I feel like I have grown immensely from this experience. In a professional way, as a future early childhood teacher, it was amazing to see the cultural differences in a childcare setting in a different part of the world. I learned a lot from the teacher I worked with.
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
4 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Accommodation
Local homestay
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.
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
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, provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.
Those aged 16 or 17 on their start date, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead.
Volunteers aged over 18 on their start date are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
All volunteers must speak English and have adequate volunteer travel insurance.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
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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IVHQ Holiday Experience project
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IVHQ Holiday Experience project
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IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
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IVHQ Holiday Experience project
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IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
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IVHQ Holiday Experience project
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IVHQ Childcare project
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IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
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IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
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IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
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IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Dentistry project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
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IVHQ volunteer orientation
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Academic course credit
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 creditRecommended online TEFL course
Recommended online TEFL course
We encourage volunteers on IVHQ’s Teaching and Childcare projects to come prepared by completing some relevant training, such as a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course. Although formal teaching qualifications are not required on these projects as volunteers are supported by local staff, taking a TEFL course enables you to gain more from the experience. Visit our Online TEFL Course page to learn how to gain an internationally recognized TEFL certification at a discounted rate.
Get TEFL certified onlineLocation
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$8 and AU$16 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.
Typical volunteer meals
Typical volunteer meals
Typical volunteer meals
Typical volunteer meals
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer dinner
Volunteer accommodation dining room
Accommodation homestay kitchen
Volunteer accommodation living room
Accommodation homestay living room
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Accommodation homestay bedroom
Accommodation homestay bedroom
Accommodation homestay bedroom
Accommodation homestay bathroom
Accommodation homestay shower
Volunteer accommodation
Accommodation homestay
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately AU$486), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately AU$486) 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 FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $555 Equivalent to $79/day |
| 2 weeks | $855 Equivalent to $61/day |
| 3 weeks | $1,165 Equivalent to $55/day |
| 4 weeks | $1,430 Equivalent to $51/day |
| 5 weeks | $1,645 Equivalent to $47/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,860 Equivalent to $44/day |
| 8 weeks | $2,290 Equivalent to $41/day |
| 10 weeks | $2,720 Equivalent to $39/day |
| 12 weeks | $3,150 Equivalent to $38/day |
| 16 weeks | $4,010 Equivalent to $36/day |
| 20 weeks | $4,870 Equivalent to $35/day |
| 24 weeks | $5,730 Equivalent to $34/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately AU$486) 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 emergency 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
- Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
- 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.
Popular add-ons & experiences in San Jose
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. 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
Immerse yourself in Manuel Antonio’s stunning natural beauty and thrilling activities on this 6-day adventure
AU$1500
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$361
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$2045
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$122) per week
San Jose Language Lessons:
- 2-hour Small Group Classes: US$158 (approximately AU$257) per week
- 1-hour Private Classes: US$207 (approximately AU$336) per week
- 2-hour Private Classes: US$402 (approximately AU$654) per week
Check what's required to visit Costa Rica
Safety and support
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.
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).
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
AB
Aniston Bolinger
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AM
Alexa Mejia
Do not think twice of making a decision for a good cause, you never know how it can change your perspective on everything. This experience has teached me a lot of things and helped me grow as a person.
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HE
Holly Egan
IVHQ did everything within their power to ensure my safety and concerns were addressed. There is multiple layers of resources to communicate with to reassure my needs were taken seriously.
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MP
Maia Perez
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.
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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
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