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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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Public School Teaching Program in Costa Rica

Overview

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Support education and inspire confidence in underserved public schools

Choose from 1 - 50 weeks

Shared volunteer guesthouse

Up to 6 hours per day
2 days off per week

  • Want to inspire young minds and make a real impact in Costa Rican classrooms? Our Public School Teaching Program places you directly in local schools where your support helps bridge educational gaps—particularly in English, one of the most valuable skills for future opportunity.


    You’ll assist local teachers with English lessons and bring your creativity into the classroom through games, songs, arts, and interactive activities that make learning fun and memorable. While professional teaching experience is not required, a passion for helping and engaging with young learners is essential.


    By working in underfunded public schools, you'll not only improve language confidence but also bring positive energy, cultural exchange, and a fresh perspective to children eager to learn. Whether it’s helping with vocabulary, pronunciation, or conversation practice, every moment you spend with the students builds their future—and yours.


    Key Activities Include:


    • Supporting English lessons with vocabulary games and speaking activities
    • Assisting teachers with classroom prep and student engagement
    • Creating visual aids, posters, and learning materials
    • Helping students develop conversational confidence
    • Encouraging participation through songs, stories, and fun learning techniques


    No two days are the same, but your presence always makes a difference. This is your chance to share knowledge, grow your teaching skills, and light up classrooms with new energy.

  • By volunteering on our Public School Teaching Program in Costa Rica, you will:


    • Help deliver fun and effective English lessons to eager young students
    • Support local teachers in under-resourced public schools
    • Develop leadership, communication, and classroom skills
    • Build confidence in students through creative and playful learning
    • Be immersed in Costa Rican culture while making a lasting impact
    • Experience life in vibrant local communities beyond typical tourism
    • Contribute to long-term educational goals with sustainable teaching support

  • What to Expect: A Day in the Life of a Public School Volunteer 

    Each day brings fresh energy and connection as you step into the classroom to uplift, encourage, and support young Costa Rican students.


    7:00 AM – Breakfast at the Volunteer House
    Start your day with a shared breakfast alongside fellow volunteers, fuelling up with fresh fruit, coffee, and local staples.


    8:00 AM – Arrival at the School
    Head to your assigned public school, usually within walking distance or a short commute. Get briefed by local teachers and prepare for the day’s lessons.


    8:30 AM – Morning Classes Begin
    Join English lessons or lead small group sessions. You’ll help with vocabulary, games, pronunciation practice, and interactive exercises designed to make language learning enjoyable.


    10:30 AM – Snack Break
    Enjoy a short break alongside students and teachers, often a good time to connect casually with staff or play with children in the school yard.


    11:00 AM – More Classroom Support
    Continue with planned lessons or help students with reading and writing exercises. You'll often get the chance to bring creativity into the classroom through songs, storytelling, or cultural sharing.


    12:30 PM – Lunch & Break Time
    Return to the volunteer house or nearby café for a relaxed midday break and some downtime with your volunteer group.


    2:00 PM – Planning or Afternoon Sessions
    On some days, you may help prepare lessons or materials for the following day. In some placements, you may also assist with an after-school program or homework club.


    4:00 PM – Free Time
    Afternoons are yours to explore—head to the beach, visit local shops, or unwind with a book. Optional cultural workshops or Spanish classes are often available.


    Evenings & Weekends
    Evenings are social and relaxed at the volunteer house. On weekends, volunteers often plan trips to rainforests, beaches, or national parks to make the most of their time in Costa Rica.

  • Your Impact as a Volunteer

    Volunteering in Costa Rica’s public schools gives you the chance to directly shape young minds and foster brighter futures. Many students come from low-income backgrounds where access to quality English education is limited—but your support changes that.


    By offering extra attention, encouragement, and creative learning methods, you help build the students’ confidence in both language and themselves. Every new word they master, every moment of classroom connection, strengthens their future opportunities in tourism, education, and beyond.


    But the impact doesn’t stop at the students. Your time and energy also support overburdened local teachers, foster global cultural exchange, and demonstrate the value of community-driven education. You’ll leave behind more than lesson plans—you’ll leave behind motivation, empowerment, and belief.


