Are you interested in teaching environmental education to Costa Rican schoolchildren? Volunteers for this project develop and then implement a curriculum for environmental education in Costa Rican elementary schools. This position requires strong motivation and independence, as well as a solid grasp of Spanish.

Many public schools do not have an environmental education program. It’s important for children to understand the value of the environment and protect nature—our shared future depends on it. As a volunteer for this project, you’ll create an environmental education program and then teach it in Costa Rican schools.

Location
These projects are located in the Alexander Skutch Biological Corridor and along the Osa Peninsula.

Responsibilities
Volunteers build a curriculum for environmental education in elementary schools. You will work closely with teachers and locals to understand the needs of environmental education in immediate area. You will develop classroom activities to make the education process fun and engaging, and plan field trips to environmental facilities within the nearby area. Finally, once your lesson plan is set and ready, you will teach the curriculum to the children in the schools (in Spanish).

Volunteers are required to stay for a minimum of 2 weeks. Ideally, you will work longer, since it takes time to establish and implement the curriculum. Once you have established a curriculum, you can use it in different schools throughout the area. You might also change locations and host families and use your curriculum in an entirely different town.

You will work 5 days a week, for 4-6 hours per day. Your schedule is flexible due to the necessity of creating and implementing a curriculum.

You will work closely with project coordinators and local schools. You will have the support and guidance of volunteer coordinators and will be provided with a 24/7 emergency number.

Food & Lodging
You will stay with a host family and receive three meals a day. The meals usually consist of rice, beans, vegetables, meat/fish, eggs, and juice. Vegetarians can be accommodated.

Qualifications
An ideal volunteer has a background in environmental science, biology, geology, or education. If you have experience with environmental education, that’s great. If not, you should have a passion for teaching and the environment.

An intermediate to advanced level of Spanish is required for this position. You will teach kids in Spanish, so you must have a solid grasp of the language.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.

Applying
The application process is simple. Supply your basic information (name, age, address, medical history, etc.) then choose a project and select the dates that you would like to work. Next, write a brief background and describe any relatable experiences (volunteering or employment). Finally, explain why you want to volunteer and what you can contribute.

After submitting your online application, you will receive a response within a week. Once your enrollment is confirmed, you’ll be given additional information to help you prepare for the project.

Insect repellent.

Homestay, 3 meals a day