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Childcare Volunteer Project in  Costa Rica - San Jose

Childcare Volunteer Project in Costa Rica - San Jose

Purpose
Provide a safe space for children to learn
Start dates
Programs start every Monday
Duration
Choose from 1-24 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Accommodation
Local homestay
Apply for free
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Who is going?
Group video calls

Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.

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This program is ideal for:

Energetic volunteers who enjoy playing, talking and laughing with children and are interested in education. You’ll have the support of the local staff so experience is not necessary.

Project details

Excited to do Childcare volunteering in Costa Rica - San José? International Volunteer HQ’s Childcare project empowers volunteers to help in community centres, daycares, and schools that care for and entertain children outside of school hours. This is an important service in Costa Rica where many schools are overcrowded and only run in either the morning or afternoon. Volunteers will gain childcare experience while assisting local staff to provide a safe, structured and fun environment where kids can grow and learn.

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

Overcrowded classrooms in low-income parts of Costa Rica mean students often only attend school in either the morning or afternoon and are generally left to their own devices for the rest of the day. Community centres aim to fill this gap with further education and games so that children have a safe, stimulating and structured learning environment for a longer period of time. This gives children the opportunity to build skills and support networks and increase their chances of continuing education to later gain employment.

As a Childcare volunteer you’ll assist local staff with their efforts to care for and entertain a large number of children up to the age of 11. Yours will be a hands-on role providing much-needed support in general activities. Much of the time is spent outside, as classrooms are often small and crowded. Childcare volunteer work can vary but usually involves:

  • Setting up games and activities
  • Helping with homework
  • One-on-one interaction with children
  • Teaching basic hygiene skills
  • Assisting with meals
Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #4: Quality Education

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #4: Quality Education

More than half of all children and teens do not meet minimum proficiency standards in reading and mathematics. Quality education provides an opportunity to learn and grow in a safe environment and is key to preventing poverty, securing long-term employment and improving quality of life.

Why do Childcare volunteering in San Jose with IVHQ?

When you volunteer with children in San José you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

  • Improving access to education for children in San José
  • Helping students develop life skills in a safe place
  • Practicing your Spanish
  • Developing your communication skills
  • Gaining childcare experience
  • Immersing yourself fully in Costa Rican culture
  • Exploring San José, Costa Rica’s lively capital

Volunteer requirements

  • Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program
  • Volunteers aged 16 or 17 on their program start date are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.
  • All volunteers aged 18+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 16 and 17 will need to provide 2 character reference letters to participate.
  • All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
  • All volunteers must speak fluent English.
Are you eligible to volunteer?

Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.

Apply for free

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'Who is going' users image
Who is going?
Group video calls

Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.

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What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

MP
Maia Perez
19 Sep 2024

The volunteering was incredibly rewarding. The kids were full of energy, curiosity, and joy, making every moment special. Their enthusiasm and warmth left a lasting impact on me. I can't wait to return and experience the joy of connecting with them again.

...
RS
Ricardo Sanchez Arias
30 Jul 2024

Volunteering with IVHQ assures you that you’re going to be working with a very trustworthy team and that you’re going to have an amazing and rewarding experience.

...
KD
Kadie Dvorak
04 Jul 2024

I was nervous about going to another country by myself, but I am so grateful I did! I enjoyed every moment learning and experiencing a different culture! My advice would be not to live in fear and take that risk! Get out of your comfort zone because you will not regret it!

...
TK
Taylor Klyne
21 Mar 2024

I think it is a truly great program with friendly staff, I enjoyed being a part of the culture and feeling like family. I have never been more sure that I want to do something again. These kids have truly changed my life.

...
BS
Beth Salem
08 Dec 2022

I did not think that I would be able to make an impact in one week. However, when I arrived at the childcare center, they had an autistic child in the classroom that they did not know what to do with. Having had a background in special education for seven years, I was able to provide them with much-needed advice, support, and skills. I feel as though I was able to provide a different life trajectory for this one child and her teachers.

Getting to experience another culture and way of life with my teenage daughter was my favorite and most memorable moment of the volunteer experience. For anyone thinking about volunteering abroad, I can say, do it! IVHQ is a safe, friendly, accommodating, and wonderful organization.

