Location
  • Costa Rica
    • San José

Program Details

Timeframe
Summer Year Round
Groups
Small Group (1-15)
Nov 22, 2019
Aug 28, 2018
1 traveler is looking at this program

About Program

English Volunteers for Change in Costa Rica sought to increase Costa Rica's economic competitiveness by offering exciting teaching opportunities in public, private and corporate institutions. This is a hub for a program no longer running.

This program is no longer offered. View more programs from EVOLC - English Volunteers for Change.

Program Reviews

4.56 Rating
based on 16 reviews
  • 5 rating 75%
  • 4 rating 12.5%
  • 3 rating 6.25%
  • 2 rating 6.25%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Benefits 4.4
  • Support 4.15
  • Fun 4.1
  • Facilities 4.25
  • Safety 4.6
Showing 1 - 8 of 16 reviews
Default avatar
Caroline
4/5
No, I don't recommend this program

Great experience but would not choose EVOLC again

I was a volunteer teaching English to students who wanted to enter the tour industry. The experience was great because of the students but I would suggest going through another program like ISA or Maximum Nivel. EVOLC told us we were paying the lowest amount which we thought was fine because we were receiving little support. However, we realized other programs offered identical experiences teaching english but offered more support (prepping to teach English classes, cooking classes for volunteers, salsa dancing, etc) and charged $500 less. When we reached out to EVOLC/API they did not resolve the issue and just told us the money was "going to a good cause." Would not recommend EVOLC

What would you improve about this program?
Matching prices to other teaching programs in San Jose. Offering more support in office for volunteers
114 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Rita
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Livin' la Pura Vida

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121 people found this review helpful.
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Pauline
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Making a difference

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What would you improve about this program?
The social aspect could have been a little better, but this really depends upon how many participants are taking part in the program. Unfortunately one person EVOLC would have put me in touch with, left shortly after I arrived. The family I stayed with were lovely and made me extremely welcome but it would have been good to have explored San Jose with someone participating in a volunteer program. Perhaps volunteer organisations in San Jose could work together on bringing together volunteers for socialisation?

I would add that the coordinator of my program took me out one night and was always very friendly and helpful.
113 people found this review helpful.
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MinnesotaGirl
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Solid Program, Great Experience

I was placed in a great location with a wonderful and friendly host family. My teaching experience was very challenging and rewarding. I really enjoyed working with my students and getting to know them. I really learned a lot as a teacher and person through EVOLC. They were supportive and wanted me to succeed in every way. I would definitely recommend this program to others! Overall, it was a wonderful experience that I will never forget.

What would you improve about this program?
Funding is difficult, but more resources/materials for teaching would have been helpful.
111 people found this review helpful.
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Judy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Volunteer teaching in Cost Rica

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What would you improve about this program?
It is hard for me to be critical about this program because I truly had the best experience. When I return, given I'd like to repeat my volunteer experience, I'll stay longer and enroll in Spanish language classes as my skills need improving! If anything, knowing more Spanish would have enhanced my experience, although I certainly picked up more words during my volunteer stint over 6 weeks.
111 people found this review helpful.
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Default avatar
Jeanne
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

EVOLC is excellent!

I taught English at INA for 3 months through EVOLC and had only great experiences there. The school was very good, the Costa Rican teachers were very competent and fluent in English and they were extremely helpful to me. The students were eager to learn and very hospitable as well. The host family was the best that I could have asked for anywhere. The family the teachers and the students invited me to weekend retreats, restaurants, cafes, parties and their homes. I even went to a wedding and a funeral! I was welcomed everywhere. The classes were beginner to intermediate and very enjoyable. We had alot of fun playing music, movies, videos and games. Of course, I had to teach them grammar and vocabulary too and they grouped up in pairs or more making different presentations in the classroom with power point or just conversations as well as written tests and homework assignments. I saw their progression and felt that I had helped them alot learn English fluency.

105 people found this review helpful.
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Karl
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A flexable was to experience Costa Rica.

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123 people found this review helpful.
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Mal
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great experience with an organization that cares

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115 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers

Yes it is!! There are multiple options available for different time frames. 6 weeks, I believe, is the shortest. During my orientation I met with two girls who were there for 8 weeks. I'm not able to access there site to confirm this, for some reason, but it lists volunteer placement options. It's also great that there school year ends in December so CR summer break isn't until December - January...