Enrolment form Costa Rica
Enrolment form please CLICK HERE.

Introduction
This program combines Spanish lessons and voluntary work in social institutions and national parks.

Country
In 1502 Christopher Columbus called this land "The rich coast". Costa Rica has natural borders at the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Towards the north, Rio San Juan and Lake Nicaragua form the border to Nicaragua, while Panama forms the southern border. The Pacific coast is mountainous with cliffs and bays protected by peninsulas, the largest of which are the Nicoya- and Osa-bays. The Caribbean coast has almost no bays. In many places the jungle grows onto the coast. With only 50.900-km2 Costa Rica is the third smallest state, after El Salvador and Belize in Central America. In many ways it is an unusual country; not least because of its natural beauty. No other country in Central America is so varied and full of contrast.

There are picturesque landscapes with waterfalls, unspoiled beaches and interesting archaeological areas. 12% of Costa Rica is protected national parks - an El Dorado for scientists, geologists and biologists. Large jungle areas, underground caves, warm water springs and coral reefs make up a large amount of the national parks. The country is crossed in its length by the mountain range Cordillera Volcánica, which includes the partly active volcano massifs Poás Barba and Iranzú Turrialba. Each turn of the road in the heights reveals exciting new scenery.

Climate
A position only 10 degrees north of the equator means a perfect tropical climate, described by many travellers as "an endless spring". The summer months are from December to April and the winter is from May to November. The winter period is the rainy season, where it rains 2-3 hours a day. There is not much difference between summer and winter temperatures, which are 20 - 30 degrees. However, temperatures vary with height. The mountains are cooler than the jungle or the coast. Here is a link to the weather forecast: http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/78762.html.

Population
Costa Rica is the only country in Central America with a mainly white population. The original Indian population lives in isolated villages, especially in the jungle areas, and on small islands off the country’s coast. The Caribbean coastline is unique culturally and linguistically, no one should miss a weekend in Pueto Limón on the east coast. This is the home of the black afro-Caribbean population. Here they do not say "adios" but "all right" or just "OK," the music is reggae and the language "English." A very special experience in an otherwise homogeneous Latin country.

The school
The school is situated in the town of Carrillos, a short distance from Juan Santa Maria International airport and the capital San José. The area has a pleasant climate all year round and some of the country’s most impressive sights can be found here, for example the volcano Poás, the town Sarchi, La Garita and Grecia. The local population is known for their friendliness and helpfulness. Here you will enjoy the advantages of a small town. The classrooms are roomy and pleasant and the school is surrounded by gardens containing tropical plants, flowers and fruit trees.

Lessons
Lessons take place every morning and there are all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced. There are 20 lessons a week and a maximum of 4 students per class, which means you receive intensive teaching, based on individual qualifications. The school’s aim is a high academic standard, so it is important that you are motivated and attentive during lessons. Teachers are well educated and trained in teaching Spanish to foreigners. The school is international with students from other European countries, USA, Asia and Canada. Students practise Spanish actively all day long; for example only Spanish may be spoken in the school area.

Free mini afternoon courses

Beside the intensive Spanish lessons in the morning, the school has mini courses during the afternoon, where you are introduced to different aspects of Costa Rican culture and society as you practise the language. Costa Rican cooking and salsa dance lessons are among the activities. There are also excursions and trips to places of interest. If you wish to participate in these excursions, you are very welcome, just be aware that transport and entrances fees etc are not included in the program price.

The following mini courses and activities are available and included in the school programs:

• Inttroduction to national parks of Costa Rica
• Lessons in Latin American dancing
• Visits to museums
• Grammar
• The history of Costa Rica
• Lessons in listening and understanding Spanish
• Excursions to Los Chorros waterfall
• Written Spanish
• Idiomatic expressions and phrases
• Films in Spanish
• Costa Rican cooking
• Local theatrical performances
• A trip to the Zoo
• An excursion to the artist town of Sarchí

Please note, if you take part in the combined language and work program, participation in these mini courses is compulsory, as they provide you with important lingual and cultural understanding, which you will need during voluntary work.

The first days
You will be picked-up at the airport in San José by your host family who will take you to school first Monday where a briefing and introduction is organised for all new students.  Your Spanish level will be tested and a tour of the area will help you find out where banks, shops, bus stations etc are located. Next school day your lessons start and all the new students have lunch together at a typical Costa Rican restaurant.

