GoAbroad

Working with Kids—Volunteer in Costa Rica!

VerifiedProvider
4.6 / 5Overall Rating
126Reviews
2003Year established

Program Overview

Costa Rica has a high population of orphans, street kids, and other at-risk children who are in constant need of love, care, and support. Help respond to their needs by taking part in a range of volunteer projects, including working in orphanages, rural schools, and community centers, and street children programs.

Projects focus on providing boys and girls with shelter, food, and education to support their basic needs. As a volunteer, you'll help keep them off the streets as well as provide them with a happy, productive childhood.

Depending on individual skills and interests, volunteers act as mentors, help with homework, organize sports and arts and crafts, and teach English. However, your care and support are the most important things for these disadvantaged children.

This program is available all year round, with start dates every Monday. It's designed to take place for as short as 1 week and up to 1 year.

NOTE: This program qualifies for 3-4 university credits via our School of Record.

Volunteers must be over 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent or guardian. We require background checks and proof of medical insurance.

Ready to dive deeper into this program?

Jump to the full breakdown of dates, costs, eligibility, and more.

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Program Highlights

Experience the Spanish way of life and culture while staying in San Jose for one week or longer.
Improve your Spanish by taking our language classes and practicing with locals.
Enjoy trips and excursions around the city in your free time.
Choose from our special programs: Surf School, Scuba Certification, Yoga Certification, and more!
Have the opportunity to earn university credits and the President’s Volunteer Service Award (US citizens).

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
  • San Jose, Costa Rica

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • Year Round

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Families, Group

Education Levels & Language

  • Language
  • English
  • Education
  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Accommodation Options

  • Apartment/Flat
  • Group living
  • Guest House
  • Home-stays
  • Independent living

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Age Requirement

18+

Duration

  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 3-6 Months
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • 7-12 Months

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about MAXIMO NIVEL

4.6
126 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
79
4
46
3
1
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Day to Day Life
4.6
Volunteer Placement
4.6
Community Engagement
4.6
Health & Safety
4.6
Living Situation
4.6
Program Administration
4.5

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-20 of 126 reviews

Isabella PrydeUnited States · September 2026

I had the time of my life

Everything was so fun and easy and being able to do this was one of the best experiences of my life. I made amazing friends and memories and I truly appreciate how Maximo nivel made my volunteer abroad so special.

Andrea FunesSpain · August 2026

It’s and incredible experience, I would totally recommend it

Staying in a local house is something you have to experience at least once in life, also have the ability to see how life works in another country and the local people, is an amazing way to find another version of yourself, and learn how you can live the life with “pura vida”. It was also too beautiful the volunteering with the kids, you are always welcome by them and they are expecting you with a lots of love and happiness. The only thing I don’t like about this experience is saying goodbye and had to come back home. Also I recommend takes some tours because you get to know better this beautiful country!! (Specially Nauyaca Waterfall tour if you like risks)

Noemi Vitalini August 2026

An Unforgettable Costa Rica Experience

I volunteered in Costa Rica, working with children, and had an amazing time! I met many wonderful people, made new friends, and enjoyed incredible experiences like ziplining, waterfalls, and many adventures. I highly recommend it!

Noemi Vitalini August 2026

My Volunteering Experience in Costa Rica

My Volunteering Experience in Costa Rica My volunteering experience in Costa Rica was amazing and unforgettable. I had the opportunity to work with children, and I really enjoyed spending time with them. different countries and made new friends. We worked together to plan activities and help the children, which was a very rewarding experience. During my free time, I explored Costa Rica and visited beautiful waterfalls. The nature was incredible, and I had so much fun. I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone who wants to help others, meet new people, discover a new culture, and have an amazing adventure. It was a fantastic experience that I will never forget!

Ana Laura CaligiuriBrazil · August 2026

My experience was so fun!

I had a really good time in Costa Rica. It was my first time in the country, and probably not the last! The children I worked with were so adorable and I enjoyed every moment of it, when teaching, feeding, putting them to sleep or just disciplining them! I also had some excursions, in the Catamaran and Manuel Antonio Park, and I was lucky enough to get both days very sunny with a clear water. The program in general was so fun, not to mention that I met so many amazing people that helped me throughout the journey.

Julia HielNetherlands · August 2026

The most fun time!

I was teaching kids in Costa Rica and it was so much fun the people there were really nice and always smiling. I made many friends in the time that I was here and I always was busy with fun exciting stuff.

Photos

Anna ZamboniItaly · July 2026

Pura vida

Ha sido una experiencia muy agradable me encantó trabajar con los niños. He podido también viajar por Costa Rica aprendiendo mucho. La familia acogida también ha sido muy agradable. Una cosa que se tiene que decir probablemente dar una ayuda Major para llegar a los sito de trabajo porque los primeros días no es muy fácil entender donde están los varios lugares.

Photos

Kian MohammadiUnited Kingdom · July 2026

It was a great experience to have.

My time here was quite eye opening. It caused me to learn more about a foreign culture and allowed to have life experiences to talk about. Teaching children about oral hygiene was my favourite part of the program.

vin stokesEngland · July 2026

¡Pura Vida!

