Description

AICR is proud to announce the only organization in Costa Rica providing a full curriculum in Spanish language as well as fully organized Volunteer programs in 5 different areas: Teaching, Children, Community, Ecology, and Professional Experience (Journalism, Tourism, Health, Non for profit, Hotelier, Veterinary, and more); we believe in the sustainability of our programs, that is why we offer very competitive prices, so the agencies working with us can send enough participants for all of us to benefit, from the staff in your and our organization, to the projects, host families; and also the participants.

We offer a Pre Departure sheet, and Project and Family Information sheet to be sent to participants before their arrival; at their arrival we offer pick up from the airport, lodging in a host family for the first days, orientation session and transportation to the project; housing and food for the duration of the project; and the option to come back to a host family the last days of their stay, for them to be near to the airport.

As Spanish School for visitors, volunteers, foreigners moving to Costa Rica and others different than College/University levels; we offer several programs from Beginner to Superior (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced and Superior levels).
We have special short term intensive immersion courses (from one to six weeks) that stress oral communication and vocabulary related to areas of daily life. For this kind of programs we have specialized instructors, all of them are native speakers of Spanish and they all hold a university degree in Education; most of them "Licenciaturas" in Teaching Spanish or just in Teaching.

For other programs (more College and University oriented) Amistad has a very professional group of Masters and/or Doctors, these professionals mainly teach to groups of College or University students; as we also work and share our Campus with a sister organization offering superior education in Costa Rica, with Teaching Spanish as a Second Language being one of these careers.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Qualifications

18 years old or more
Spanish
If not fluent in Spanish take lessons
What combination of skills and personality makes for a highly effective international volunteer? Surprisingly, the personal characteristics of exceptional volunteers, in any discipline, are remarkably consistent: people who are patient, flexible, adaptable, innovative and open to new experiences and ideas are typically the most successful and satisfied volunteers.

Languages

• Spanish

Languages Used as a Medium of Teaching

• Spanish

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

1331

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Written materials abroad

Program Fees Include:

This cost includes:
Pick up from the airport.
Orientation session.
4 weeks of Spanis instruction.
4 weeks Volunteer project.
Books and material.
Transportation to the project the first day.
Housing and food during the whole stay (3 meals per day and laundry service once a week)
Latino Dancing lessons.
Costa Rica Cooking lessons.
Tropical Fruits lessons.

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Volunteering is fun and rewarding, but it's also a little more complicated than just showing up and having a good time. Here's some advice on how to make the most of your volunteer work: Be selfless. Selfless is the opposite of selfish. Don't think about what you can do to help yourself. Think about what you can do to help others. Be open-minded. One of the really great things about being a volunteer is the chance to learn and experience new things. Keep your mind open to new possibilities, and you'll probably grow as a person. Be respectful. Always remember to show respect for other people and other cultures. Keep in mind that your way of thinking or living is not the only way there is. Be understanding. Try to see things through other people's eyes. Try your best to understand what other people are going through, even if it's something you've never dealt with yourself. Be humble. Humble people don't brag or go around telling everyone about all the good things they've done just to get some attention or feel superior. They're happy knowing that they're making a difference, and don't need to shout about it. Be friendly. Treat others like friends, and they'll do the same for you. Many people who volunteer meet new people with whom they want to stay friends. You might just meet someone who becomes a buddy for the rest of your life!

Age Range

18-25

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Guest House
• Home-stays
• Independent living

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 5

Application Process Involves

• Online Application
• Other

Typically The Application Process Time is

One week

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Amistad Institute, Costa Rica's Mission Statement

The Spanish Language Department of Amistad Institute is committed to excellence in teaching, training, and lifelong learning, as in being a recognized leader in providing quality, innovative and adaptive programs and services which meet the academic, cultural and work force needs for the Spanish language. The Volunteers Department of Amistad Institute has the mission of engaging individuals and groups in meaningful volunteer opportunities that meet real needs in the Volunteering for Developing area, by providing access to resources, training, consultation, and support. The Department also has the mission to bring people together to work and share perspectives, empowering cultural understanding.

Year Founded

2001