Holidays
There are no lessons during the following official holidays

1st January,New Year
11th April, Juan Santamaria
1st May, Labor day
25th July, Guacanasta
15th August, Mothers day
15th September, Independence Day
25th December, Christmas
Easter, Semana Santa

If you are planning a stay and wil be in Costa Ricxa during Semana santa (Easter), you will not be able to follow lessons during this week. Many volunteer workplaces will be closed as well. Fees for accommodation are due, even if you intend to travel during this week.

2 Programs

• Language program
• Language and work program
  

Prices language program (2008)

Prices in Euros
Price A: January - July
Price B: August - December

Courses start every Monday all year round, with accommodation starting on Sundays. If you cannot find a flight with arrival on a Sunday, you can still be picked-up at the airport, but if you arrive earlier, you will be charged 18 US dollars per extra night. Payment is to be made directly to the school on the first day of classes.

School is closed only during “Semana Santa” Easter and official holidays.

Included in the price

• 20 Spanish lessons a week, Monday-Friday
• Mini courses as described
• A maximum of 4 students per class
• Briefing and language test
• Educational material
• Accommodation with a Costa Rican host family, single room with half board
• Laundry service
• Airport pick-up
• Welcome lunch at a Costa Rican restaurant
  

Excursions
If you choose not to travel after your language course or voluntary work period, but want to see as much as possible of the country, the school can organise many excursions for you. Examples:

• Excursion to Tortuga Island in the Bay of Nicoya, lunch included.
• The national park Poás Volcano and shopping in the artist town of Sarchí, with lunch in a traditional restaurant.
• The national park Irazú Volcano with a trip to the town Cartago and its religious sights, then to the botanical gardens in Lankaster. Lunch included.
• The Carara nature reserve and a trip to Jaco beach. Lunch included.
• 3 days excursion to the Tortugero national park, where the large sea turtles spawn. Meals included.

Enrolment form Costa Rica
Enrolment form please CLICK HERE.

Language course and volunteering
EXIS organises a language and volunteer work program in collaboration with the school and local Costa Rican organisations as well as the National Parks, a language course followed by voluntary work of different kinds.
You must be independent, open minded and at least 18 years old to join the program, and have the desire to do social work or work to preserve the environment. This voluntary work is a unique opportunity to experience the country, its inhabitants and culture. At the same time, you are doing a meaningful job. The voluntary work also demands adaptability, as you must often work closely with Costa Ricans. The language school has a special co-ordinator to help you before and during your working period. The combined language and work program consists of at least 4 weeks language lessons, as described under "Language program", followed by voluntary work from 1 to 6 months.

The work program is constantly evaluated; in 2008 it includes the following working areas:

• A Voluntary social work
• B Work in national parks

The voluntary work programs are offered all year round, although in some cases it is necessary to adjust the start of the preliminary language course to your voluntary work due to summer holidays. If you choose to work at a school, for example, job possibilities are limited during Costa Rican summer months from December to the 15th of February.

A Voluntary social work
It’s possible to volunteer at local social organisations and institutions, or at the University library. During the last week of your language course you will be introduced to the relevant leader of the organisation or institution by the job co-ordinator. He or she will also be your contact person during the voluntary work. At the end of your work program, you will be asked to present a report in Spanish to your job co-ordinator. These reports will help the next volunteers to take over.

If you have never studied Spanish before and want to volunteer at a social institution, you will need to follow 8 weeks Spanish lessons before volunteering.

Our long experience shows that the intensive lessons at school are almost always enough to reach the necessary level, but even volunteers with some Spanish language background should realize that acceptance and success in the volunteer program will depend on your Spanish level. You are there to help, not to become a burden to the staff at the social institution you choose.
If you do not obtain the required level, the job coordinator at school will propose an alternative workplace.

Volunteering in a national park does not require any particular level of Spanish.

A1 Centro Educativo de Educación Prioritaria Itiquís
This is a plubic elementary school, kindergarten to six grade, only 10 minutes from downtown Alajuela. The chidren are from six to twelve years. Work schedule is Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Volunteers help the teacher with many activities, from assisting with English and Spanish to art and sports.

