Description

Summer volunteers teach in rural high schools called Telesecundaria schools. Due to severe shortage of teachers available to teach in these remote areas, the Costa Rican Ministry has implemented a distance-learning curriculum (Telesecundaria), using videos to introduce subjects from Math, to Science, to English language. The commitment of this Central American nation to the education of all its residents is virtually unmatched in the developing world, and some 40 schools have now been constructed in rural areas where there had previously been no educational opportunities at all.

WorldTeach summer volunteers and interns will become the "human element" of these video classes, teaching the English portion of the curriculum in partnership with a local educator and using the video as a supplement to their own classroom lessons and activities. WorldTeach summer volunteers typically teach 1-3 classes per day to 7th, 8th and 9th grade students who may range widely in age. In addition to teaching, volunteers are encouraged to develop a community project in their host town. This may involve the school and its students or members of the wider community.

Highlights

Rich in ecological diversity and known for its hospitality, Costa Rica has become a favorite vacation spot for American and European travelers over the past two decades. About the size of West Virginia and with a population of roughly four million, Costa Rica has a wealth of natural resources. Its distinctive microclimates feature beautiful beaches, active volcanoes, rainforests filled with monkeys and colorful birds, the hot "cowboy country" of Guanacaste, and more. Additionally, it is also regarded as one of the most peaceful countries in Central America. Costa Rica does not maintain a standing army, and one of its presidents, Oscar Arias, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987. The philosophy of the country can be summed up in the catch phrase "pura vida," ("pure life") which tourists find emblazoned on mugs and t-shirts throughout the country.

Qualifications

* Fluent in English
* Comfortable working in cross-cultural environments
* Independent worker
* Good people skills and organizational skills
* Flexibility and creativity in problem solving
* Teaching experience, volunteer experience
* Interest in international education and development
* Willingness to live with a family

Languages

• English

Languages Used as a Medium of Teaching

• English

Cost in US$:

3,990

Program Fees Include:

Because WorldTeach receives no government or significant outside funding, we must ask volunteers themselves to cover most of the expenses associated with their placement, travel, training and support. Your fee enables us to provide a variety of important services, not the least of which is finding someone like you who is qualified and willing to serve as a teacher in an under-resourced school in a developing country. WorldTeach services are also primarily designed to support you, the volunteer. Whether it is pre-departure preparation, in-training, support, or help in the case of an emergency, all of these services are provided in an effort to enhance your safety and security while enabling you to become the most effective teacher that you can be.

Salary/Pay

Room and board.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Education
• English Teaching
• Primary Education
• Secondary Education
• Teaching

Age Range

Minimum 18

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-2 weeks

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

WorldTeach's Mission Statement

WorldTeach is a non-profit, non-governmental organization based at the Center for International Development at Harvard University that provides opportunities for individuals to make a meaningful contribution to international education by living and working as volunteer teachers in developing countries. WorldTeach offers summer and year-long programs in American Samoa, Bulgaria, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guyana, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Namibia, Poland, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania and Thailand.

Year Founded

1986