English is a high national priority in Costa Rica, as is the case for most Central American countries. English forms part of the national curriculum throughout a child’s time at school. However, most of the English teachers are not native speakers, and many students can’t speak English correctly by the time they leave school.
The English teaching program gives the volunteer the opportunity to teach general English classes to Costa Rican students, helping them with conversational English, correct pronunciation, new vocabulary and colloquial phrases. The students are aged between 7 and 18 years old (primary and secondary education). If the volunteer has knowledge of other languages such as French, German or Mandarin Chinese, they may also teach these languages to the students. The volunteers will be able to organise activities, put forward ideas and teach the students as they deem fit.
Besides teaching in the schools, the volunteer is also expected to assist teachers and give their own English classes in schools or clubs for adults (aged 18+). As a teaching assistant, you will help the children with conversational English, correct pronunciation, new vocabulary and colloquial phrases.
Besides helping to improve the level of English in the community, the aim is for the volunteer to gain an insight into the Costa Rican education system and for them to enjoy an enriching cultural experience.
Your role: Schools – Motivate the children to practice their English and use the new words that they are taught. You will be responsible for making the students have faith in their ability to talk English.
Your role: Adults Club – You will be responsible for preparing the lessons.
You don’t need to be a professional teacher to participate in this volunteer program.
English teaching in the adult community is one of our most popular projects, owing to the opportunities for cultural interchange.
LOCATION: San Ramón.
REQUIREMENTS: intermediate level of English (B1 and above).
MINIMUM DURATION: 2 weeks.
HOLIDAY DATES:
Christmas: From the third week of November to the second week of February.
Easter: 1 week (the week prior to Easter Sunday).
Mid-season break: First two weeks of July.