Proyecto san Gerardo was an amazing opportunity! It was my first time teaching overseas and I would do it again in a heart beat given the funds and time!
Staff: The staff were wonderful and all the local teachers involved with PSG. Communication was a little difficult as I spoke minimal Spanish so a lot of hand gestures and google translate was needed. Expect to be a little confused once and awhile or practice your Spanish lots. All the locals were really patient in helping me practice and I used my duolingo nearly ever single day.
Teaching: I taught in Canaan but the neighboring communities are within walking distance if you go there to substitute. I taught 7 classes and approximately 7 hours a day/4 days a week from beginner to intermediate.
Climate: Bring a good pair of walking shoes as there are huge hills and long walks involved however all with stunning views that looks like something out of Jurassic park. If you're into hiking, yoga, trail walks then you will love it! I found walking at night to be a little scary sometimes as there is little in terms of light on your walk home. Bring a flashlight! Not too much in terms of a social scene in the village but the main town is about a 30 minute bus ride away that's super easy to get too. There's one bus in and out of San Gerardo so patience is a necessity.
Travel within Costa RIca: I did a lot of short weekend trips away along the coast however renting a car is a lot easier if you intend to do some distance traveling on your weekends. There's some great local one day hikes as well if you've like to stay closer and the beach is about an hour away by bus.
Homestay: My homestay family were amazing! You can pick if you want to stay with a family with kids/pets, etc but it was a great opportunity teaching the kids English during the day and then having them help you with your Spanish in the evening. You get your own room and my family was really good about privacy and making sure I always had a meal ready to go or put in the fridge for me if they weren't home at meal times. I really think my homestay family made my trip what it was. Super important to have a good relationship and communication with your homestay so your stay is as comfortable as possible.
Internet: Wifi was available in the home however it depends on your homestay family. You are essentially in the middle of the jungle so don't expect fast service. There was a hotel about a 15 minute walk from my hotel that you can grab a soda at or something to eat and use their wifi. It was the best I found!
Response from Proyecto San Gerardo
Thanks Reggie!
You have many, many friends here in these communities - you certainly made a great impression!
The age-old debate about charging for classes continues! We still offer all our classes free but increasingly we are expecting our students or their families to help out in one way or another. The schools have also been great at offering free school supplies like printing, paper and meals to our volunteers! But I appreciate your point.