Teaching English - San Jose, Costa Rica

As a first time volunteer, I wasn't sure what to expect coming to Costa Rica. However my experience teaching English here with Maximo for the past 2 months has been nothing less than amazing and I have thoroughly enjoyed staying with a host family and getting fully immersed in the city and culture. The host family have truly welcomed me as one of their own and I've been able to see so many places and meet locals that I never would have otherwise as well as trying out Tico food!

I was sent to a project that focuses on teaching English to Venezuelan and Nicaraguan refugees with a class of around 8-10 students for 3 hours each day and whilst it was challenging, the team at Maximo have consistently been supportive and listened to any feedback I had aswell as assisted me with the materials for the classes. The project manager ensures you have an introduction at your project before you start as well as an orientation meeting and walking tour when you first arrive in Costa Rica, so there's no surprises - thankfully!

The San Jose institute is also well located so that you can travel to all parts of the country easily by bus /shuttle/car rental, I have travelled to several areas of the country by bus and although it takes several hours, the tickets are super affordable. There are also plenty of activities/trips that you can plan with the in house travel agent at Maximo and they are more than happy to help with your travel plans.

Maximo has such a diverse range of people from around the world doing volunteering/internships and its easy to make a lot of new friends here. The free salsa classes and cooking classes and occasional karaoke/movie night are also really great additions to the programs and being able to meet with Costa Rican students and have tandem conversations is a huge bonus too.

Overall, I would love to do another project with Maximo in the future and highly recommend coming here.