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If you like to practice Spanish while being involved in a work situation and you do not expect to be paid, you can sign up for volunteer work. You can either do volunteer work because you like to offer your services to an organization with the aim to help them (idealistic), or because of the sheer fact that you are interested in observing and learning how things are done differently in a culture other than your own (work experience). Furthermore, a reason to sign up for volunteer work can be because your study requires you to gain work experience by completing an internship. To view the different volunteering opportunities we can arrange at our three locations, click the tabs below.
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 There are a few public primary schools in Turrialba that the Costa Rican government has been wanting to close due to a policy in favor of creating larger schools. However, the people in the "barrios" (neighborhoods) want the traditional (small) schools to stay open so that their children don't have to travel large distances to the school and can be in a school with a more individual approach. As these schools don't receive much government support they welcome volunteers with open arms. Volunteering at a primary school includes helping children that need some extra attention.
Tasks
After your Spanish lessons in the morning, you will be directed to the primary school in Turrialba. After being presented to the children, you will sit in with the class until the teacher asks you to take one or two children separately and help them with any problems they might have (e.g. understanding the lesson or a specific assignment). Beginner Spanish students will basically only help out with the English classes, whereas the intermediate and advanced Spanish students can also help with other classes such as history or geography, etc. On some occasions students have been allowed to simply take over the whole class. Classes usually finish at 16:00 p.m..
When
The whole year except: July 1 - July 15 / December 15 - February 15 when the school closes for holidays.
Requirements
No previous experience or foreign language skills are required. You need to go properly dressed: no shorts, mini skirts, open shirts nor slippers. You can also volunteer for just one afternoon.
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 El Hogarcito (the orphanage) exists since 23 years and they give children from 0 till 13 a place to stay. The children stay in the hogarcito because they are abandoned, abused and/or other difficult problems. All the children who are staying in el Hogarcito are there because they have nowhere else to go. All the children in the right age go to school during the day. When school is over they come directly to the hogarcito. Some kids need special help, others don’t.
Tasks
As a volunteer you can help the children with their homework, you can play with the little ones, or you can feed the babies; there is always something to do. Some kids have reunions for their church, communion, and than you can join them.
Another option is to organize an event in the neighborhood like a bingo. People from the neighborhood are really adapting the children so if there is something going on, involving the hogarcito, they will participate.
When
El Hogarcito is open 24/7 the entire year.
Requirements
No previous experience or foreign language skills are required. Again you need to go properly dressed: no shorts, mini skirts, open shirts, nor slippers. You can also volunteer for just one afternoon.
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 The retirement home mainly thanks its existence to government support, fundraising and donations. They are short of staff thus students are very welcome to help out while practicing their Spanish.
Tasks
This home for the elderly can be found at walking distance from Spanish by the River. Your presence is well appreciated on whichever day of the week. The elderly people will be grateful to just have someone to talk or listen to (even to the few words of Spanish that you might know). Other suggestions are to play (card) games, go for a walk with people that are in a wheelchair or do handicraft with them (you do need to organize it yourself). At 4pm dinner is served and you could help serving dinner while communicating with the staff.
When
Always
Requirements
No previous experience or foreign language skills are required. You need to go properly dressed: no shorts, mini skirts, open shirts, nor slippers. You are welcome to volunteer for just one afternoon.
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 The museum is part of the Public University of Turrialba. Their budget is small and therefore volunteers are very welcome. The people working at the museum are extremely friendly and helpful.
Tasks
Volunteers can help with simple maintenance tasks like cleaning display cases in showrooms, as well show visitors around. They organize workshops which can be interesting for volunteers to assist with. At regular intervals, handicraft classes are organized for older people of Turrialba and volunteers can help out or even organize these classes if they come up with ideas and have any affinity with arts and crafts. There is also a lot of translation work to do. Every information board they have in the museum is now written in Spanish and because there are a lot of foreign people coming they would love to have this information in English as well. And they are working on a webpage where you can help if this is your specialization.
When
The whole year except: July 1 - July 15 / December 15 - February 15 when the Museum closes for holidays.
Requirements
No previous experience or foreign language skills are required for helping out with maintenance. For organizing handicrafts you need to speak some Spanish and for guiding visitors in the museum and helping out with translation, you need to have a good command of Spanish. Again you need to go properly dressed: no shorts, mini skirts, open shirts, nor slippers. You can also volunteer for just one afternoon.
