We teach English to Costa Ricans in order to give them tools for employment.
Volunteering Activities
What We Need
We are always looking for TEFL certified English teachers! Our volunteers contribute to the sustainable development of the continuously thriving tourism sector in Costa Rica as well as impoverished rural and urban communities. Our volunteers positively affect the lives of students, teachers and community members.
When & Who
What we Provide
Each position is different. Some are partially sponsored, whereas others are fully sponsored, meaning all expenses of yours while in country are covered by us.
Our Fees
For some of EVOLC’s placements there is a Program Fee. As a government recognized non-profit organization assisting low-income populations, the funding we receive from the government is still limited. The program fee covers everything you will need here in Costa Rica including housing, all meals, transportation, 24/7 support and more. We are, however, constantly working to provide volunteers with experiences that are fully funded by local sponsors. The programs advertized are the most up to date fully sponsored posts!
Contact Person
Other Ways to Help
We are constantly looking to expand in increase our sponsor and donor contributions.
School supplies! Notebooks, paper, crayons, markers, erasers, pencils and pens.
Additional Info about Us
For most of our programs, we require a TEFL certificate. There are plenty of online TEFL courses offered at low costs and do not demand a lot of time. A few of our Community Service placements also do not require a certificate. The EVOLC Program Coordinator will help find the best site for you to gain ESL teaching experience!
English Volunteers for Change (EVOLC) is a nonprofit project of the ALIARSE Foundation in Costa Rica, which aims to pair teachers with groups of students in urban and rural communities around the country. Students participate in these English classes for free and through them are given tools to gain employment.
EVOLC was established in 2009 with the enthusiasm of 5 volunteers, and has brought more than 120 volunteers to Costa Rica to date. EVOLC grows with the commitment of volunteers worldwide and the support of a wide range of national and international organizations.
Our program is supported by the Ministry of the Presidency of Costa Rica, the Ministry of Tourism, various local development associations, public and private enterprises, and the ALIARSE Foundation.
The volunteer experience was great as well! I had a welcoming host mom, and was able to walk to my school everyday. I always had support from the volunteer coordinator, even if my question was not about the program. This was a great way to get my feet in the English Teaching Industry in Costa Rica. My plan was to stay for 6 months... but its been much longer than that!"