A2 Patronato Nacional de la Infancia
This governmental organisation in Alajuela takes care of children who have been abandoned or abused and come from very poor families who often struggle with social problems. The elder boys and girls must help take care of the smaller children. You will help the children with different activities, both play and educational. You may also help to feed and tend the youngest. If you choose to work at this institution, you are urged to bring toys, picture books or other things that could brighten up the day for these children who lack almost everything. Patronato can be a tough place to be, so it is important that you are mature, well balanced and prepared to give the children love, comfort and security. The children’s home is run by "tias" or "aunties", who organise work and give volunteers the necessary training and introduction. As a volunteer, you work max 8 hours per day, Monday-Friday. You may not smoke at the children's home. There are two locations, Naranjo and Alajuela.

A3 Hogar Magdala
This is a home for abandoned children who need special attention because of brain damage or physical disabilities. You will receive specific instructions on how to handle these children. You are shown how to train and do exercises with the children, but will help as well with feeding etc.

Working hours are from 8.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. or from 11.30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Smoking is not allowed at this home.  There are two locations: Hogar Magdala in San Rafael de Escazú San José, and Hogar Magdala in Guachilpelín. From your host family’s address, you will have to take two busses to the home in San José or the school in Guachipelín Escazú. You can also choose to change host family in order to be closer to your working place.

A4 San Luís public school
This is a public elementary school. You will help in different working areas. The school offers rotating work schedules in the following areas: working with children who have brain damage, helping the physical education teacher, participating in the children’s sport activities and assisting the English teacher. You will work on all different levels, from kindergarten to sixth grade. You will occasionally help the principal in his office. The school has a shifting schedule: from 7.00 to 12.00 and from 13.00 to 17.00 from Monday-Friday. The principal will sort out your work schedule.

Smoking is not allowed. Female volunteers are not allowed to wear pants or short dresses during work, except on the days they assist with sports. Male volunteers are only allowed to wear shorts during the physical education class.
The school is closed during the months of December, January and the first two weeks of February, and the first two weeks of July.

A5 Centro Educativo Santo Domingo
This is a private bilingual kindergarten for first and second grade children. Volunteers work with children from 2 to 8 years and assist the English teacher and/or help during Spanish classes as well as play-related activities. Working hours are from 8.00 a.m. to 12.00, Monday to Friday.

No smoking. The school is closed during the months of December, January and the first two weeks of February, and the first two weeks of July.

A6 Escuela Nacional de Rehabilitación
This is a private rehabilitation home for children with brain damage or physical disabilities. Voluntary work consists of doing physical exercises with the children, swimming with them, feeding them and helping them with their personal needs. You will receive instructions and support from the leaders of the centre. As a volunteer you work from 8.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. Smoking is not allowed at the institution.

The school closes during Easter and from the 1st. of December to the 2nd of January for summer holidays.

A7 Hogar de Ancianos (Carrillos)
This institution takes special care of old people. The volunteer will help with daily tasks which also include chatting with the residents, playing games, reading newspapers or books, helping with handcraft. All residents are over 60 years old. Some elderly people live in their homes and use the centre as a meeting point. Working hours are from 8.00 to 3.00 p.m. Monday -Friday. Work schedule is arranged together with the leader of the home. During Easter holiday and from the 24th December until 2nd January the institution is closed.

A8 Hogar de Ancianos Santiago Crespo (Alajuela)
This nursing home is a under the supervision of the Costa Rican Ministry of Culture. Volunteers help the residents work with handicrafts, read newspapers or stories, participate in dancing, singing, traditional games, or group dynamics. All activities that keep the elderly people occupied and stimulated. This organisation offers volunteers lunch and snacks during the day. Working hours are from 8.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from 13.00 to 16.00 p.m. This institution works hard to reinforce self-esteem through group or individual activities. This home is open all year round. It is a beautiful home, located in a park.

A9 The Central Library of the National University of Costa Rica
This library was founded in 1979. It has an extensive bibliography covering current topics, international economic relations, international political relations in Central and Latin America and Costa Rica’s foreign policy.
The library is a depository for Costa Rican documents from the United Nations since 1980. Volunteers will work in the library, participating in data processing of bibliographical material, word processing the information in the database and helping university students to find specific books or documents. Working hours will be Monday-Friday from 9.00 a.m. to 16.00 p.m. The library is closed during the months of December and January. The University is located in the province of Heredia. Volunteers will need to take a bus from Alajuela (45 minutes bus ride).