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 The library offers the service to loan and read books. They also have computers (with Internet) where they give computer lessons and they have an area where you can study. The library also organise 2 times a week ‘after classes’ activities for children from 3 till 12. They make handicrafts with them, watch educational movies, read books etc.
Tasks
You can assist twice a week in the afternoon, from 15.00, when children will come for the activities. You can organize certain activities or be the one reading the stories or a book. You can also plan your own activities in the afternoons like watching a movie, play games or have conversations in English. At this moment, not many children come to those afternoons so they need a bit more promotion. You can help to make that and search for a good place in town to put the promotions.
Beside these activities you can assist by being present for the public and check books that have been donated. Separate ‘good’ books from the ones that are in a bad condition. The good ones you’ll give of course a new place in the library.
When
The whole year except: July 1 - July 15 / December 15 - February 15 when the library closes for holidays.
Requirements
No previous experience or foreign language skills are required for helping out with maintenance.
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CAIPAD stands for Centre for disabled people. It is an organization that found her beginning 15 years ago. They give help to 40 persons with disability and their families. The persons in this Centre are between 18 and 54 years old. With its programs: physical therapy, occupational therapy, special education, industrial arts and social work, they try to find the best alternative so that, from their special capacities, they reach the independence and personal autonomy.
Tasks
The organization can receive people that have been trained to work with handicapped persons, but also general volunteers. They, who have not been trained to work with handicapped people, can assist with all the activities that CAPIAD organizes for the clients.
As a trained person you can, for example, write proposals on how some client’s behaviors can be modified or investigate the effects of therapies and various projects on the clients. Or help out with physiotherapy, there are many possibilities for trained people.
When
They close during all the official school holidays: Semana Santa, the 15 days holidays in July and the 3 months holidays from mid-December till mid-February.
Requirements
Again you need to go properly dressed: no miniskirts or sexy tops. They recommend that you wear sport clothing.
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This organization exists since 1974 and is providing an integrated program for children ranging from 0 till 21 years old, physically and/or mentally handicapped at a moderate and/or severe degree. Parents bring their child to this ‘daycare’ in the morning and pick them up again in the afternoon.
Tasks
As a volunteer you help out, where ever needed. On the other hand you can, for example, write proposals on how some client’s behaviors can be modified or investigate the effects of therapies and various projects on the clients.
When
They close during all the official school holidays: Semana Santa, the 15 days holidays in July and the 3 months holidays from mid-December till mid-February.
Requirements
Álvaro Rojas Quiros only wants volunteers / inters when you have a background in the following studies; psychology, social work, physical therapy, artistic therapy, physical education, musical education, but also gardening and dancing. Again you need to go properly dressed: no miniskirts or sexy tops. They recommend that you wear sport clothing.
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Tropical Agriculture C.A.T.I.E. stands for Center for Tropical Agronomy Research and Education. It is a private institution that doesn't depend on government support, however can be very interesting for students as they can learn about the projects this Center is engaged in as well as simply practice their Spanish with employees that don't speak much English.
Tasks
After your Spanish lessons in the morning, you can walk from Turrialba to this institution and work the whole afternoon. You will help in the greenhouses, seed bank or in the small-scale milk factory. You can do various tasks like watering plants, counting seeds, weighing calves or simple administration tasks.
When
Check with us if this option is available. They take holidays at different times of the year.
Requirements
No previous experience or foreign language skills are required. You do need to write a letter of introduction, including insurance papers, a copy of your pasport, resume and motivation. Also you need to go properly dressed: no shorts, mini skirts, open shirts, nor slippers. They require a minimum commitment of one month.
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M.I.N.A.E. stands for Ministry of the Environment and Energy.
Tasks
You will mostly work at maintenance of trails and other parts of the park, but you can also guide tourists, depending on your level of Spanish, only in English or in both Spanish and English.
When Always, with a minimum commitment of 2 days.
Costs
You need to pay for your own transportation to and from the park. The local bus
Costs about $1. There is a house where volunteers can stay free of payment. You need to bring food from Turrialba for a few days or send a list with staff that goes to town regularly.
Requirements
No previous experience or foreign language skills are required.
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With less stringent enforcement of environmental regulations in Panama, much of the turtle conservation work in Costa Rica is being undermined in Panama. The turtle's traditional movements along the coastline bring them also to Panama and research has shown that a huge number of turtles protected in Costa Rica are being killed in Panama.