    At the same time, your experience as a volunteer will leave its mark on you. You’ll gain teaching experience, intercultural skills, and the personal growth that only comes from giving back. This is more than just a classroom—it’s a launchpad for meaningful change.

  • Your Home in Costa Rica

    As a volunteer, you’ll stay in a welcoming, shared guesthouse located in a safe and convenient area near your project site—either in Escazú (San José region) or in the coastal town of Playas del Coco in Guanacaste. Both locations offer comfort, community, and easy access to shops, markets, and public transport.


    Sleeping Arrangements
    Rooms are shared with fellow volunteers of the same gender, usually in bunk-bed style accommodations. The homes are kept clean and are well-ventilated, with fans provided for warm nights. Bathrooms are shared and cleaned regularly.


    What’s Provided

    • Bed linens

    • Access to a shared kitchen

    • Wi-Fi

    • Shared bathrooms with hot water

    • Common lounge or patio area

    Meals & Nutrition
    Volunteers are responsible for purchasing and preparing their own meals. This gives you the freedom to shop locally and cook your own dishes—perfect for embracing the fresh fruits, vegetables, and delicious local ingredients available in nearby markets. For those who prefer to eat out, there are plenty of restaurants, cafés, and affordable food stalls offering Costa Rican classics and international options.


    Community Living
    Staying in shared accommodation allows you to bond with fellow volunteers, swap stories, and support each other during your time in Costa Rica. It’s a simple, social, and sustainable way to live.

  • History

    Since 2004, our trusted local partners have welcomed volunteers from around the world to support both ecological and social change across Costa Rica. What began as a small, family-run initiative has grown into a network of deeply impactful programs rooted in compassion, community, and action. With bases in Escazú (San José) and Playas del Coco (Guanacaste), they’ve built long-standing relationships with day care centres, schools, rescue centres, and conservation areas throughout the country.


    Driven by the belief that meaningful change starts at the grassroots level, they’ve empowered hundreds of volunteers to become part of Costa Rica’s future—supporting children, wildlife, and local communities in ways that are ethical, sustainable, and heartfelt.



    Mission & Vision

    Their mission is to make a tangible difference in the lives of Costa Rica’s people and animals by combining hands-on volunteer work with community-driven solutions. From nurturing young minds to protecting endangered wildlife, every project is powered by the spirit of collaboration and respect for Costa Rican culture.


    They envision a world where volunteers are not just helpers—but catalysts for long-term impact. Your time, energy, and curiosity are met with open arms and total dedication. In return, they promise to support your journey with all the tools, knowledge, and heart they have—because together, real change is possible.

  • Program Fees & What’s Included


    Program Fees

    Duration              Fee (EUR)     

    1 week                €320   

    2 weeks              €640   

    3 weeks              €960   

    4 weeks              €1,280   

    5 weeks              €1,600   

    6 weeks              €1,920   

    8 weeks              €2,560   

    10 weeks            €3,200   

    15 weeks            €4,800   

    20 weeks            €6,400   

    25 weeks            €8,000


    Combined Projects
    Want to combine this public school teaching program with another Costa Rica program (like sea turtle conservation or childcare program)? No problem—just add €25 total for coordination and logistics.


    Payment Terms

    • Program fees are due 30 days prior to your start date.

    • If applying within 30 days of arrival, full payment is due within 48 hours of confirmation.


    What’s Included

    Your program fee covers everything needed to support both your experience and the meaningful work you’ll be doing:


    ✔️ Shared accommodation near your project site in Escazú or Guanacaste
    ✔️ Airport pickup and drop-off to ensure a safe, supported arrival
    ✔️ Onboarding & orientation with local coordinators to prepare you for impact
    ✔️ 24/7 in-country support from an experienced and passionate local team
    ✔️ Project placement and supervision to guide your day-to-day activities
    ✔️ Access to kitchen facilities, Wi-Fi, and common spaces
    ✔️ Welcome pack with important local insights and safety info
    ✔️ Date flexibility and free rebooking options
    ✔️ Certificate of completion to celebrate your volunteer journey
    ✔️ 100% Money-Back Guarantee if you need to cancel
    ✔️ And so much more—because your journey should be as unforgettable as your impact



    Your Investment In Local Children and In Your Future

    This isn’t a gap in your career—it’s a leap forward. Your time, energy, and fees don’t just support a childcare centre. They give children in under-resourced communities the consistency, care, and connection they deserve. You’ll help create a safe and stimulating environment where young minds can grow in confidence, creativity, and compassion.


