Teaching in Schools at the Beach Program - Costa Rica

Discover an enriching volunteer opportunity in Costa Rica's beachside village schools. Teach subjects like mathematics, Spanish, science, and English, or engage in popular activities like sports, handicrafts, music, dance, and more. Immerse yourself in the local culture, live with host families, and help children grow. Learn about vacation periods and what to bring for this unique experience.

Are you interested in making a difference while enjoying the breathtaking beaches of Costa Rica? Our Volunteer Teaching in Schools at the Beach Program in Costa Rica offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute to the education of children in beachside village schools.

About Our Schools 

The schools we collaborate with in these village communities generally enroll between 15 and 150 students, which may also include a preschool section. These educational institutions provide fundamental teachings in subjects like mathematics, Spanish, science, social studies, and English. The demand for English language instruction is notably high, reflecting its growing significance in Costa Rica. Moreover, our programs encompass a wide range of activities, from sports and handicrafts to music, dance, and theater, designed to cater to the diverse interests of the children.

We are also proud to collaborate with a small private Montessori school near Nosara, managed by a local Costa Rican couple. This school, while charging a monthly fee, is committed to offering scholarships to families with limited incomes. It's not an 'elite school for rich kids,' but a place dedicated to providing quality education.

Your Role 

Volunteers have the opportunity to assist teachers during regular classes. Most of the additional care and activities we offer take place outside of regular school hours and are voluntary for the children. Group sizes and compositions can vary, so flexibility and creativity are essential attributes for our volunteers.

During your stay, you'll live with welcoming host families in the village, enjoy your own room or cottage, and savor traditional Costa Rican meals featuring rice, beans, vegetables, meat, and fruits.

What to Bring 

To thrive in this role, bring your creativity and a talent for improvisation. Resources can be limited, so an ability to think on your feet is valuable. You should also be self-motivated, have a fun and responsible demeanor when working with children aged 3-12, and ideally, bring didactic materials like handicraft supplies, educational games, music and educational CDs, books, and games.

A basic knowledge of Spanish is advantageous, and you can even arrange Spanish classes during your stay. Please ensure you have suitable clothing, as piercings and tattoos are not welcome in schools that collaborate with us. Dress modestly in accordance with local customs, including no tank tops or shorts in the classroom.

Important Notes 

In Costa Rica, it is generally advised to refrain from wearing piercings and displaying tattoos in kindergarten and school environments. It is of utmost importance for our volunteers to uphold harmonious relationships with teachers, children, and parents. If you have such body jewelry, be prepared to remove visible piercings and cover tattoos with clothing while working with the children.

School uniforms are common among students, and teachers should adhere to a modest dress code. This includes pants that cover the thighs, tops that cover the shoulders and neckline (no spaghetti straps or plunging necklines), and appropriate footwear (no flip-flops).

We encourage our volunteers to embrace local customs and adapt to the community during their service. It may be necessary to set aside some personal preferences to fully experience and understand Costa Rica.

Vacation Periods 

Vacation periods in public schools include:

• Middle of December to early February (major school vacations)
• Easter week
• 1st of May - Labour Day
• First two weeks of July
• 25th of July - Día de la Annexión de Guanacaste
• 15th of September - Independence Day

Private schools have a different schedule:

• Start of school: first week in January
• Vacation - Easter week
• May 1 - Labor Day
• Vacations - last week of June and first week of July
• July 25 - Guanacaste Annexation Day
• August 15 - Mother's Day
• September 15 - Independence Day
• Vacation - last week of September
• Exams - middle of October
• November/December: Extra activities 'campamento'

During the major school vacations (New Year's Day to mid-February), you can organize a vacation program if you have been on-site for a while and have gained the trust of the children and parents. Otherwise, there is no vacation program in state schools.

Embark on a journey to inspire young minds and immerse yourself in the beauty of Costa Rica's beach culture. Join our Volunteer Teaching in Schools at the Beach Program and leave a lasting impact on the lives of these children.