Costa Rica Social Work Quests

Volunteers on Social Work Quests can work at places such as day care centers, elementary schools, elderly homes, hospitals, municipality centers and more. We offer a wide range of different experiences from assisting with cultural activities to teaching English to school children and organizing activities for at risk children. Intermediate Spanish required.

• Please note that all Social Work Quests require intermediate to advanced Spanish language skills.
• Volunteers will stay at a host family who will provide them with three meals a day. Some lunch meals may be provided by the project.
• Due to school holidays in Costa Rica, the social projects at governmental run schools and day care centers are not available in the first two weeks of July and from the beginning of December until the end of February.
• All social work projects (except government run schools and day care) are available year round and begin on the first and third Thursday of each month for volunteers staying more than two weeks, and on the first and third Friday of each month for volunteers staying two weeks or less.

Volunteers will learn firsthand about the educational system in Costa Rica through classroom placements in primary schools in San Jose. The work consists of supporting the teachers with the classes and playing and doing activities with the children. Many volunteers also help in the administration’s office, though the volunteer’s responsibilities are usually defined together with the school staff. This project is a good option for volunteers who want to work with children, have initiative and are creative, and want to learn more about the education system in Costa Rica. As this is a government school placement, keep in mind that volunteers must be approved by the government, a process which can take up to four weeks.

Childcare Quest

Volunteers can work with children who attend government run day care centers in the suburbs of San Jose. This is a good option for volunteers who are interested in working with children. Tasks include taking care of the children, helping them with the activities of the center, serving food and play, and organizing games. The children’s ages range from 2 to 6 years old. Volunteers can also teach English.

Orphanage Quest

Minimum Stay: 10 days
Volunteers needed: Year Round
Requirements: At least 16 years old, Basic Spanish, previous international travel experience recommended
 

United Planet's partner orphanage in the city of Cartago, located about 45 minutes from San José , is a home where all of the children's basic needs are met (shelter, food, clothes and education). The center also focuses on creating an environment that encourages the children's growth and development. Many of the children have been abandoned, are sick, belong to single mothers or have been separated from their parents by the state to ensure their wellbeing. Volunteers at this site in Costa Rica help do some light construction work such as repairing windows, doors etc. Volunteers can also teach English, organize artistic (theater, music, arts) and sports activities, help the children with their homework or teach agricultural education. Volunteers with no previous experience are welcome and social workers, psychologists and teachers are also needed.

Working with People with Disabilities Quest

Minimum Stay: 4 weeks

Volunteers needed: Year Round

Requirements: At least 18 years old, Intermediate to Advanced Spanish, previous international travel experience recommended

Volunteers interested in working with people with disabilities can work at an organization devoted to helping blind and deaf people of all ages. The organization tries to help them become an active part of society. Volunteers will provide support for those working at the organization by helping at different workshops and preparing materials needed for those activities. The specific tasks will be defined once the volunteer arrives according to the project needs and skills of the volunteer. This project is good for volunteers with a background in special education and physical therapy. It is recommend that volunteers have advanced Spanish skills, initiative and patience.

Working with the Elderly Quest

Minimum Stay: 10 days

Volunteers needed: Year Round

Requirements: At least 18 years old, Intermediate Spanish, previous international travel experience recommended

 

Volunteers work at an association in the east of San Jose dedicated to supporting the elderly. The association gives them a space to stay active and have a meaningful place in society. For this purpose the association runs varied workshops and activities for them. The association also visits different communities around the area to try and educate people about elderly care and needs.

Volunteers give support to the staff of the association by accompanying the elderly, helping with the workshops and other administrative tasks as needed. Occasionally the volunteers also have the opportunity to do outreach in outlying communities.

This project is a good option for volunteers interested in elderly care and needs.

 

Click here for Long-term Quests (6 months - 1 year) in Costa Rica