Costa Rica

Mission

To teach and guide students to Jesus and prepare them for the future.

Description

Monteverde is a tourist area surrounded by a lot of trees and green bush. It is located up in the mountains of Costa Rica where it is humid. The occasional chilly day can be found with all of the rain and wind that can pick up. The views are  gorgeous and there are many areas that volunteers can explore. It is safe to walk alone during the day if desired and there are a lot of wonderful places to go eat, walk to, and see. The elementary school here is bilingual and students are encouraged to practice their English while in class. Grade levels are K-6 with about 35 students total. There is a Pathfinder Club that would also love help from volunteers as well. The quickest way to the children's hearts is through a good game of futbol. If you beat them, they will admire you. If you let them win, they will love you.

 

Quick Info

Average Fundraising Goal $3,500
Living Allowance $150 per month
Requirements You will need a visa. One option is to apply for a tourist visa where you will have to leave the country and reapply every 90 days.
Language The local language spoken is Spanish, however English is widely known.
Timeline Full year, 10 months
Positions ESL Teacher


More Info

Monteverde, Costa Rica

Beans and rice are the staple foods in Costa Rica. Typical meals include pastas, soups, and veggies. There is a farmers market that is open every Friday where volunteers can purchase fresh fruits and veggies like mangoes, papayas, mamones, guayabas, etc.

A spacious studio apartment with a toilet and shower is in the school building built specifically for foreign volunteers. The room itself can accommodate three people comfortably. There is a wardrobe, beds, a nightstand, and a table. The shower includes hot water, but it is rationed. Electricity and WiFi are fairly stable, except in aggressive wind or rainstorms. The kitchen is shared by the school and church. This includes a fridge, gas stove and oven, microwave, laundry machine (no dryer), and a re-purposed china cupboard to store dry goods. Any dry goods should be stored in rodent-proof containers. If possible, volunteers should bring some with them.