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Excellent 4.80rating (89)

Kids After School Leader

location
4 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified
Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • Gain teaching and coaching experience by working directly with the public primary school kids and staff.
  • Become more passionate about your university major and propel your career with international experience.
  • Make lifelong memories with new friends that you will never forget during weekend excursions and adventures.

Highlights

  • Gain teaching and coaching experience by working directly with the public primary school kids and staff.
  • Become more passionate about your university major and propel your career with international experience.
  • Make lifelong memories with new friends that you will never forget during weekend excursions and adventures.
  • Enjoy the beauty of Costa Rica's lush jungle, stunning beaches, amazing national parks, plus breathtaking flora and fauna.
  • Become an integral member of a positive public school environment in rural Costa Rica.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Make a long-lasting impact and memories while sharing your talents/skills with local children in a rural Costa Rican beach town as a teacher and sports coach.

    Our program empowers volunteers to gain professional and personal experience while helping children from a low-income community learn English and participate in extra-curricular classes. WeVOL is located in Matapalo - known for its beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and laid back culture, Costa Rica ...

    About the program

    Our program empowers volunteers to gain professional and personal experience while helping children from a low-income community learn English and participate in extra-curricular classes. WeVOL is located in Matapalo - known for its beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and laid back culture, Costa Rica is consistently a top choice for eager globetrotters. 

    Matapalo is a Costa Rican destination with roadside ceviche shacks, restaurants/bars, and endless miles of stunning beaches and vibrant tropical jungle. Volunteers not only get to know and work with local Costa Rican families, but truly experience the Pura Vida lifestyle that attracts so many travelers to this peaceful nation. Our experienced staff and public school teachers will train you on effective English teaching skills so you are prepared to deliver engaging language lessons. Your work will directly impact the livelihood of locals who are dependent on tourism and parents who are eager for their children to speak English and who deserve more exposure to sports, art and music - both at the WeVOL project site and in the public primary school.

    Immerse yourself in a Costa Rican community while supporting our long-term learning project and the local public school and experience a unique opportunity to live closely and work with local children.

    In addition, volunteers are encouraged to spearhead innovative teaching programs based on their skills and experience. WeVOL accepts volunteers who are traveling solo, partners, and groups. Volunteers receive a certificate of completion for service hours worked. If you are interested in getting even more active, we encourage you to seek extreme sports by enrolling in Surf School, going horseback riding, kayaking, and more exciting area excursions.



    Typical day

    7:00am: Breakfast (provided, but on your own)
    9:00am - 12:00pm: Teaching & Coaching at Primary School
    12:00pm: Lunch (on your own) & Free Time
    2:30pm - 3:30pm: Cleaning up, preparing lessons and materials, organizing for the next day
    3:30pm - 5:00pm: Kids After School Camp
    5:00pm-6:30pm: Beach time - ...

    Typical day

    7:00am: Breakfast (provided, but on your own)
    9:00am - 12:00pm: Teaching & Coaching at Primary School
    12:00pm: Lunch (on your own) & Free Time
    2:30pm - 3:30pm: Cleaning up, preparing lessons and materials, organizing for the next day
    3:30pm - 5:00pm: Kids After School Camp
    5:00pm-6:30pm: Beach time - sunset, beach walks, fun excursions/tours
    6:30pm - 7:30pm: Shower, call home, internet time
    7:30pm: Healthy Dinner

    Free-time activities

    Participants will have free time to enjoy sunsets daily and maximize their weekend fun. Located just minutes from Manuel Antonio National Park and less than 45 minutes from Marino Ballena National Park , plus the popular and busy surf point, Dominical is only 15 minutes south - our area is full of ...

    Free-time activities

    Participants will have free time to enjoy sunsets daily and maximize their weekend fun. Located just minutes from Manuel Antonio National Park and less than 45 minutes from Marino Ballena National Park , plus the popular and busy surf point, Dominical is only 15 minutes south - our area is full of options during your free time. 

    In addition to stunning beaches, Matapalo also has restaurants, paved roads for running and cycling, well-maintained soccer fields, and weekly artisan markets nearby. Participants can also shop at the thriving local artisan market in Dominical every Friday, head to Quepos to find unique souvenirs, and experience the local farmers´ market in town which is a sensory overload of smells, colors, and beautiful people. 

    The free time activities here are endless - Surf School, Kayak Tours, Waterfall Hikes, Horseback Riding - and the only challenge will be fitting them all in before you head home or continue your travels!


