Study and Volunteer in Costa Rica

STUDY AND VOLUNTEER IN COSTA RICA :

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Study and Volunteer program in Costa Rica includes a Spanish course, held in a Spanish school located in Coronado, and a volunteer program, which should last at least 2 weeks. The school is very close to the capital city of Costa Rica, in a very nice and safe area. The school offers beautiful and modern facilities, including catering facilities and relaxing outdoor areas.

HIGHLIGHTS
Learn Spanish and extend your stay with a volunteer program in Costa Rica! The Volunteer Program will give you the opportunity to practise your Spanish in a real environement and see the country from a different perspective.  You will meet with people involved in various social and environmental programs.

COURSE
Type of course: General Spanish Course, 20 or 30 classes per week
Course level: From beginner to advanced
Volunteering program: The program has been settled in a humanitarian and educational perspective. It defends various values such as environmental protection, the fight against deforestation, the fight against illegal hunting, sustainable developement etc. Volunteers may choose between 2 areas: a National Park or Social institutions.
Class duration: 50 minutes
Test on arrival: yes
Number of student per class: 5 students maximum of different nationalities.
Course material: included
Certificate: yes

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
If you wish to improve your Spanish level and live a unique experience, this program is for you!
The Volunteer Program can be done:
- Either in a National Park (minimum 2 weeks): this program requires motivation, interest in environmental issues and a good health condition! You will need to adapt to life into a tropical forest. Duties: trail cleaning, teaching English to park staff, turtle protection, assisting park visitors etc. You will live in quarters inside the park.
- Or in social institutes which help people with difficulties: this program is dedicated to people who wish to invest in human relationships with children, older people, women etc. You may help children with homework, help for meal preparation, advices etc. Duties will also depend on your personal experience and skills.

This volunteer program is available all year long. It will start after a Spanish course of a minimum of 2 weeks.

The cost for participation to the Volunteer Program is 90 euros. It will be added to the cost of the Spanish course.
A specific application form must be filled out in order to participate in this Volunteer Program. It must be completed and returned at least 2 months before departure.

Details about your Volunteer placement will be communicated on location only. It is unpaid but the rewards last a lifetime.

ACCOMMODATION :

During the Spanish Course:
Host Family: single room, half board (breakfast and evening meal); sheets are provided and laundering is offered once a week; towels are not provided.
Ecological Residence: single room; shared bathroom, no board. The residence is equipped with a small kitchen and a washing machine; wireless Internet, television, sheets are provided, towels not.

During the Volunteer Program:
Accommodation will be charged extra. It costs 85 euros/week if you wish to stay in a host family or at the residence. For the Volunteer program in the National Park, hosting will have to be paid on location: 20 USD/day (around 15 euros) for accommodation and meals.

ELIGIBILITY :

ELIGIBILITY: 18+
Minimum language level: Intermediate

VISA
Some citizens may just hold a valid passport (Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the USA…) for a stay ≤ 90 days.
Other citizens are allowed to stay up to 30 days with a mere passport (Australia, Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic…). Citizens of all countries not listed above must obtain a visa from a Costa Rican embassy or consulate before arrival.  For any doubt or further information, please contact the embassy or consulate of the Costa Rica in your country. 

PROCEDURES :

Please apply through the application form below and specify the course, option and accommodation chosen for the Study and Volunteer program.
Please apply at least 6 weeks before departure to Study and Volunteer in Costa Rica.

CONDITIONS - STUDY AND VOLUNTEER IN COSTA RICA :

Prices 2012

Spanish Course

PRICE INCLUDES :

- Administration fees
- Courses (see options)
- Accommodation during the Spanish course only (see options)
- School books
- Clubs member card
- Volunteer Program extra fee
- Support, assistance and 24 hours emergency phone number during the whole program 

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE :

- International airfare
- International Travel insurance
- Visa, passport and medical exam fees
- Airport pick-up and transfers
- Extra activities organized by the school
- Personal expenses and pocket money
- Accommodation during the Volunteer Program
- Medical and Emergency Repatriation Insurance (maybe provided by Nacel for an extra cost)
- Application fees (40 euros)