Volunteering in Sports Education in Costa Rica
Volunteer to teach sports in Costa Rica and make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged school children in rural Alajuela province. In Latin America, physical education is an important part of the curriculum, but budget constraints mean that many schools can’t afford to employ a full-time PE teacher. Sports education volunteers provide students with the opportunity to learn new sports, develop their skills and foster a love of fitness.
Working at schools throughout San Ramon, you will introduce first to sixth-grade school children to a range of sports, help them develop team playing skills and enjoy getting active. Equipment is limited so volunteers often have to apply creative thought to lesson plans, making classes fun and educational with minimal resources.
Program Video
You don’t need to have any professional sports experience or teaching qualifications to join the project. There will always be a teacher available for supervision and language help. However, if you have a particular skill or experience in a specific sport, feel free to share your knowledge with the students.
If you are passionate about sports and fitness and have intermediate Spanish speaking skills, download our program brochure to find out more about volunteering in sports education in Costa Rica.
Quick facts
- Program: Volunteer Costa Rica
- Location: San Ramon
- Minimum Duration: 2 Weeks
- Language Requirement: Int. Spanish
- Airport Pick-up: Yes, for $75
- Travel Insurance: Not included
- Suitable for Groups: No
- Region: Alajuela
- Project Site: Elementary & High Schools
- Minimum Age: 18
- Accommodation: Dorm Home
- Meals: 2 Meals Daily
- Start Dates: Every Other Friday
- Suitable for Families: Yes
Your role as a volunteer
Volunteers joining the Sports Education Project in Costa Rica will help plan and deliver PE lessons under the supervision of a qualified teacher. You will also assist teachers with lesson preparations, encourage students to become physically active, introduce children to new sports and help out with school events and competitions.
Tasks may include:
- Assisting teachers in preparing sports classes
- Teaching children about new sports
- Assisting and taking part in sports training and inter-school competitions
- Supervising children during recession and lunch
Work schedule
Sports education volunteers work four days per week, from Monday to Thursday. You will usually work in the mornings between 7 am and 12 pm or in the afternoons from 1 pm until 3 pm, but this may change depending on the school where you are placed.
Journey to work
The sports education center is within a 30-minute walk or a short bus ride from our volunteer dormitory.
Closed dates
The Sports Education project in Costa Rica is closed from the second week of December until the second week of February, and for one week preceding Easter Sunday. There is also a mid-term break for the first two weeks of July.
