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  Costa Rica

• North Western Region: 
Atenas

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks

Description: Orphans are deprived of many opportunities necessary for their development. Through education and compassion, children are empowered to challenge a life of further poverty and exploitation. World Endeavors volunteers focus on educational training which consists primarily of English language classes. Volunteers' active participation in programs such as health education, games, drawing, and painting is encouraged. With such a variety of ways to participate, the orphanage experience provides volunteers many meaningful ways to approach service.

World Endeavors offers an exciting program that allows participants to experience Costa Rica in a meaningful way while contributing to its future. Volunteer and study Spanish with World Endeavors in Atenas, Costa Rica in important projects like Orphanage Assistance.

Highlights: Atenas is a quaint town located in the central highlands roughly 45 minutes from the capital city of San Jose. The town of roughly 5,000 is made up of many surrounding communities that base their livelihood on growing coffee, oranges and mangos. Costa Rican history, tradition and culture are deeply rooted here. Atenas is very clean and picturesque with a laid-back atmosphere.

Upon arrival in Costa Rica, volunteers are met at the airport and taken to their host family's home in Atenas. They will receive an orientation that will familiarize them with Atenas and the surrounding area, the Costa Rican culture and their program. For placements of one-month or longer, participants will receive two weeks of Spanish language training.

Once the placement begins, participants will receive an additional mini-orientation at the project site that focuses on project opportunities and responsibilities. For those doing two to three week programs Spanish instruction may be added on to your program prior to leaving or on-site. For those doing 1 month programs additional Spanish instruction may be added as well.

Qualifications / Skills Needed: Volunteers must have: English language fluency, a desire to help the people of Costa Rica, flexibility, self-motivation, openness to a new culture and a willingness to learn. Spanish language skills are helpful but not required.

Languages: English and Spanish

Cost in US$: Please visit our website.

Cost Includes: - Pre-departure packet to prepare you for your placement - World Endeavors support for any of your pre-trip questions - In-country travel coordination - Accommodations (3 meals per day with a local family) - Support from local World Endeavors representatives - 2 weeks of Spanish language training (for programs 4 weeks and longer) - Cultural activities (cooking class; dance class) - Volunteer placement - 24X7 Emergency phone support Not Included: - Round-trip airfare to Costa Rica - Visa expenses and airport taxes - Personal expenses including daily transportation and food costs

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer Projects: academic reinforcement, childcare/children, consciousness-raising, education, orphans, primary education, social services, social work, teaching, youth and youth development

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

World Endeavors's Mission Statement: World Endeavors is a provider of unique international volunteer, internship, and study programs. Our mission is to become a catalyst for positive change in our community and the world through quality international programs.