A10 Escuela de Enseñanza Especial (Alajuela)
This is a public elementary school for children suffering from Down syndrome, deafness or other physical disabilities. Volunteers will receive special indications and instructions about how to work with these children. He or she will help in the area of the children’s development and assist the teacher. Working hours are from 09.00 to 14.00 Monday to Friday.

A11 Centro Educativo San Gabriel
Centro Educativo San Gabriel is a day care centre and kindergarten. The children are from one to six year old. Work schedule is from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Volunteers will help the teachers in different activities, such as: preparing materials for the classes, changing diapers, cleaning the classroom, feeding the kids, study support and sports.

This is a plubic elementary school attended by children from kindergarten to six grade, located only 10 minutes away from Alajuela downtown. The chidren are aged from six to twelve years. Work schedule is from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The tasks of the volunteers is to help the teacher with different activities, such as assisting with English and Spanish teaching and helping the teachers with all the different school activities, sports, etc.

A12 Hospital Nacional de Niños en San José
This institution is a public hospital that takes care of children. You will assist this organisation with different activities, such as recreation, feeding and therapy.

A13 Fundación Servio Flores en Alajuela
This institution helps young people who require special education. You will work with young adults after instructions from the direction. A good place for those who can help teaching skills for local industry and handicraft centres.

A14 Escuela Pública Jesús Magdalena de Cacao
Esquela Pública Jesús Magdalena is a public elementary school from kindergarten to sixth grade. You will be able to help in many areas. The school offers a rotating work schedule in the following areas: Working with children in the classroom, helping the physical education teacher, participating in sport activities with the children, or assisting the English teacher.

For all these social work positions volunteers have to accept to help in all areas required by the institution, such as organising activities, helping the children according to their needs, maintenance, cleaning and so on. The director of each institution will supervise the volunteer and assign functions.

B Voluntary work in national parks

A non-Governmental and non-profit organisation co-ordinates the conservation of Costa Rica’s national parks. Voluntary tasks vary from park to park. During your preliminary language course, you will be accompanied to the head office in San José to decide which park you want to work in. Previous participants have worked in the following fields: construction, infrastructure, environmental education, park maintenance, opening new paths, making signs, tourist information and patrolling along the beaches etc. The local leaders of each park distribute the tasks. You will have at least one free day per week and be accommodated in or around the park with other participants and the staff. Volunteers enrol for at least 4 weeks and can extend their stay at the local office. You can also change park after the first 4 weeks and thus experience another part of the country. The working hours are from 6 to 8 hours per day. Transportation from Alajuela to the parks is not included. The school co-ordinator will help you organise your bus trip. You must respect the park rules, for example no alcohol or smoking during work.
This program has been a big success for years. Many volunteers from different European countries have increased their knowledge of Spanish while working in this fantastic natural environment.

Working in a National Park means you will have to bring your own sleeping bag, towels, boots, rain jacket, mosquito net, flashlight and toilet items. Some of these items are absolutely cheaper in Costa Rica than in Europe.

Turtle Project
There are three different projects along the Pacific Coast, working with two species of turtles, the critically endangered Leatherback and Olive Ridley. Volunteer tasks can include:

• Patrolling and clearing the beach.
• Preparing, relocating and repairing protection around nests.
• Taking temperatures in nests.
• Counting, recording and handling eggs
  Helping to release baby turtles

Tasks follow the seasons and weather conditions. All volunteers work night and day shifts on a rotating basis. A normal day’s work is 6 to 8 hours. There is one free day per week, negotiable with the director of the project. In case of extreme high tides or flooding due to heavy rain or hurricanes, volunteers will be sent to another conservation project further inland. The nesting season is from June to February. It is during this period that the last baby turtles appear. Most work is done during the night. During the day volunteers work with the personnel at the refuge, keeping the area clean and occasionally helping with the cooking.  Volunteer projects last from June to the end of December.

In the spring, before the turtles arrive, the projects continue with different tasks at the same site or in other projects in the same region.