    But just as you’re showing up for them, this program shows up for you.


    From the moment you arrive, you’ll be gaining real-world experience in early childhood development, leadership, teamwork, and intercultural communication. You’ll challenge your comfort zone, build confidence, and leave with deeper emotional intelligence and a global perspective that lasts far beyond your time in Costa Rica.

    This is an investment in your story—and theirs.

Volunteering Worldwide
Rooted             In Purpose
         And      Connection

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Where You’ll Be – Escazú or Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Depending on the project location, you'll be based either in Escazú, just outside the capital of San José, or in the beautiful Guanacaste region near Playas del Coco—each offering a completely unique flavour of Costa Rica.


Escazú offers a perfect blend of urban convenience and local culture, perched in the foothills with panoramic views over the Central Valley. You'll find bustling markets, friendly cafés, and quick access to both the city and nature escapes. Guanacaste, on the other hand, brings you closer to the Pacific coast’s golden beaches and laid-back surf-town vibe, where the rhythm of life slows and sunsets steal the show.


Both locations are well-connected, safe, and surrounded by natural beauty—whether it’s the mountains near San José or the ocean breeze of the northwest coast.



Costa Rica – A Nation Rooted in Nature and Community

Costa Rica is a small country with a mighty reputation. Known for its lush rainforests, pristine coastlines, and eco-conscious lifestyle, it's a place where "Pura Vida"—the pure life—is more than a saying. It’s a way of being.


You'll be living and volunteering in a country that leads the world in sustainability, peace, and happiness. The people are warm, family-oriented, and proud of their culture. Traditional meals, joyful music, and vibrant festivals are just part of everyday life here.


Whether you're hiking in cloud forests, learning Spanish with locals, or sipping fresh coconut water by the sea, Costa Rica offers a safe, welcoming, and inspiring setting for your volunteer journey.

Volunteering in Escazú offers not only meaningful engagement with local communities but also the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural and natural landscapes of Costa Rica's Central Valley during your free time. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, the area provides a variety of activities to enhance your experience.


Explore the Cerros de Escazú
Embark on hikes through the Cerros de Escazú, a mountain range offering trails to peaks like Cerro Rabo de Mico. These hikes provide panoramic views and a chance to experience the region's diverse flora and fauna.


Visit Local Markets and Cultural Sites
Stroll through the Saturday farmers market behind the Iglesia San Miguel Arcángel to sample local produce and crafts. Explore the town's rich history by visiting traditional churches and adobe houses that reflect Escazú's colonial heritage. 


Cultural Experiences in San José
Take a short trip to nearby San José to visit the National Museum of Costa Rica, the National Theater, and the Central Market. These sites offer insights into the country's history, art, and culinary traditions. 


Outdoor Adventures at Hacienda La Chimba
Just a short drive away, Hacienda La Chimba in Santa Ana offers hiking trails, zip-lining, and a cultural coffee experience. It's an ideal spot for those seeking both adventure and cultural immersion. 


Relaxation and Socializing
Unwind at local cafes or your accommodation, enjoying the serene environment and connecting with fellow volunteers. 


These activities provide a well-rounded experience, allowing you to contribute to meaningful projects while exploring the diverse offerings of Escazú and its surroundings.

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Free time Activities
& Tours

What Happens Next?

You’ve found a cause that speaks to your heart and a destination calling your name - so what’s next? Here’s how your unforgettable volunteer journey begins, step by step. It’s easy, exciting, and we’ll be with you every step of the way!

You're all set — let the ethical adventures begin! We'll be with you from start to finish.

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