Teach English in Costa Rica at Community-based Learning Centers – February, 2015

We are looking for dedicated volunteers interested in teaching English as a Foreign Language to students in rural communities in exchange for room, board, and the opportunity to help rural Costa Rican students improve their English in a truly unique setting.

Los Santos Learning Centers is a group of community-developed, non-profit education centers. Each community center was developed and is run by local community members. The centers provide English as a foreign language classes to students of all ages.

The learning centers are located in the zona de Los Santos, a mountainous region two hours south of San José. There are currently three centers in existence, located in the towns of El Empalme, Copey de Dota, and San Isidro de Leon Cortez, and our model is being replicated throughout the country. Centers are run by boards of directors made up of community members with the help of Peace Corps volunteers.

VOLUNTEER POSITIONS: All positions are volunteer English teaching positions. Volunteers teach approximately 15-20 hours per week and are responsible for lesson planning. Volunteers receive free room and board in the home of a local family. This includes housing, three meals per day, and basic amenities such as laundry, electricity and occasionally internet. Because we are a community-based, non-profit entity, we cannot provide a salary or stipend for our volunteers.

Living with a local family provides volunteers an opportunity to become part of the community, experience Costa Rican customs and lifestyles, learn Spanish, and participate in a cultural exchange. While your primary role will be teaching English, you will also have the opportunity to develop other projects if you choose to do so. In the past, our volunteers have built community gardens, organized a library, taught dance classes, and formed a children's choir.

LOCATION: Our communities are located in the beautiful Zona de Los Santos, Costa Rica, about two hours south of San Jose in the heart of the coffee-growing region of Costa Rica. We are not by the beach, but are surrounded by beautiful mountains, national forest reserves, and some of the best bird-watching in the world.

WHEN: We are looking for candidates who can begin in February, 2015. We are accepting applications on a rolling basis, so applying early is to your benefit. Volunteers must commit to a minimum of 3 months, but may commit for longer durations.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

· Volunteers should have experience teaching EFL/ESL or another subject; and/or an EFL/ESL certification; and/or a degree in education.

· We strongly prefer applicants with classroom management experience, especially those who have worked with children.

· Native English Speaker.

· Some knowledge of Spanish.

· Undergraduate or graduate degree in education (or related) and/or ESL/EFL certification and/or 1 year-plus experience lesson planning and teaching English.

· Experience teaching and working with children or teenagers.

· Willingness to integrate with the local community and live with a local host family.

· Must be resourceful, flexible and independent (both in working and living arrangements).

· Commitment to service and volunteerism.

· Should be computer savvy, able to use the internet, facebook, etc.

OUR PROGRAM PROVIDES:

· Lodging and 3 meals per day in the home of a local family.

· Accommodations include a private room, shared bathroom, and laundry facilities.

· Teaching materials.

· Ongoing support from the learning centers' board members and Peace Corps Volunteers to help meet your needs and resolve any challenges that may arise.

VOLUNTEERING: Because we are community-based, there is no fee to volunteer with us nor can we offer a salary or health insurance. We can point you in the right direction for traveller's health insurance. The volunteer is responsible for her flight in and out of Costa Rica.

TO APPLY: Email lossantoslearningcenters@gmail.com or info@copeylearingcenter.org with your resume, cover letter, and references. Please write the start date of the position you are interested in in the subject line.