Volunteer to Teach English in Costa Rica

The best aspect to me is that the program contains a little bit of everything, some sports, some assisting in the classroom, some reading, some kinder, some crafts, some teaching. To me the house was too small, and the lay out of the house was just ridiculous for a group of 8 to 12 volunteers. The house is okay for a small family (mom dad and baby) rooms were very small. This was very noticeable when all volunteers had to eat, it was impossible to have all volunteers in the living room at the same time. The rooms were okay, although I would've liked it if the bedroom was a dorm for all volunteers instead of two. The fact that we didn't have actual mattresses was disappointing. The kitchen also was too small. But in general the standard of the house was okay to me, we had everything we needed, but in a weird lay out. -- About the food, there wasn't enough. I get that volunteers can't have a hotel breakfast. But I didn't really get why volunteers couldn't have bread for breakfast. Since bread is the most basic of basic food. Lunch/dinner was to me the same problem. The manager provided us all she could, but there wasn't enough variation, and the kitchen wasn't well equipped enough to make different dishes, or to prepare enough food for everyone. We didn't have side trips in the program, which was a little sad to me. I'm not sure if I would go on another GVI program, because I think it would be better to come back to the place you're already been to. I mean, for example one of the kids made a comment on volunteers leaving, and never coming back, I'm kind of feeling like he means nothing to us makes me want to come back here, work with the same children that already know us. and continue building on their future. I think the future and how these kids feel is more important to me than go and explore something else, or another 'different' country.

Host living or evenings spent with local families could be very helpful with learning the language. Excellent accommodation, very well positioned for work and social time. The project was diverse and able to have several experiences due to this. The country was excellent with plenty of opportunity to travel at the weekends. This was the 2nd project I did and I always find it well organised and structured compared to other volunteer companies.

My most positive experience was helping a student, who had failed his English exam, revise for his re-sit for a whole two hours, and then find out he passed the re-sit. I didn't have one singularly most enjoyable experience, the whole program was amazing for me. I just wish there was more on-program coaching for volunteers who are teaching English e.g. in lesson planning, delivering lessons for 1-2-1, groups etc. You get out what you put into life and if you are willing to get involved in all aspects of the program then you will have an enjoyable experience. And I'm sure that's what everyone is looking to take from it.