Description

Volunteers will be assisting in a secondary home for young girls (ages 3-12) and teens. The home is a private entity sponsored by the Costa Rican government and National Childrens Bureau. A majority of girls in the home come from impoverished conditions and their families cannot afford to house and feed them full-time. Some of the girls also come from homes where family members abuse drugs and alcohol. The girls and young women live in the home during the week and return home to their families on the weekend. Volunteers should be sensitive to underprivileged populations and womens rights and be willing to reach out, build relationships and foster growth.

Daily activities may consist of the following:
* Assisting the girls with their homework
* English lessons
* Recreational activities --art, music, dance, etc.
* Teamwork and self-esteem building workshops
* Sharing meals and encouraging healthy eating

Participants are encouraged to develop personal relationships with the girls they work with. Many times the girls in the home just need someone to listen to them and pay them special attention.

Women with an interest in psychology, women's studies, or sociology are a great fit for this project.

Highlights

Program participants will have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in Tico culture and pura vida, the relaxing way of life that has made Costa Rica famous. While volunteering in Costa Rica, you can explore the astonishing biodiversity for which this Central American country is known. Whether your interest is hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, surfing, zip-lining, exploring the cloud forest and waterfalls, or just relaxing on the beach, you will be able to combine some or all of these with your volunteer program.

Qualifications

* Participants must be at least 18 years of age
* Participants must be eligible to receive a tourist visa to Costa Rica
* Participants must be flexible and have a desire to contribute

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

1 Week: USD995, 2 Weeks: USD1295, Additional Weeks: USD175

Cost Includes:

• Housing
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Medical insurance
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials pre-departure
• In-country orientation/Training

Program Fees Include:

- Guaranteed volunteer placement prior to departure for Costa Rica
- Detailed placement offer (including duties, responsibilities, and other relevant information)
- Accommodation and meals
- Pre-departure orientation and detailed handbook
- Visa assistance (if needed)*
- Travel Medical Insurance
- Airport pickup and transfer to accommodation
- Arrival orientation
- Full-time local representative in Costa Rica
- 24/7 personal support and emergency number
- Certificate of completion (upon request)
- Assistance receiving service learning hours (check with your university advisor for requirements)
- Language class placement (unless otherwise noted, class prices not included in program fee)**

* Most tourist visas are valid for up to 90 days. The length of AIDE Abroad's programs depends on each participants visa allowance. All participants are responsible for ensuring their proper visa documentation for the extent of their stay. We recommend checking with your local Costa Rican consulate for the most up-to-date visa information.

**For those who need them, optional language classes are available. Language classes are a great way to be introduced to a new country and to improve your Spanish skills. Classes are held prior to the start of participants volunteer programs, and participants will be placed in a small group to receive lessons. These classes are highly recommended, especially if you are not intermediate or have not practiced your Spanish recently.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

This Program is open to

Worldwide, American, Australian, Canadian, European and Kiwi Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Phone/Video Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

3 months

AIDE Abroad's Mission Statement

AIDE Abroad's mission is to provide international experiences that impart professional and personal growth, develop leadership skills, and enhance intercultural competence and understanding.

Year Founded

2007