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You’ll be matched with your personal volunteer travel expert who’ll guide you every step of the way.
Meet Your Travel Expert
Receive your welcome pack with everything you need: arrival info, contacts, visa and insurance help, packing tips, vaccines, language basics, and so much more.
Get Ready to Go!
Choose your dream project and apply for free—no commitment, just excitement!
Pick Your Destination & Apply
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Once your dates are confirmed, pay your program fee—choose to pay in full or in easy installments.
Secure Your Spot
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Want to volunteer with a community in Costa Rica? Our Travel Roots Adult English Tutoring program helps to empower adults through language and unlock new opportunities.
This Adult English Tutor program gives you the chance to connect one-on-one with local adults who are eager to learn, grow, and improve their futures through language.
You’ll live in Matapalo, a peaceful beachside village, and teach in the nearby town of Dominical—becoming a familiar, trusted presence in both communities. From helping a small business owner improve their conversational skills, to preparing a local tour guide for job interviews, your role is personal, impactful, and deeply appreciated.
No prior teaching experience is necessary—just a good grasp of English, a patient and positive attitude, and a willingness to learn. You'll receive training and ongoing support to help you deliver effective, engaging lessons tailored to each learner's needs.
Key Activities:
Lead one-on-one English tutoring sessions with adult learners
Plan conversational exercises, vocabulary building, and goal-oriented lessons
Assist students in practical language skills for work, interviews, or daily communication
Support long-term language learning efforts at our partner language centre
Encourage confidence, independence, and cultural exchange through education
This is more than just teaching—it’s a chance to form real relationships and support people working hard to build better futures.
By volunteering on our Adult English Tutor program in Costa Rica, you will:
Empower adults with practical English skills that open doors to new job opportunities and economic independence
Gain hands-on experience in one-on-one tutoring and adaptive lesson planning
Build real relationships and make a direct impact on students' lives
Live and volunteer in two beautiful, close-knit communities—Matapalo and Dominical
Experience the heart of Costa Rica’s pura vida spirit through language, culture, and connection
What to Expect: A Day in the Life of an Adult English Tutor
Your days as a tutor are personal, purposeful, and paced for connection. Whether preparing lessons in the shade of the garden or helping a student master greetings over coffee, each moment contributes to real growth.
7:30 AM – Breakfast
Start your day with a fresh, energising breakfast at the lodge in Matapalo.8:30 AM – Lesson Prep
Create personalised lesson plans for your students in Dominical, based on their language goals and interests.10:00 AM – One-on-One English Lessons
Head to the Language Academy in Dominical to teach your first session—focusing on real-life communication, vocabulary, and confidence-building.12:30 PM – Lunch in Dominical or Back at the Lodge
Grab lunch in town or return to the lodge to enjoy a shared meal with fellow volunteers.2:00 PM – Afternoon Sessions or Cultural Immersion
Continue with another tutoring session, help organise learning resources, or take part in a local cultural activity.4:00 PM – Free Time
Relax on the beach, journal at a café, or explore the markets and nature spots nearby.6:30 PM – Dinner & Wind Down
Enjoy a relaxed evening meal, followed by reflection, connection, or preparing for the next day’s lessons.Days Off
Take time to unwind with weekend trips to waterfalls, jungle hikes, or join a local surf class and explore the Pacific coast’s adventure scene.Your Impact as a Volunteer
Language has the power to change lives—and as an English tutor, you're giving people the tools to unlock new opportunities, confidence, and connection.
In this coastal region of Costa Rica, tourism plays a major role in the local economy. Your one-on-one sessions provide adults with the skills they need to communicate with visitors, apply for jobs, or grow small businesses—making your impact immediate and lasting.
Each lesson you teach becomes more than just grammar and vocabulary—it’s about helping someone tell their story, advocate for themselves, and step into new possibilities. You’ll form meaningful bonds with your students, watch their confidence grow, and know that your time and effort directly contribute to their personal and professional progress.
In return, you’ll gain valuable tutoring experience, cross-cultural insight, and a deep sense of purpose that goes far beyond the classroom.
Your Home in Matapalo
Settle into a peaceful lodge nestled between the beach and the jungle—your home base in Matapalo, a coastal town that feels like a step back in time. With unspoiled beaches, laid-back charm, and tropical gardens all around, this is the perfect place to recharge after a rewarding day of teaching.
Our volunteer rooms are designed for comfort and simplicity, blending naturally with the surroundings while offering everything you need for a restful stay.
What’s Included:
Comfortable rooms with double, twin, or bunk beds
Private bathroom in every room
Air conditioning and fans to keep cool
Fresh linens and towels provided
Evenings are spent catching blazing sunsets, relaxing with fellow volunteers, or gathering around a beach bonfire as the moon rises over the ocean. Life here is calm, connected, and close to nature.
Bring light summer clothes, sunscreen, insect repellent, swimwear, and a flashlight or headlamp—this is tropical living, pure and simple.
Meals & Nutrition
You’ll be served three delicious, healthy meals a day, made with locally sourced ingredients. Our kitchen is known for variety, freshness, and flexibility—we cater to all dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
Sample Menu:
Breakfast: Fresh fruit, toast or cereal, eggs, cheese
Lunch: Chicken or eggplant sandwich with local veggies
Dinner: Pasta salad with ham or garlic mushroomsYou’ll also have access to fruit, tea, coffee, and drinking water throughout the day.
Internet Access
Wi-Fi is available at the volunteer lodge, with good access for planning lessons, connecting with loved ones, or sharing your experience online.
