Boomers Abroad

Highlights

When a child lives in the SOS Children's Villages it is usually because the child was not previously in a safe or nurturing environment. Some of the children have no parents while others do but their parents are unable to care for them. The SOS Children Village in Tres Rios provides homes to orphans and foster care to those children who are unable to live at home. The SOS Children's Villages is a long term option for these children.

A great number of the kids at the SOS Children's Village need extra love and support because of the backgrounds they came from. Although most of the children attend classes they do not receive any English lessons. In Costa Rica, the demand for English speaking people is growing as more jobs increasingly make this a requirement. Tourism is one of the top industries in Costa Rica and all tour guides are required to have exceptional English speaking abilities. Taxi drivers are also encouraged to learn English as more tourist take taxis than individuals from Costa Rica. As a result, children who do not have the chance to learn English will most likely have a harder time finding employment when they are older. At Tres Rio SOS Children's Village they currently have no English support or classes for the children living there. Volunteers are need to help organize and implement English classes.

SOS Costa Rica currently depends on donations to provide accommodation and meals to children who need it. Over 60% of the money they receive comes from national and international donations. They often do not have enough money to pay for the extra staff they need; therefore help continuously changes or is just not available. As a result, SOS Children's home can not invest in English programs for the students nor can they ensure that the children receive important programs for their development such as: sports, music, arts, crafts and life skills.

Volunteers are needed to help organize and implement these programs so that the children at SOS Children's Village are given the same educational opportunities as other children in San Jose.

The English program that volunteers would be conducting at SOS Children's Village would make a valuable contribution to the development of these children towards their future obligations as adults. Learning a second language, promotes and stimulates an enthusiasm for school and helps to increase their confidence and well-being.

Qualifications

Someone who instinctively understand that language teaching is all about empathising with and caring for students of diverse cultural backgrounds who have embarked on a great educational adventure.

Ability to design an effective lesson plan is essential to successful teaching. The educational aims of each lesson must be clear and activities should be selected that contribute to the realization of those aims.

Lesson objectives should be stated in terms of student capability, that is, in terms of what the student will be able to do as a result of instruction. These objectives must specify a goal in terms of student learning and skill.

Volunteers do not need to have a teaching background is not necessary, the main trait is to be willing to teach and create dynamic activities for children, the children needs motivation after having difficult personal situations.

Minimum Education

High School

Intern Types

• Education

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 3,295 for 8 weeks; USD 250 each additional wk.

Cost Include Description:

Upon arrival in country our staff will pick you up at the airport and return you to our Orientation Center for a safety briefing and general country orientation. For this program you are required to complete one - 4 weeks of language training and orientation which is included in the cost of the program. At the end of that week you will transfer to your placement to begin volunteering. Our staff are available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week should you require help of any kind.

Credit Available

no

Experience Required

yes

Volunteer must have moral character and honesty. Volunteer must be well prepared with his subjects. Volunteer must have a good knowledge of his subjects. Physically and mentally fit for the job. Volunteer should be active and smart in the classroom and while teaching the volunteers should use so many support materials. The pupils should be joyful in the class.

Volunteer Types

• childcare/children
• education
• English teaching
• primary education

Typical Volunteer

We believe everyone can contribute by volunteering. Recent graduates from high school, college or university, professionals taking a career break, recent retirees, individuals or groups who are interested in a change and the chance to enrich their own life and the lives of others. If you are 18 years or older you can apply for any of the placements available. If you are from 16-18 years old you may apply for placements near our Volunteer Abroad Office and Residence, so that we are able to give you more support. Both students and professionals are needed for placements in all our countries.

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participant. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory
• Group living
• Home-stays

Participants Travel to Costa Rica

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume

Typically The Application Process Time is

24-48 hrs

Basecamp International Centers's Mission Statement

We believe international volunteering promotes cross-cultural learning that helps create global awareness, understanding between cultures and provides the platform for positive change. Our volunteers have taught in schools, provided disaster relief support for the International Red Cross, conducted essential research to improve the management strategies of threatened environments, built homes for impoverished people, provided vocational training and programs for street kids and have worked in co-operation with hundreds of local organizations to distribute aid and improve the quality of life for people throughout Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Year Founded

1998