Description

Kaya provides many English teaching placements but we also provide alternative education programs such as working with blind, deaf and children with Down syndrome. Education for these minority groups is poor and they are in great need of outside help. Be ready for minimal teaching aids and know now that you will be the main teaching resource. It is a great opportunity for the children to learn from a native speaker and hear the correct pronunciation, and all you need is a good level of English to participate in many of the placements.

Teach English, Music and Recreation in a Coastal Village

Volunteer and get hands-on teaching experience with children who will really benefit from international instruction. The protected areas of Costa Rica are visited by thousands of tourists each year which leave the country satisfied at providing incredible experiences for all to enjoy. The attitude that the ticos have toward the tourists is ultimately what makes it more rewarding for foreigners to visit the country. With your help, more locals can communicate with these tourists, improving their English and therefore their interactions with others.

Care for Orphaned Babies and Young Children

Volunteer and work in an orphanage to help care for babies and young children. This project works to support children who are suffering from physical or psychological abuse and give them a temporary place to live while their parent(s) undergo counselling or treatment. The temporary homes that we work with in Costa Rica provide children not only with a haven to escape the horrors of their home life, but also works to provide them with the necessary counselling, psychological assistance and health services in a warm and loving environment.

Learn Spanish in Costa Rica

Spanish is now one of the most widely spoken languages in the world and is the third most popular on the internet, surpassed only by English and Chinese! If you really want to get to grips with the language or would like to improve the skills that you already have, Costa Rica is a wonderful country to learn the language as well as experience the Costa Rican culture.

Costa Rica Spring Break Volunteering Week

Want to do something amazing with your Spring Break this year? Join us in San Jose for a week of helping orphaned and underprivileged children in the citys orphanage and day care centres - organising games and activities, helping with refurbishment work and making materials for the childrens play and studies. Then take a day-trip to Costa Ricas famous Arenal Volcano and Baldi hot Springs to see some of the sights before heading home.

Highlights

Costa Rica, or "rich coast," boasts a warm climate, pristine beaches on the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, active volcanoes, and contrasting landscapes. With such eco-diversity it is easy to see why Costa Rica is the best-traveled nation in the Central Americas with 1.9 million visitors in 2007. Often called the land of peace, it has the oldest democracy in Latin America and has more than 100 years of political stability. It is also one of the most people- and environment-conscious nations in the world, ranked No. 1 in the Americas on the Human Development Index and No. 5 in the world on the Environmental Performance Index.

Bungee the Old Colorado River Bridge:
Standing at 265 feet the Colorado River Bridge offers one of the tallest and most beautiful jumps in the Americas. The old bridge is located an hour west of San Jose where several companies offer bundled packages, which generally include pick-up and one jump. So if jumping headfirst off a bridge in the middle of a tropical forest catches your imagination then put bungee jumping on your list.

Learn to Surf:
Costa Rica has some of the best surfing anywhere in the world, with fantastic warm tropical water surfing. Surf the beach breaks, reef breaks, point breaks and river mouth breaks on the Pacific or Caribbean side of the country. Whether you're a beginner or a pro there is a wave for everyone.

Whale and Dolphin Watching:
The shallow warm waters create the ideal ecosystem for humpback whales, killer whales, Pilot Whales and bottlenose, spinner and spotted dolphins. Humpback whales come from two hemispheres to breed and spend the longest period of the year here. Its the premier location to see these amazing mammals up close.

There are lots of young people who work with the participants so it will be a great opportunity to interact with locals while helping them improve the community.

Qualifications

Experience and passion for working in the community and interacting with the people are needed. Participants must also possess enthusiasm and a willingness to learn about the environment and the place's culture.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Please visit the website for more information.

Cost Includes:

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

Program Fees Include:

* Accommodation: Single room in a home-stay
* Food: 3 meals per day - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
* Airport pick up and drop off
* Training: Orientation and language classes provided
* Support: 24-hour support
* Excursions: 2 field excursions

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

A Kaya volunteer shows enthusiasm, spirit and life to stimulate and bring something new to the residents; love, patience and a listening ear for the people; and a good motivator with a positive and optimistic attitude.

Age Range

Must be more than 18 years old

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Kaya Responsible Travel's Mission Statement

Kaya's mission is to promote sustainable social, environmental and economic development, empower communities and cultivate educated, compassionate global citizens through responsible travel.

Year Founded

2008