This trip was important for 3 reasons. 1. It was the furthest I’ve been from home 2. It has been the most culturally interactive trip I’ve been on 3. This is the most Independent I’ve been abroad I have learned so much about myself on this trip and I couldn’t ask for more.

Charlotte LangleyUnited Kingdom · July 2026

I met so many amazing people

I came alone as a 17 year old, not really knowing what to expect. As soon as I arrived I met loads of people from around the world who were a mixture of ages including lots of 17 year olds. We made so many plans and did so many things together and it made my experience volunteering way more than just the childcare aspect. I made lifelong friends whilst giving back to the community.

Paulina ReyesMexico · July 2026

I had the best time ever

Este lugar está lleno de personas hermosas, aprendí se todos y me llevo lo mejor de Costa Rica conmigo. Estoy súper agradecida de coincidir con todas las personas y de poder aprender de ellas, me voy con el corazón lleno.

Paloma GarzaMexico · July 2026

Taking care of children in costa rica

This program is such a beautiful experience, because we are not only helping and taking care of children that are in need of comfort and love but we are having fun planning the activities and playing with them. We love the kids and I would come back a thousand times more to see them again.

Photos

Estefania SalazarUnited States · July 2026

Best place and best people!

I am loving this experience. Everything is really well planned and I have done everything I’ve wanted to do! I’ve helped and done volunteering and served at a school, all while traveling to a place I have always wanted to go!

Raquel ValdesMexico · July 2026

Great Time!

It was incredibly enriching helping the kids and the school teachers were incredible! The beatch is beautiful and the housing options make you meet a lot of people which is so much fun! 100% recommend

Phoebe SchroederUnited States · June 2026
5.0

So Rewarding !!

I chose to do a Childcare program in Manuel Antonio and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made!! I am 17 and it was not only my first time abroad but I was also solo. I felt so much support from the Maximo Nivel staff and this was crucial for my program because I think otherwise I would have been extremely anxious and scared. The program itself was truly the highlight of my trip- I fell in love with the children and they made the entire experience so worthwhile. I am endlessly grateful. Take the leap!!

Phoebe SchroederUnited States · June 2026
5.0

So Rewarding !!

I chose to do a Childcare program in Manuel Antonio and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made!! I am 17 and it was not only my first time abroad but I was also solo. I felt so much support from the Maximo Nivel staff and this was crucial for my program because I think otherwise I would have been extremely anxious and scared. The program itself was truly the highlight of my trip- I fell in love with the children and they made the entire experience so worthwhile. I am endlessly grateful. Take the leap!!

Phoebe SchroederUnited States · June 2026
5.0

So Rewarding !!

I chose to do a Childcare program in Manuel Antonio and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made!! I am 17 and it was not only my first time abroad but I was also solo. I felt so much support from the Maximo Nivel staff and this was crucial for my program because I think otherwise I would have been extremely anxious and scared. The program itself was truly the highlight of my trip- I fell in love with the children and they made the entire experience so worthwhile. I am endlessly grateful. Take the leap!!

Phoebe SchroederUnited States · June 2026
5.0

So Rewarding !!

I chose to do a Childcare program in Manuel Antonio and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made!! I am 17 and it was not only my first time abroad but I was also solo. I felt so much support from the Maximo Nivel staff and this was crucial for my program because I think otherwise I would have been extremely anxious and scared. The program itself was truly the highlight of my trip- I fell in love with the children and they made the entire experience so worthwhile. I am endlessly grateful. Take the leap!!

Phoebe SchroederUnited States · June 2026
5.0

So Rewarding !!

I chose to do a Childcare program in Manuel Antonio and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made!! I am 17 and it was not only my first time abroad but I was also solo. I felt so much support from the Maximo Nivel staff and this was crucial for my program because I think otherwise I would have been extremely anxious and scared. The program itself was truly the highlight of my trip- I fell in love with the children and they made the entire experience so worthwhile. I am endlessly grateful. Take the leap!!

Monty BonzUnited States · June 2026

Volunteering with kids

Hola! I had the most fun time here at costa rica working with kids. I would recommend staying with a host family, they are so nice and made my trip so much better, I was very worried about transportation but it has been very easy

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Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Top Rated Provider Volunteer Abroad 2025
GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2024 - Volunteer Abroad
Top Rated Provider 2023 - Language School
Top Rated Provider 2023 - Volunteer Abroad
People’s Choice Award 2023 Finalist
Top Rated Language School 2022
Notable Mention 2021 - Gap Year
Top Rated Organization 2021 - Volunteer Abroad
Innovative TEFL / Teach Abroad Program 2021 Finalist
Top Rated Teach Abroad Organizations of 2020
Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Organizations of 2020 Notable Mentions
2019 Notable Mentions
NAFSA
ALTO - Association of Language Travel Organisations
GoAbroad Top Language Program 2018
GoAbroad Top TEFL Certification Program 2018
GoAbroad Top Language School 2018

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