1 person $100 with fan or $125 with air-con
2 people, twin bed $210 with fan or $250 with air-con
2 people, queen bed $200 with fan or $225 with air-con
Fees
That’s just USD 48 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.
Additional Info
SPANISH LESSONS
Keen to improve your Spanish? We can arrange lessons to suit your ability and schedule.
Group lessons (up to 6 people): 20 sessions per week $480
Private lessons: 10 lessons per week $300 or $39 per day