History
This project is hosted by one of the most dynamic grassroots initiatives on Costa Ricas Pacific coast. The team was born from local passion and international support, aiming to bring sustainability into daily lifenot just for tourists, but for the community that calls Matapalo home.
By combining ecological goals with long-term social change, they've launched reforestation zones, organic gardens, and community education that truly lasts. The organisation is known for welcoming volunteers as family and giving them tools to contribute in lasting ways.
Mission & Vision
Their mission is simple: to regenerate ecosystems while uplifting communities through shared action, environmental education, and sustainable practices. The long-term vision is a self-sustaining, resilient village where nature thrives and every resident feels
proud to call it home.
Program Fees & What’s Included
Program Fees
Duration Fee (EUR)
4 weeks (min. stay) €1,665
5 weeks €2,089
6 weeks €2,511
7 weeks €2,934
8 weeks (max stay) €3,333
Payment Terms
Fees are due 30 days before your start date.
If applying within 30 days of arrival, full payment is due within 48 hours of confirmation.
Whats Included
✅ Comfortable eco-lodge shared accommodation
✅ 3 plant-based meals daily
✅ Airport pick-up & drop-off
✅ Full orientation & cultural introduction
✅ Daily hands-on conservation & community projects
✅ Waterfall Tour
✅ Surf board rental & surf school
✅ Flexible start dates and free date changes
✅ Expert guidance and training from experienced field professionals.
✅ Welcome pack with all the essential and helpful information
✅ Certificate of completion at the end of your placement
✅ Full support before, during, and after your program
✅ 100% Cancellation Money-Back Guarantee
✅ And so much more...
Your Investment in Language, Livelihoods & Lifelong Learning
Volunteering as an adult English tutor goes beyond education—it’s about empowerment. You’re giving local learners the skills they need to thrive in tourism, hospitality, business, and daily life.
Whether you’re helping someone write their first CV in English or preparing them for a job interview, you’re directly contributing to their growth—and to a more connected, confident community.
Your program fees help directly support:
Free one-on-one English lessons for adult learners in Dominical
Ongoing access to local language learning resources and staff support
Community outreach programs that promote education and skill-building
Employment and fair wages for local Costa Rican teaching support staff
Cross-cultural connection and long-term educational impact
By joining us, you're investing in opportunity, dignity, and the belief that learning is for everyone—no matter your background.
Where You’ll Be – The Lush Coastal Haven of Matapalo
Tucked along the untouched Pacific coast of southern Costa Rica, Matapalo is a tiny beachside village where the jungle meets the sea, and nature sets the rhythm of the day. With howler monkeys in the trees and sunsets that paint the sky in orange, this is a place that feels both grounded and magical.
Your volunteer base is nestled just steps from the black-sand beach and surrounded by dense tropical forest—one of the most biologically rich environments in the world. The lodge is simple, welcoming, and perfectly placed for early morning beach walks, wildlife spotting, or winding down after a rewarding day of hands-on work.
Although peaceful and remote, Matapalo is just a short drive from the lively surf town of Dominical and within reach of waterfalls, national parks, and local markets. Whether you want adventure, reflection, or connection—you’ll find it here.
Costa Rica – A Beacon of Biodiversity and Balance
Costa Rica is globally renowned for its commitment to conservation, peace, and sustainable living. Though small in size, it holds more than 5% of the world’s biodiversity—making it one of the most ecologically diverse places on Earth.
This is a country that actively protects over a quarter of its land, with national parks, marine reserves, and rewilding zones inviting you to explore and learn. As a volunteer, you’re not just visiting—you’re contributing to the very systems that keep this paradise thriving.
But Costa Rica’s heart lies in its people. Warm, community-oriented, and deeply connected to nature, the Tico way of life is simple, kind, and refreshingly real. Expect friendly smiles, delicious plant-based meals, and cultural richness that flows through everything—from music to storytelling, from farming to fiestas.
The climate is tropical and inviting year-round. Think sun-soaked mornings, the occasional afternoon downpour to keep things green, and cooler evenings filled with the sounds of frogs, waves, and forest creatures.
Whether you come for the wildlife, the people, the mission—or all three—you’ll find Costa Rica gets under your skin in all the best ways.
Your downtime in Matapalo is an adventure in itself—explore the best of Costa Rica’s coast and jungle, all within easy reach.
Surfing in Dominical – 15 mins away
Catch waves at one of Costa Rica’s top surf spots, perfect for beginners and pros alike.
Nauyaca Waterfalls – 40 mins away
Hike through rainforest trails to reach dramatic twin waterfalls with natural pools for swimming.
Marino Ballena National Park – 30 mins away
Discover beaches, rainforest trails, and the famous Whale’s Tail sandbar, with regular wildlife sightings.
Kayaking at Hacienda Barú – 20 mins away
Paddle through serene mangrove ecosystems while spotting birds, monkeys, and reptiles.
Playa Ventanas Snorkelling – 35 mins away
Explore sea caves and tide pools at this quiet beach known for its unique rock formations.
Cooking & Spanish in Uvita – 25 mins away
Join a local cooking class or brush up on your Spanish with fun, interactive lessons.
Manuel Antonio National Park – 1 hour away
Spend the day hiking lush jungle paths and relaxing on postcard-worthy beaches.
Bonfires & Cultural Nights – Onsite
Evenings bring beach bonfires, music, and connection under Matapalo’s star-filled skies.