...
NC
Neha Chugh
10 Aug 2022

My daughter and I volunteered on a childcare project in Costa Rica and the best moment was seeing affection and empathy from a little child's viewpoint. There was a moment where a 5 year old helped his playmate recover from a situation by teaching him to take deep breaths to overcome his anger. There are such simple ways to bring empathy and love in this world that adults forget.

Take the plunge. My daughter and I had an amazing experience. We grew as an individual and learned so much from the cultural immersion. It will stay with us for the rest of our lives. 5 stars to IVHQ and the Local Team in Costa Rica.

...

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

Academic course credit

Academic course credit through International Volunteer HQ and Intern Abroad HQ.

Academic course credit

Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!

Learn about course credit

Location

Volunteer Abroad in Costa Rica San Jose with IVHQ

Location

San José is Costa Rica’s modern, metropolitan, cultural hub. The capital city has been hailed as one of the most visited destinations in Central America and is the central point for tourists arriving in Costa Rica. It’s got excellent eateries, an interesting variety of museums, markets, shops, parks and nightlife and is only a short trip to any of the numerous natural attractions and adventures in the region.

Arrival and orientation

After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San José on the Sunday before your start date.

When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and taken to the volunteer accommodation in San José. This is included in your Program Fee.

We recommend that volunteers under the age of 18 travel internationally with a notarized letter from their parents to support their documentation. If you are travelling in Costa Rica prior to your program, the local team will pick you up at your San José accommodation the day before your orientation.

Your check out is at 11am on the last Saturday of your program.

The compulsory program orientation is hosted by our Costa Rica team at their offices in San José on Sunday or Monday.

Orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Costa Rica – an introduction to Costa Rica, its customs, language training details, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in Costa Rica, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socialising.

Volunteer schedule example

First day

You will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working with.

Weekdays

During the week, you will have a morning or afternoon shift, which will last around 3 to 5 hours. Your volunteer work and hours are dependent on the location and type of project you are participating in but a typical morning schedule is as follows:

8:00 AM Breakfast with your host family.
9:00 AM Leave home and travel to your placement. You will join the local staff and will receive a duty roster and plan for work.
12:00 PM Lunch at a local restaurant.
1:00 - 6:00 PM Work at the placement usually ends. You are free to travel back to your accommodation, go sightseeing or take Spanish lessons.
7:00 PM Dinner with the host family.

Weekends

Whether you want to explore or relax on your weekends in San José , there’s plenty of opportunity to do both. Stroll down the bustling Central Avenue in downtown San José and take in a museum, listen to street performers or do some shopping. Then check out the stunning architecture of the National Theater of Costa Rica, taste-test the city’s fabulous coffee or sample a brew from San José ’s blossoming craft-beer industry.

It’s worth noting that Sunday is a religious day of rest and many stores and restaurants will be closed. Costa Ricans tend to devote Sundays to spending time with their family. If you wish, you can accompany your host family to their local church, as a Latin American church service is a unique and special experience for many volunteers.

On long weekends you may choose to travel around the rest of Costa Rica and the many cities, volcanoes, jungles, coffee plantations and beaches which are more than worth a visit. Many of these are only a short trip from San José .

Most IVHQ volunteers choose to take advantage of our Costa Rica - Travel and tour add-ons in their free time. Please note that volunteers on more remote projects such as Turtle Conservation and Eco-Agriculture Conservation will only be able to join these activities before or after their program.

Accommodation and WiFi

In San Jose volunteers are accommodated in homestays with local families - it’s an immersive experience that connects you with an authentic insight into the Costa Rican way of life. You will find living conditions are comfortable and you can expect your accomodation to have electricity, drinkable running water and western bathrooms. Low pressure showers are common and the water is not always heated. Bedrooms have single and bunk beds with bedding provided. You can expect to share a room with up to six other volunteers of the same gender in most homestays.

Single occupancy private rooms are available upon request for an additional cost, offering you the ultimate comfort and privacy during your stay.

If you are traveling as a family, the local team will place you in a separate homestay to ensure all family members are accommodated together.

Please note, volunteers under the age of 18 who are traveling solo will be accommodated separately from those over the age of 18. If there are other volunteers under the age of 18 participating at the same time, the local team will do their best to ensure they are accommodated together.

WiFi is available at the homestays, and you will also have access to computers and WiFi at the local team’s office in San José.

