Teach English and live in an immersive environment in peaceful town in Costa Rica

Proyecto San Gerardo provided me with a fantastic opportunity to experience the warmth of the Latino community by being involved with the lives of the people in several small rural towns in Costa Rica. Teaching English in such an intimate environment means that you get to know everyone pretty quickly and they sure get to know you! You can tell that learning the language is seen as a real benefit to the people who live here and it is a means to a better life and future.

Unlike other programs, this one is organized and structured to assist you with your volunteer hours. It is not a loose, adhoc situation - you are given a proper schedule and details necessary to teach; however, there is still lots of room for you own ideas and creativity to come up with any plans to help the community. This is not the place to volunteer if you want a "party atmosphere", but rather a serene and safe place. If you are the sort to enjoy fresh air and nature, it is ideal and bigger towns with transportation hubs are not far away.

Living with Margarit and Memo was great as I became a part of their family and when I returned the following year for a visit, it felt like I was returning home. This town is so unlike many touristy parts of Costa Rica - it remains unspoilt and authentic.

Volunteering with Proyecto San Gerardo started me on a continued passion for travelling in Central America and continued studies in Spanish.