As a volunteer on this project, you will be able to create your own workshops to teach children. This could be an English workshop or any other skill you’d like to teach. You can also help with an existing environmental education program called “Educa Osa”. Additionally, you will help as a volunteer at the public library in Puerto Jiménez, the biggest town on the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica. The Osa Peninsula is an economically challenged area with few employment opportunities and education in this area of Costa Rica isn’t up to the same standards as in the rest of the country. However, kids are often very eager to learn more, and workshops and classes outside of school are very popular in this community. The parents are extremely grateful for your help because they want their children to have the best education possible.

During your volunteer time, you will have the freedom to think of all kinds of different workshops and classes to start, or you can help with existing workshops already developed by other volunteers and employees at the library. There is a team of people at the library who will be able to help you with your workshop plans, and with whom you can discuss your ideas. They are also there to help if you struggle with the language, or with anything personal. You will quickly feel like a part of this beautiful community in one of the most rural and remote areas of Costa Rica.

This project can be divided into two parts:

1. Workshops at the community center and library.
You will be able to create classes and workshops. Examples of workshops that have been given at the library in previous years are English classes, dance classes, jewelry making, Spanish classes, and private tutoring. You can make this entirely your own; think of something you’re good at and teach the local kids (or adults). Language classes – specifically English – are especially welcome and are greatly appreciated in this community. However, any fun class you come up with that the kids can do together outside of school is great!

2. Library and community center help:
The library always needs help with different things as well. The library front desk needs manning – the number of days is something that can be discussed with the team there – and you may also need to help with organizing, painting, and doing other tasks to keep the space up and running. However, these are often small tasks, which leaves enough time to prepare for your classes! There is also time to increase your language skills by reading and speaking – seeing as there are many great books in the library, and every day you will encounter Spanish- and English-speaking customers!

The kids and adults will instantly take you into their hearts – and you will not only be a teacher but a role model and friend. You will make a positive difference in people’s lives while having fun, making lots of friends, learning about Costa Rican customs and culture, and gaining invaluable teaching experiences!

• Creating fun classes or workshops mostly by yourself. These can be weekly or monthly, depending on your time and preferences.
• Professionally preparing your class or workshop.
• Help with administrative and organizational tasks around the workshop, such as tidying rooms, painting, or computer work.
• Sit at the library front desk a couple of days a week. On these days you are responsible for correctly opening and closing the library.
• Keep an eye on the kids and people in the library, making sure they respect the rules and are careful with the materials and each other.

An ideal volunteer on this project loves to interact with kids and is willing to teach. You do not need a degree or any previous experience for this project. You should be 18 years of age or older. For this project, you should be able to take initiative, be creative, proactive, and have lots of energy.

A basic to intermediate level of Spanish and English would be useful for communicating with the different people who come to the library. Local people – including your host family – often only speak Spanish. However, there are lots of tourists that come to the library, so a basic level of English is also great. You will likely be able to increase your skills in both languages.

The library is located in Puerto Jimenez, on the Osa Peninsula. The Osa Peninsula is one of the last frontiers in Costa Rica – and one of the least developed regions. Puerto Jimenez is the largest town on the Osa with around 4000-5000 inhabitants. There are banks, supermarkets, pharmacies, a private clinic, dentists, bars, and restaurant. It is a nice place to spend some of your days off, but there is also enough to do in surrounding areas.

For more info on Puerto Jimenez and the Osa – click here.

You’ll stay with a local Costa Rican host family in Puerto Jimenez. You will most likely live very close to the library. Food is typical Costa Rican, cooked and prepared for you by the host family. You’ll eat together with them at certain hours. Usually, breakfast is around 7 am, lunch is around 1 pm, and dinner is around 7 pm.

The costs for this project are:

• First week’s fee: $449
• Every Additional Week: $149 (It does not matter many weeks you choose, this fee stays the same)

FEES EXPLAINED: Our organizational fee of around $249 is included in the first week’s fee and covers the “behind the scenes costs”, such as staff salaries, office space rental, transaction and bank fees, and more. Our weekly fee for additional weeks covers the costs of your host family or project accommodation and food, the local staff on your project, and a donation to help with the daily running costs of the program you will help on.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE FEE: First and last night in San Jose in a hostel, travel to and from the international airport (airport shuttles are around $30 each way to San Jose – We can set this up for you, just ask us during sign-up), travel to the project site (usually by public buses, which are from around $10-16 one way), national/ International flights, travel insurance, visa costs, any additional food or snacks besides the host family meals, extra-curricular activities.