Meals

Volunteers are provided with breakfast and dinner at their accommodation. Breakfast typically consists of toast, fruit, eggs, rice and beans accompanied with tea or coffee. Dinner usually includes: meat (typically chicken), starches and vegetables. Costa Rica’s national dish, Gallo Pinto, is made of rice and beans and served with nearly every meal. Lunches are not provided to San José -based volunteers, as they are typically away from their accommodation at midday. Budget between AU$7 and AU$15 per day to buy lunch.

If you have specific dietary requirements, our local teams and homestays can cater to you, however keep in mind that as a volunteer, there is a need to be flexible.

Pricing

  • USD

Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately AU$468) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.

You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.

Duration
Program Fee
Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
  • USD
1 week $475 Equivalent to $68/day
2 weeks $765 Equivalent to $55/day
3 weeks $1,065 Equivalent to $51/day
4 weeks $1,340 Equivalent to $48/day
5 weeks $1,555 Equivalent to $44/day
6 weeks $1,770 Equivalent to $42/day
8 weeks $2,200 Equivalent to $39/day
10 weeks $2,630 Equivalent to $38/day
12 weeks $3,060 Equivalent to $36/day
16 weeks $3,920 Equivalent to $35/day
20 weeks $4,780 Equivalent to $34/day
24 weeks $5,640 Equivalent to $34/day
  • All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately AU$468) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
  • A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
  • Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Costa Rica generally find US$150 - US$200 per week to be sufficient for expenses. Please note this budget is for general expenses and does not include money you will need for any weekend activities you plan to do.
  • Breakfast and dinner
  • Airport pick-up
  • Accommodation
  • 24/7 in-country support
  • In-country program orientation
  • Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
  • Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
  • Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
  • Discounts on language lessons
  • Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
  • Certificate of International Volunteer Service

Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.

  • Lunch
  • Transport to and from your placement each day
  • Return to the airport when your program finishes
  • Flights
  • Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
  • Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.

Free-time experiences & tours in San Jose

Take your volunteer experience to the next level with IVHQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in San Jose! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ San Jose program.

Beach and Jungle Mini Adventure - Manuel Antonio
Beach and Jungle Mini Adventure - Manuel Antonio

Immerse yourself in Manuel Antonio’s stunning natural beauty and thrilling activities on this 6-day adventure

AU$1443
Coffee & Nature Experience - San Jose
Coffee & Nature Experience - San Jose

Embark on a full-day adventure exploring La Paz Waterfall Gardens, an animal sanctuary, and a Poas Volcano Tour, followed by a Coffee Farm experience.

AU$347
Mini Adventure  - San Jose
Mini Adventure - San Jose

Experience a comprehensive 6-day Mini Adventure, featuring Arenal Volcano, the Britt Coffee Tour, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, whitewater rafting, and a visit to the pristine Tortuga Island.

AU$1968

Spanish language lessons

No need to be fluent in Spanish to join the IVHQ Costa Rica program—but imagine how much more you can get out of your experience by learning some basic Spanish! Our tailored language lessons are designed to meet you at your current level and help you feel more confident in everyday conversations. Classes run Monday to Friday, and the best part? They’re super affordable and available exclusively for IVHQ volunteers. Dive deeper into the culture and make your experience truly unforgettable!

Online lessons:

  • 1-hour Private Classes: US$75 (approximately AU$117) per week

San Jose Language Lessons:

  • 2-hour Small Group Classes: US$158 (approximately AU$247) per week
  • 1-hour Private Classes: US$207 (approximately AU$324) per week
  • 2-hour Private Classes: US$402 (approximately AU$629) per week

Check what's required to visit Costa Rica

Safety and support

Safety and support with IVHQ

Safety and support

IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.

  • All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
  • All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
  • All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
  • All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Learn more about IVHQ's safety

Essential country information

Essential country information

Capital San Jose
Population 5 million
Languages Spanish
Currency Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
Time zone UTC−06:00

Weather and climate: Costa Rica is unequivocally a tropical country. Although you get much cooler temperatures in the mountains, the average annual temperature for most of the country lies between 71°F (21.7°C) and 81°F (27°C). The coolest months are from November through to January, and the warmest months are from March through to May. San Jose stands at approximately 1170 meters altitude and has a mean annual temperature of 69°F (20.6°C).

Apply to check if you're eligible!

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How to get started

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