San José (1,000,000) is set in the lush central valley of the Costa Rican highlands. As the cultural center and capital city of Costa Rica, San José is a mecca of volunteerism. Participants find the San José volunteer program particularly rewarding due to the friendly locals (called Ticos) and numerous recreational activities the city has to offer. Additionally, San José’s central location serves as an excellent base for touring beautiful Costa Rica.
Remember that you may combine ELAP with an ISA study abroad program. To learn more about our academic programs in San José please click here.
Current placements in San José: (Click on the titles to read more)
Public or Private Clinic
Observe medical procedures and consultations with patients and learn Spanish medical terminology. Volunteers help analyze and develop X-rays and work with blood tests in the laboratory. Other possible responsibilities include giving educational health talks on various topics such as nutrition, dengue, TB, diarrhea, breast exams, and immunizations. For a glimpse of alternative care, there are opportunities to visit patients in their homes. This placement is ideal for those going into the medical field.
Public or Private School
Work as a teacher’s aid by grading papers, assisting students with homework, and supervising the classroom. Tutor special needs students one-on-one or teach English. Volunteers also assist with P.E. classes and plan recreational activities. This is an excellent choice for those interested in gaining classroom teaching experience.
Children’s Hospital
Visit and read to children in the various wards of the hospital. Assist the hospital staff with the duties of the ward and boost morale of the patients through story telling, arts and crafts projects, and games. Entertain children to allow parents to step out and run errands.
Children’s Museum
Prepare and conduct arts and crafts projects for children and supervise them at the museum. Educate children and provide demonstrations regarding the various educational themes throughout the museum. Volunteers have the opportunity to translate pamphlets that the museum utilizes for their visitors. Volunteers also assist with various marketing
and PR projects.
Political Think Tank
Research and distribute reports and newsletters to the general public relating to current topics and initiatives being discussed in the Costa Rican government. Some areas of focus include free trade, environment, human rights, immigration policy, US — Costa Rican relations, and rights of indigenous peoples. Translation opportunities are also available.
Children’s Orphanage
Assist a social worker and be a teacher’s aid in an orphanage or school. Volunteers help with homework, give tutorials, and provide academic support in a variety of subjects. Mentor and support the children through fun games and reading activities.
Senior Citizen’s Home
Learn to guide students and children through the park to view the flora and fauna of Costa Rica. Help with the collection, sorting and classification of butterflies, other insects, and plant life. Opportunities also exist to work in the areas of investigative research and client services.
Art Museum
Give drawing and painting workshops to children and the elderly and assist with the occasional art festival. Depending on their language level volunteers may also be trained to give guided tours of the exhibitions in the museum.
Natural History Museum
Support the museum through management of the natural history collections, historical documents, or library. Guide tours of the museum, work with the development of the exhibitions, help with special events or workshops or assist with administrative tasks.
Non-Profit Christian Organizations
Assist with English classes or other projects. Help provide the children with a solid education and values. Work with social programs for people living with AIDS, indigenous people, pregnant women and street children.
Zoo
Guide young school children through tours of the zoo and teach the children basic facts and vocabulary about the animals. Other volunteers may choose to focus on the plant and animal care.
Dental Clinic
Perform teeth cleanings, sterilize equipment and assist the dentist with some procedures. Volunteers may accompany the dentist to a clinic for people of limited economic resources, and assist there as well.