Description

Study with us in the Manuel Antonio and volunteer in one of the National Parks before or after your stay at El Paraiso.

* Working with Special Needs Children
This project assists the Fundacion Roberta Felix in developing and staffing resources for disabled children in rural communities of Costa Rica.

* Working with the Elderly
Lead residents at an elderly care center in various activities, help them cook, distribute food, teach English, and help them garden. Caring for the elderly helps create a compassionate and nurturing atmosphere at homes for the elderly and senior centers.

* National Parks of Costa Rica.
Study with us in the Manuel Antonio and volunteer in one of the National Parks after your stay at El Paraiso.

Highlights

By joining this pioneering programme as a volunteer, you will have a positive impact on the lives of disabled children, the elderly, the preservation of National Parks and learn or improve your Spanish and explore many of Costa Rica's tourist attractions.

Qualifications

- Eligible to receive a tourist visa to Costa Rica
- Flexible in attitude, in good health and have a desire to contribute
- Resilience to work in tropical conditions, and adaptability to relate with a new culture
- Speak at least minimal Spanish
- Compliance with the rules and procedures of the volunteer program as established by the National System of Conservation Areas
- Two photographs passport-size
- Copy of your passport
- Filled out application
- Medical insurance
- Studying Spanish at El Paraiso School is a requirement

Minimum Education

Associates

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

from USD 880 US for 2 weeks

Cost Includes:

• Housing
• Language instruction

Program Fees Include:

- 20 hours of Spanish lessons in a group per week
- Homestay with 2 meals a day
- Selected number of hours of volunteer work per day
- Registration fees and course materials
- Cultural activities (one free surf or yoga lesson per stay, dance-once a week, folkloric evening once a month)
- Placement examination prior to start of classes
- Free break time refreshments
- Free use of Internet while at El Paraiso
- Free pick-up for class from homestay on first Monday AM- Basic accommodations and 3 meals a day at the National Parks

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Study Spanish with us and volunteer helping the elderly or handicapped children while with us or in one of the national parks of Costa Rica after you have finished you Spanish course. Volunteers come from the ranks of students or young professionals who have the desire to contribute to a third world country development while experiencing life in a Latin culture.

Age Range

all ages

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays
• Apartment/Flat
• Independent living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

3 days

El Paraiso Spanish School's Mission Statement

El Paraiso Spanish Language School is distinguished by its determination to provide exciting education through adventure, culture, and language learning. We teach you Spanish skills and share cultural experiences that will allow you to experience pura vida fully.

Year Founded

2004