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Education Requirements

    at High School Diploma level

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    Desire to work with children from preschool to grade 6.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 07:30 - 16:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    All Programs Include:

    • Arrival Bus Transportation

    • Room Accommodation

    • Breakfast and Dinner

    • Orientation & Teaching/Coaching Training by Professionals

    • Transportation to School and Sports Fields/Complex

    • Bed linens and Towels

    • Amazing experience working directly in the public primary school 

    Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

    All participants fly into SJO International Airport and based on your arrival time, you may taxi from SJO airport directly to the Tracopa bus terminal or spend your arrival night at a nearby hostel and take the bus in the morning. We will be in constant communication together to make all needed arrival plans using WhatsApp.


    Prior to your arrival, we will have communicated and you will have your bus ticket in the form of a QR code using the Passer App. The bus trip takes about 4 hours and brings you directly to Uvita's main bus terminal. The bus is comfortable with AC and makes a mid-way stop. The WeVOL team will meet you at the bus stop (about 5 minutes away from WeVOL) and bring you to the project site to meet everyone and check-in. 

    Accommodation

    Our modern accommodations are designed to fit and blend in to our natural surroundings and tropical gardens. Relax and unwind as you hear the sounds of waves and wildlife. We have a mix of shared room lodging (no private rooms are available):

    • 5 cabinas (3-5 people) 
    • 1 studio apartment (6 people)

    The cabinas and apartment are comfortable with a mix of double, twin, and bunk beds and include all basic features needed to ensure a comfortable stay and total privacy during your down time. You will be placed in a room based on age, gender, and availability. Our rooms are comfortable, unique, and perfect to experience the natural beauty of Costa Rica while relaxing in between surfing, skating, running around with the local kids, and exploring the area. We spend every afternoon enjoying the blazing sunsets and often share time with evening bonfires as the moon rises over the ocean. 

    • All rooms have a private bathroom and entrance.
    • We have outdoor showers and a communal and main kitchen, plus a restaurant on-site.  
    • Laundry service is available for a fee - all clothes will be cleaned and air-dried, there is no dryer but the sun and heat work well.
    WeVOL participants live in a tropical, coastal environment, it’s recommended that you bring:
    • Plenty of sunscreen and bug spray (you can purchase these here, but they are expensive). 
    • Be sure to bring a flashlight or headlamp. 
    • Don’t forget your swim suits and a rash guard. The weather is very hot, so pack light summer clothes.
    There are ATMs close-by and we will coordinate times when you need to withdraw cash. Most activities and tours can be paid with PayPal, but some required cash only and it is best to have cash for taxis around during your free time. We recommend you budget about $250 per week in cash and probably will not spend that much but can avoid any ATM and bank fees. 

    Food & Beverages

    We are known for our great food! 

    Enjoy healthy locally sourced meals with the freshest ingredients along with caring, friendly service and preparation. We are proud to serve fresh and local produce whenever possible in all of our dishes. Our menu caters to all types of lifestyles and dietary requirements or preferences. Drinking water, tea and coffee are provided.


    Sample Menu

    Breakfast:

    • Provided in the communal kitchen
    • Fresh Local Fruit (mangoes, bananas, pineapple)
    • Toast 
    • Cereal & Granola
    • Eggs
    • Cheese
    • Yogurt
    • Bacon, Sausage, or Sliced Deli Meat

    Lunch:

    • On your own

    All volunteers have access to the communal kitchen and there is a supermarket and restaurants located less than 5 minutes from the WeVOL project site. Based on the day's plan, you may need to pack a lunch with you.


    Dinner:

    • Pasta with ground beef and tomato sauce or Coconut curry chicken with potatoes
    • Vegetarian: Pasta with garlic mushrooms or Garbanzo curry with potatoes

    All dietary requirements are catered for (food allergies, vegan, vegetarian, no seafood, dairy free, etc) and we love to cook together. 

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. We assist you to find cheap flights to Costa Rica. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Costa Rica provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Costa Rica you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Costa Rica. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Volunteers can arrive any day and WeVOL provides local bus transportation from the Tracopa bus terminal located near SJO airport. The bus ticket is provided by WeVOL and the bus takes you to Matapalo - just minutes away from the project site. WeVOL leaders will meet you there and we will be in communication using WhatsApp prior to your arrival and during the bus trip. The ride is about 4 hours from the SJO area.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $550 per week 4 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    4 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.8
    Travelers’ Choice
    One of the most loved volunteer experiences, according to travelers

    Location


    Meet your project coordinator

    Kerri
    89
    reviews
    4.80
    Excellent
    2022
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: English, Spanish
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    Contact Kerri
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    English, Spanish

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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