Tasks
 A normal day of volunteer work starts at 10:00 p.m. You will join asmall team that sets out to patrol the beaches for egg laying turtles. Upon contact you will tag, measure and monitor the turtle. Depending on the turtle's location you may also relocate the eggs to a hatchery for a safer location. Depending on the number of turtles, patrols stop between 5:00 and 6:00 a.m. A late breakfast allows you to settle down for the rest of the day and relax to the sounds of the jungle backdrop. You might want to use this time to study some Spanish.
When
March till end of June. You can do volunteer work before or after your Spanish language study. It is required you work for at least one day.
Costs
Be prepared to pay $16 as a one time payment for the entrance to the national park and than $20.00 per day to the local organization. This $20.00 is paying for the accommodation and 3 meals a day. For more information write:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call: +507 - 65842451 and try to get in touch with Clara. She is busy most at the time, but if you leave a message, she will get back to you as soon as possible. If you can't get in touch with her before arrival in Bocas, don't worry, it still can be arranged once you are here!
Requirements
No previous experience or foreign language skills are required, but you must be able to work as part of a team, have a strong interest in wildlife and conservation and be respectful to the local community. Conditions are basic.
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The daycare that has been established with a donation from anIsraelian organization and sponsored by the Panamanian government, is very happy with any help they can get for the 3 different age groups they have. The children stay there from 7:30 a.m. till 12:30 am and sometimes until late in the afternoon. By volunteering for the day care, you make it possible for Panamanian mothers to have a job and be independent.
Tasks
You will be asked to work from 8:00 a.m. till 12:30 a.m. and stay for at least one week, so the children have time to get to know you well and they don't see a different person each day. You can help by playing with the children, cleaning up, and serving out the food, among others.
When
Year round, except holidays (half December till half March and begin July till half July).
Requirements
No previous experience or foreign language skills are required. Please dress properly (no slippers, shorts pants or skirts and no tank tops please).
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 The circumstances in the elderly home might be quite different from what you are used to back home, especially with regard to the housing. You can do things like talking to people or playing cards or help serve out the food at certain times of the day.
Tasks
Every afternoon at 16:00, there is a possibility to go to the elderly home to read a story to the elderly people.
When
Year round.
Requirements
No previous experience is required. It is easier if you speak basic Spanish. Please dress properly (no slippers, shorts pants or skirts and no tank tops please).
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This educational projects aims to educate and support the "Ngobe" indigenous children who live on less than one dollar per day. These children are often sent to work in the streets by their families to help provide income and do not attend school. Many fall into crime as a way to survive. We help these children by giving them the tools they need to reach their personal and professional goals and create brighter futures for themselves and their communities.
We work with the children to develop high self-esteem and a sense that they can reach their goals in life. The children work to improve the lives of everyone in their community. We break the cycle of dependency by helping indigenous children find solutions and become leaders. Besides teaching the children, the center invites experts to give capacity-building seminars, facilitates educational cultural exchanges and shows the children ways to care for the earth and teach respect for the rainforest ecosystem.
Tasks
You can teach an academic class (for which we need certified teachers) or any other professional skill. You can also come and play games or practise songs with the children. Even if you don't want to participate actively, it helps if you can to attend the classes that the Ngobe indigenous people teach on topics such as dialect, plant knowledge, cooking and much more.
When
Year round, mornings from 8:00 till 12:00, so you will be able to take Spanish classes in the afternoon (if desired).
Requirements
Teaching certificate if you want to teach, if not, no specific requirements.
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There is no hospital in Bocas del Toro, just a clinic that is mostly catering medical emergencies, but also helps to prevent diseases by providing local people with information and control children's development. We don't want to create too high expectations of the volunteering you can do at the hospital. To be honest, you can with standard checking procedures like weigh, measure, take blood pressure, clean uncomplicated wounds as well as help organize, clean up and make information boards. Various times a year, medical personal goes out to the surrounding islands to vaccinate and provide information about how to prevent diseases while living in basic conditions. If your goal is to observe and assist the local medical personal, you can have an enriching time. If you can bring gifts like basic medical equipment, information or medical clothing, the local doctors will soon turn into your colleagues and you will have an unforgettable, educational time.
Tasks
Help out with standard medical procedures, organize and clean equipment and help making information boards. Go out on field trips to the surrounding islands.
When
Year round. Dates of fieldtrips are provided to us on a ad hoc basis, so feel free to write us to obtain information about these dates.