Monkey Park Rescue Center
The main objective of this center is to re-introduce rescued animals back into their natural habitat. Monkey Park covers 23 ha of secondary tropical forest with 2 well-defined seasons, dry season from November to April and rainy season from May to October. Veterinarians and biologists work at the center, studying monkeys, toucans, coyotes and other animals. The center is located in Portegolpe, a small town 38 km. west from Santa Cruz, in Guanacaste.  Volunteers can find a public telephone, small grocery stores and restaurants, bakery and soccer fields in Portegolpe. There is a drugstore, Red Cross and internet service in Huacas community and a post office in Flamingo Beach. In Tamarindo and Brasilito Beach there are also banks, ATMs, hotels and fast food restaurants, Burger King, Subway and Pizza Hut.  Some nearby protected areas are: Palo Verde National Park, Las Baulas Marine National Park and Diriá National Forest. Volunteer tasks include:

• Clean cages, feed and care for the animals.

• Assist the veterinarian.
• General housekeeping and maintenance of the area.
• Trail construction.
• Work at the butterfly farm and gardenCustomer service for tourists, including acting as guide within the park on request.

Accommodation is in a room at the entrance to the park. No luxury! There is a small kitchen with refrigerator and a microwave oven, bathrooms with showers and a laundry room. Volunteer meals are in a small restaurant in Portegolpe town, 1.5 km from Monkey Park. Volunteers can use a bike to travel to Portegolpe to eat. A weekly day off can be negotiated with the administrators. There is a guard at night, so it is very important to report to him when you leave and let him know when you will be back.

Internship
Send a mail to info@exis.org and ask which of the institutions mentioned above offer internships.
Other possibilities are at hotels, art schools, supermarkets and a butterfly farm. We will be happy to send a more detailed list.

Prices language and work program 2008

Prices in Euros
Price A January - July
Price B August – December

Included in the price

• 4 weeks intensive Spanish course, 20 lessons a week Monday-Friday. (See “included in the price” under the language programme)
• Mini courses in the afternoon
• Support and advice from the Language school before and during the voluntary work.
• Accommodation during voluntary work.

Not included in the price

• Bus transport to National Parks
• Extension of working periods in a National Park costs 420 dollars for food and accommodation. These extensions are booked directly in Costa Rica, as they allow the volunteer to change to another Park.

On the enrolment form you will have to state how long you wish to work. Most people decide on a period of 4 to 16 weeks.

The confirmation of enrolment for social work will mention the period of reservation and the invoice will include the whole period of accommodation.

If you choose to work in a National Park the invoice will only be for 4 weeks food and accommodation as extension of working periods can be done in Costa Rica. This enables you to change from one park to another.

If you decide to extend your stay while working for social institutions in Costa Rica after arrival, please inform the coordinator at school, so that you can stay with the same host family.

Each extra 4 weeks for food and accommodation costs 420 US dollars. Remember to extend your insurance!

For those interested in both volunteer possibilities, this is only possible if you start with social work. Please note that an extra 60 US dollars will be added to the program fee.

Left luggage
If you wish to travel after your language course or work, the school offers a free luggage storage service. Luggage pick up is during school hours: Monday to Friday from 8.00 to 4.00 pm

Enrolment

For a language course only:
You enrol by sending the enrolment form. Click link on right hand side menu.

For language course and voluntary work:
You will have to fill out the form, stating how long you want to work. If you choose social work, please add a letter of motivation in Spanish or English

Enrolment form Costa Rica
Enrolment form please CLICK HERE.

Vaccinations
Make sure that you have your vaccinations up to date. For more information on which vaccinations could be necessary please contact your family doctor or insurance company.

Cancellation insurance
It's advised to underwrite a cancellation insurance.

Enrolment - deposit
Upon receipt of your enrolment form, EXIS will send you a confirmation and invoice. A deposit of 200 € is to be paid upon receipt of this confirmation. The remaining amount is to be paid six weeks prior to your arrival. If you enrol less that six weeks before arrival, the entire program price will be payable upon enrolment.

Cancellation
If you cancel your application before receiving information about your host family you will be able to have your deposit refunded less a deduction of 200 € for administration expenses.
If your application is cancelled after receiving the address of your host family, your deposit will not be refunded whilst the balance will be refunded in full. Once the language course has commenced, no refunds will be made.

Travel expenses
All prices are excluding travel expenses. Mail to info@exis.org for package price.

Prices
All prices are mentioned in Euros.

Price changes
EXIS reserve the right for changing the prices without further notice, in case of changed foreign currency or other circumstances, that are beyond our control.