As a special needs volunteer in Costa Rica, you will work at one of three dedicated centers in San Ramon. You will provide educational and practical support for children and adults with special needs. The centers are partly government-funded but under-resourced — with your help, special needs students will receive the care and more dedicated attention they so much need.
The local centers provide basic education, art classes, language therapy and vocational training for students with various special needs, including blindness, autism and Asperger’s syndrome. Volunteers assist teachers with classes and provide learning support for students, as well as help local staff organize fun learning activities.
You don’t need to have any prior experience to join the project. The only skills you need are patience and dedication; our Special Needs Education Project is one of the most rewarding placements we offer.
To find out more about becoming a special needs volunteer in Costa Rica, download our program information brochure.
Join the uVolunteer Special Needs Program and provide educational and practical support for children and adults with conditions like blindness and autism. Working at one of three partly government-funded facilities in San Ramon, you will assist teachers with lessons, supervise students at mealtimes and recess, organize stimulating activities and provide general care and dedicated attention to the students.
Special Needs Program volunteers work four days per week, from Monday to Thursday. Working hours are from 8 am until 2-3pm.
The special needs center is a 30-minute walk from our volunteer dormitory.
The Special Needs Education project is closed from the second week of December until the second week of February and for one week preceding Easter Sunday. There is also a mid-term break for the first two weeks of July.
First off, the people were amazing. There were individuals or groups of people from all over the world and gave me a chance to become acquainted with different origins, cultures, world views, and the individual stories of arrival at Camaronal
Edward, Read Edward's Testimonial
The two told me about how they lived together and everyone recognizes that they are spouses, but legally they could not be married. They never had a celebration, which I thought was crazy, so, without thinking, I declared that we would have a celebration!
Cassady Tetsworth, Read Cassady's Testimonial
If you are interested in joining the program in Costa Rica, you should download and read our destination guide.