Requirements
Being a medical student or professional. Not later than 2 weeks before starting, we need to receive copy of your passport and prove status as student or medical profession.
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This is a non-governmental organization and was founded in 1992 with the objective to help indigenous children in and around Boquete by giving them the opportunity to go to school and by providing nutrition and if necessary health care.
The centre picks up the children at their houses and brings them to school. After the classes they are brought to the centre where, after a warm lunch, the kids participate with the daily activities. Each age group has four activities every afternoon (a workshop, games, homework-room, and computer-room). They rotate so every group has time for each activity.
This project is a great initiative and a lot of indigenous kids benefit from the project. It is a centre where you'll find warm children, very motivated people, and a great atmosphere.
Tasks
Help in the morning with the small children who do not go to school yet (3-4 years old). In the afternoon you can help the teachers with the different activities for all children at the centre, help with English classes, the workshops, etc.
When
Closed between half December and half March. Also the first two weeks of July. Minimum dedication time: 1 week.
Requirements
No previous experience is required. It is easier if you speak basic Spanish. Please dress properly (no slippers, shorts pants or skirts and no tank tops please).
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In the area of Boquete there are various secondary schools where you can do volunteer work. The teachers always have a big group of students and can use two extra hands. The biggest secondary school can be found in the center of town where there is also a group of about thirty handicapped children of which de half is taught in a separate class and the other half is integrated in the regular classes. However, the latter group of kids also needs some personal attention for which the teachers do not have time. Most schools give classes at 7:00 - 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Only the biggest school has also classes in the afternoon. Minimum dedication time: 1 week.
Tasks
There are numerous things you can do to help the teachers, help with the English classes, or help the young children paint, give a hand in the cantina, help with making games and class materials, etc. In the biggest school you can also give the handicapped kids special attention.
When
Year round, closed for holiday from half December through half March.
Requirements
No previous experience is required. To get the most out of the volunteer work you should take initiative and be creative. It is easier if you speak basic Spanish. Please dress properly (no slippers, shorts pants or skirts and no tank tops please).
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Almost seven years ago the initiative was taken to start a recycle project and in September 2005 they opened a Recycle Centre in the centre of Boquete. Here people can drop off recycle materials like plastic, paper, bottles and cans.Besides that various activities are organised to collect recyclables and to inform the local population about the use of recycling. Minimum dedication time: one day.
Tasks
As a volunteer you can help at the Recycle Centre where they drop off the recyclables, help with activities in different schools, chaperone during fieldtrips, process the recycle materials together with local school kids at the recycle centre, etc.
When
Year round. During the school holiday (half December-half March) there are fewer activities.
Requirements
No previous experience is required. It is easier if you speak basic Spanish. Please dress properly (no slippers, shorts pants or skirts and no tank tops please).
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This is a national program founded twelve years ago and has offices in different provinces of Panama. They work in different areas: humanitarian aid, emergencies, infrastructure, and health. They work all-year round on different projects like earthquake drills on schools, river clean-up, informing local population what to do in case of a disaster, assist with public works, assist with local events, etc.
Tasks
In the morning you will be able to join the staff of the Civil Protection Programme on their current projects in the region. You will be mainly working in the field. In the afternoon you can help out with translating brochures for the foreigners that live in Boquete, give English classes, and help with the administration.
When
Year round. Minimum dedication time: 1 week
Requirements
No previous experience is required. It is easier if you speak basic Spanish. Please dress properly (no slippers, shorts pants or skirts and no tank tops please).
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English Paul and Jenny Saban retired in 2005 in England after many years of taking care of and breeding birds and animals. Both of them are passionate gardeners and used their expertise to create a beautiful garden for their birds.
While doing this, they soon discovered that there were many birds and animals in Panama being kept in very poor conditions, so they set about trying to rescue some of them. Paradise Garden evolved into not only a beautiful bird garden, but also into a sanctuary for some very lucky rescued birds and animals like several monkeys, kinkajous, a margay, ... They now open the gardens to the public to help support this venture and extend their rescue efforts.
Tasks
As a volunteer you can give tours, telling about about the animals and their history. Depending on your level of Spanish you can even guide around local Spanish speaking people visiting the park. You can also help animals like monkeys to regain trust en resocialize by giving them lots of attention. Other taks are: create toys, help prepare meails, build new stays for the animals, and help to set up an educational center.
When
Year round.
Requirements
Love animals.
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Volunteering
