General

Health

Language Requirement: Spanish (Advanced)

These health clinics throughout Valparaíso are part of the Ministry of Education and Health and seek to provide the best quality basic healthcare, consultations, and health education. Participants in this role may observe consultations, learn health field terminology, participate in administrative duties performed in a health care setting, and help provide social, educational, and health and wellness outreach to the community. Placements that may involve patient interaction are observation-based; participants are required to complete the Global Ambassadors for Patient Safety (GAPS) workshop for eligibility.

Spots at health clinics are limited. Additional fees may apply for placements in medical clinics for required materials.

Education

Language Requirement: Spanish (Intermediate)

This center is for children with disabilities between the ages of 3 and 12 years old. In addition to conducting primary education classes, the center also provides a multi-sensory stimulation classroom where students observe therapists on a weekly basis. Participants’ tasks may vary depending on their specific area of study or interest, however, some of the possible responsibilities may include assisting with classroom management, providing individualized attention to students, or developing and assisting with art workshops and educational activities. For students studying physical/occupational/speech therapy, there may be opportunities to work with the center’s therapists during their sessions with the students.

This organization is closed from the middle of December until the end of February for Summer vacation and in July for winter break.

Education

Language Requirement: Spanish (Intermediate)

This English Language Institute is a training center that focuses on teaching the practical use of English in the workplace and everyday life to youth and adults. Participants in this role may serve as a Language Partner and assist students with the development of English skills, prepare lesson plans and other educational materials for class, lead classroom discussions, support full-time English professors, facilitate group discussions, correct student assignments, and help with pronunciation. Participants may also have opportunities to assist administrators in program development or research projects.

Education

Language Requirement: Spanish (Beginning)

This state-funded PK-12 bilingual school's mission is to provide quality, integrated education with a special focus on civic commitment, personal growth, and environmental conservation. Participants in this organization may have opportunities to serve as a teacher’s assistant, help students with reading, writing, listening, and speaking lessons in English, and assist in PE classes and other activities.

Due to vacations, this organization is not available from mid-December through the first week of February and during July.

Family and Youth Development

Language Requirement: Spanish (High Intermediate)

This organization is part of a larger public park dedicated to creating an integrated space for community members and promoting an appreciation for nature, the environment, art, music, and technology. This center focuses specifically on youth education and recreation programs that help children and young adults learn new skills in a safe and creative learning environment. Participants may have the opportunity to facilitate English and technology classes, assist with administrative tasks, and help prepare educational materials and activities.

Health

Language Requirement: Spanish (Intermediate)

For 130 years, this senior citizens’ home has been providing comprehensive care for the elderly. They strive to provide a family atmosphere of acceptance and respect, while fully addressing the needs of over 200 seniors. Participants in this organization may have opportunities to plan and lead recreational activities, organize games, socialize with and read to the residents, teach dance or aerobics classes, and assist with everyday activities. Placements that may involve patient interaction are observation-based; participants are required to complete the Global Ambassadors for Patient Safety (GAPS) workshop for eligibility.

Education

Language Requirement: Spanish (Beginning)

This public school provides comprehensive education for K-12 students. Participants in this role may serve as a teacher’s aide by grading papers, assisting students with homework, facilitating recreational activities, and supervising the classroom. There also may be opportunities to tutor students one-on-one or teach English.

Due to vacations, this organization is not available from mid-December through the first week of February and during July.

Environment, Community Development

Language Requirement: Spanish (Beginning)

Service-Learning participants will work closely with the Environmental Department of the park. Environmental projects primarily include manual labor (gardening, planting, weeding, reforestation initiatives, and nursery restoration and creation of artificial lakes). Participants also have the opportunity to propose their own projects that they feel would be would gain student or community interest. For certain projects, participants might be required to have an advanced level of Spanish.

Community Development, Education

Language Requirement: Spanish (Advanced)

As the capital city of Costa Rica, San José is home to many museums and cultural centers. Participants placed in these organizations may have opportunities to promote awareness of the rich cultural history of Costa Rica by organizing and coordinating projects for visitors, leading guided museum tours, assisting with marketing and PR projects, coordinating special events, and translating marketing materials. These placements are ideal for individuals interested in archaeology, anthropology, museology, natural history, education, and administration.

Community Development

Language Requirement: Spanish (Intermediate)

This community-based center is part of a larger public park dedicated to creating an integrated space for community members and promoting an appreciation for nature, the environment, art, music, and technology. This center aims to provide students with opportunities to express themselves through music and develop their musical talents. Participants will have opportunities to share teaching techniques and musical expertise with the students as well as assist the center's music professors with workshops and classes.