CREAR is always seeking qualified and caring individuals to volunteer in our programs. Live on the beach in beautiful Costa Rica while helping the children and the communities of Playa Sámara.
The opportunities for volunteering with CREAR are endless, and depending on your strengths, interests, experiences, and skill set we will find a place for you. Below are some ways you can become involved with us. Volunteers are expected to work between 15 and 20 hours per week.
- Educators: Teach various subjects, assist with monthly assemblies, excursions, and summer camp program. Teaching experience and fluent Spanish preferred. Two (2) month minimum time commitment.
- After School Program Assistant Teacher: Support teacher in designing lessons, preparing materials, and conducting the class. A passion for education and a love for working with youth are expected. Conversational/intermediate level of Spanish preferred. Two (2) week minimum time commitment. Please note that volunteers interested in this position will be required to work for two weeks in another needed program area before beginning in a classroom.
- Fundraising/Grant Writing: Responsible for maintaining current fundraising partnerships, researching new sources, organizing events, writing grant letters, and finding creative means by which the program can achieve and maintain financial autonomy. Examples of fundraising events include cook-offs, surf tournaments, dances, wine tasting events, and community BINGO games. Conversational Spanish preferred. Two (2) month minimum time commitment.
- Social Media/Communications Associate: Draft website copy and press releases, update Facebook, Idealist, Twitter, and YouTube accounts. Research and utilize other relevant social media outlets. Basic Spanish useful. Two (2) week minimum time commitment.
- Community Projects:Invest in sustainable community efforts. Some examples include organizing beach clean ups, painting Cal to protect palm trees, organizing social development groups with children, teens, and/or adults, and repairing public spaces. Basic Spanish useful. Two (2) week minimum time commitment.
- Office Assistant: Assist in general office work such as organizing stockroom, library, and files. No Spanish required. Two (2) week minimum time commitment.
- Transportation:Maintaining our fleet of bikes, making necessary repairs, and researching a bike taxi initiative. Two (2) week minimum time commitment.
- Curriculum Developer: Responsible for creating lesson plans and compiling classroom activities. Each lesson must include the objective, materials needed, preparation time, expected duration of lesson, and examples. Basic Spanish preferred. Two (2) week minimum time commitment.
Please contact us if you are interested in turning any of these volunteer opportunities into an internship.
Fees & Housing:
Volunteers cover the cost of their travel expenses, food, and lodging plus a $25 placement fee. CREAR will assist volunteers with housing placement, such as home stays with local families, apartments, and hotels. Depending on the needs of the volunteer, housing costs range from $150 per week to $700 per month. Volunteers are also offered a reduced bike rental for $15 per month.
To Apply:
Please send us a resume and cover letter stating your preferred area of interest, your experience, and relevant skills to info@asociacioncrear.org. Be sure to include your anticipated travel dates and why you want to work with CREAR.
We have high standards for our volunteers and we are seeking dedicated, enthusiastic, and creative people who are looking to genuinely make a difference in the lives of Costa Rican students.
