Spanish classes and volunteer work

VOLUNTEER WORK: A CHANCE TO LEAVE YOUR MARK!

Learn Spanish while you leave your mark on our beautiful land!  Besides dramatically increasing your ability to speak and understand Spanish, our Spanish for Volunteers service projects are wide-ranged, casting a large net to capture your interests, build your resume, help you explore future career arenas, and pump up your personal profile.

“I wanted to teach English, so, they set me up to help at an elementary school and a university.  I came here to study so that I would be able to say, “I speak Spanish” with more confidence, and to take part in a different culture.  I have been able to say that and more.”  Julia Farr, Brooklyn, USA, State University of New York

Here are some of the volunteer options we offer:

• Work to stop the destruction of the Quebrada River Basin
• Develop environmental education for schools and the community
• Establish different sustainable systems to conserve flora, fauna, and water resources (sustainable economic development project)
• Work to conserve critically endangered sea turtles (building nurseries, participating in night patrols to protect turtle eggs, measuring and tagging turtles for tracking and protection)
• Help in local schools
• Aid in the water basin protection project (FUDEBIOL)
• Partake in reforestation projects
• Get involved with the Bribri people (largest indigenous native Costa Rican tribe)  **
• Provide technical support, material, and labor for local community projects
• Aid in local clinics
• Assist the elderly in the local retirement center
• Promote and perform conservation research
• Volunteer in local orphanages
• Work in Costa Rica national parks to help protect the rain forest

Here are just a few of the Environmental Protection Projects you can get involved in.

VOLUNTEER IN RIVER BASIN CONSERVATION (at several locations)

1) Centro Biológico Las Quebradas (FUDEBIOL) at San Isidro de El General

As Spanish program volunteers at FUDEBIOL you work in the small village of Las Quebradas, located close to SEPA school in San Isidro. The land plays host to over 222 species of birds and is nestled within the beautiful El General Valley next to the mighty Chirripo River. Your job is to assist in the work of the Biological Center of Las Quebradas, managed by FUDEBIOL (Fundación para el desarrollo del centro biológico Las Quebradas).

This organization’s mission is to:

Stop the destruction of the Quebrada River Basin.

Develop environmental education for children and community.

Establish different sustainable systems to conserve flora, fauna and water resources in the area.

Seek ways to become independent financially through eco-tourism.

Promote and perform in environmental research projects.

Your highly appreciated volunteer work will consist in such activities as:

Assisting in the biological center.

Conducting research and performing studies of plants in the cloud forest.

Maintaining and improving trails.

Cleaning the green areas.

Working in the butterfly farm.

Maintaining the nursery for medical and ornamental plants.

Provide essential general maintenance of the rustic mountain lodge and its surroundings.

2) Rivas Community River Basin Project:

Rivas is a small town situated at the base of Cerro Chirripó, the highest mountain in Costa Rica. It is well known for its ecological wealth. It hosts critical areas of the Talamancan Mountain Forest and Costa Rican Páramo with high endemism (creatures that are unique only to this area) and an extremely high biodiversity.

Unfortunately, Rivas has been affected by severe flooding due to its proximity to the Chirripo River. You will be working alongside Spanish-speaking persons in projects to solve these problems by such activities as reforesting the river basin. It is a treat to work with the people of Rivas, who are known for their humility and simple farming roots.

The area hosts several public schools who need a hand to complete important projects that will substantially improve their students’ quality of life and education. SEPA Spanish School is proud to provide this service with your help, as well!

3) Volunteer and enjoy Osa Peninsula:

Unique sustainable experience in a small village near Corcovado National park. This park has been declared one of the most biologically intense places on earth by the National Geographic Magazine. The region is a paradise, home to nearly a 100 species of birds, including the endemic mangrove hummingbird, found nowhere else on earth. Nice beaches and abundant wildlife. Some animals you can have the opportunity to see are howler monkeys, squirrels (Titi), and white-faced capuchins monkeys, as well as sloths, coatis caimans, crabs, crocodiles, tree frogs, iguanas, river turtles, scarlet macaws!, amongst other reptiles, amphibians and birds.  You will have a unique experience of a beautiful ecosystem.

Be prepared to enjoy nature and volunteer in the village of Sabalo.

-Teaching English in a public school. Also, to local people in the village.

-Working on the landscape of the school.

-Environmental conservation:

– Educational activities on protecting mangrove ecosystems.

Also the program is open to students who want to research about the mangrove ecosystems of the Sierpe  river.

Requirements:

_You must have a basic knowledge of Spanish.

_You must spend at least one week at SEPA school in San Isidro de El General,  before starting the Volunteer program at Sabalo in the Osa Peninsula;  this in order to be prepare and give you a better orientation of the program.

Just here to volunteer in Costa Rica?

No problem!  While many people come to SEPA Spanish School to learn Spanish and volunteer, occasionally people come who only wish to work in the volunteer programs.  We set up your program for as many hours per day as you wish, set up your homestay, and coordinate your program for the volunteer focus you want.  We are here to serve you!

Just here to learn Spanish?

No problem.  We set up your lessons for as many hours per day as you wish, set up your homestay and leave you free to do tours or relax in the remaining hours.  This is YOUR experience and SEPA Spanish School is here to make it happen for YOU.

Volunteer with SEPA Spanish School and Environmental Protection Center! See how good you can feel.  Enroll in our Spanish language school now