Where
Esparza, Costa Rica
When
Departures every week, year-round (except closure periods)
Duration
Minimum 1 week
Accommodation
Shared or private rooms in a volunteer house with meals included
Language
English or Spanish (beginner level recommended)
Ideal for
Those who want to experience everyday local life while supporting children and families at educational centers
Project details
In Esparza, an authentic and close-knit community, childcare centers welcome children and provide them with a safe, creative environment.
Many parents spend most of the day at work, and young children look to daycare centers as their safe haven of attention, care, and play. These spaces are dedicated to nurturing curiosity and creativity — essential building blocks in the earliest years of life.
By joining this project, you'll step into this world of songs, drawings, and educational games. You'll support local educators, building a bridge between cultures and contributing to the growth journey of the youngest children.
By joining this project, you'll step into this world of songs, drawings, and educational games. You'll support local educators, building a bridge between cultures and contributing to the growth journey of the youngest children.
Play, Learn, and Grow in Costa Rica
In Esparza, an authentic and close-knit community, childcare centers welcome children and provide them with a safe, creative environment.
Many parents spend most of the day at work, and young children look to daycare centers as their safe haven of attention, care, and play. These spaces are dedicated to nurturing curiosity and creativity — essential building blocks in the earliest years of life.
By joining this project, you'll step into this world of songs, drawings, and educational games. You'll support local educators, building a bridge between cultures and contributing to the growth journey of the youngest children.
By joining this project, you'll step into this world of songs, drawings, and educational games. You'll support local educators, building a bridge between cultures and contributing to the growth journey of the youngest children.
Why participate
See Childhood Through New Eyes
Share your days with children aged 6 months to 6 years and rediscover the spontaneity of play and creativity.
Why participate
See Childhood Through New Eyes
Share your days with children aged 6 months to 6 years and rediscover the spontaneity of play and creativity.
Immerse Yourself in Local Life
You're not a tourist here — you become part of daily life in Esparza, an authentic farming town well off the beaten track.
The Weekly Program
Weekdays
From Monday to Friday, your days unfold at the daycares and early childhood schools, alternating activities with the children, creative games, and educational moments.
Free time is often shared with the staff and other participants, while evenings are a chance to plan the next day's activities together with support from the local coordinators.
07:30Breakfast at the center with the other participants
09:00Daycare activities: educational games and songs with the children
11:30Break and free time with the group or in the community
13:00Lunch and relaxation at the center
15:00Afternoon activities: creative workshops or support for local staff
19:00Shared dinner, garden chats, and free time with fellow volunteers
Weekend
Weekends are free from mandatory activities. You can explore the surrounding area, join small day trips, or simply relax with fellow volunteers.
A day of surfing in Puntarenas
Just 20 minutes from the center, perfect beaches await you — ideal for catching waves or soaking up the sun.
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FAQs
🌴 Your Accommodation in Esparza
During your experience in Costa Rica, you'll live in one of the center's two eco-friendly houses: the Jaguar House or the Toucan House. Both are nestled in a lush tropical garden with palms, papayas, bananas, and citrus trees — a true little piece of paradise 🍃
🛏️ Rooms & Comfort
• Shared rooms (2–4 people of the same gender)
• Bunk beds, lockable doors, and bedding provided
• Private rooms or couple/family rooms available (with supplement)
• 2 shared bathrooms per house, with ambient-temperature showers and Western-style toilets
• Mosquito nets included; bring your own towels and toiletries
🍽️ Meals
• 3 meals per day on weekdays, 2 on weekends (brunch + dinner)
• Costa Rican cuisine with a modern twist
• Vegetarian options available on request
• Free drinks: water, tea, and coffee
🪴 Common Areas
The houses share a large common room used as a dining and relaxation area, complete with a ping-pong table and free Wi-Fi in shared spaces. It's the heart of social life — where you share meals, laugh, play, and build bonds with volunteers from around the world.
🧺 Practical Services
Laundry service available for an extra fee. Bed sheets and mosquito nets included. For a reliable connection, you can get an eSIM through Airalo before you leave.
🛏️ Included Services
• Shared or private rooms (on request)
• 3 weekday meals / 2 weekend meals
• Free drinks (water, tea, coffee)
• Wi-Fi in common areas
• Tropical garden and relaxation spaces
• Rooms with lockable doors
• Ongoing support from the local team
💚 Living Together
The volunteer house isn't a hotel — it's a temporary family. Between shared meals and evenings in the tropical garden, you'll experience the true essence of Costa Rica: community, simplicity, and pure vida 🇨🇷
During your experience in Costa Rica, you'll live in one of the center's two eco-friendly houses: the Jaguar House or the Toucan House. Both are nestled in a lush tropical garden with palms, papayas, bananas, and citrus trees — a true little piece of paradise 🍃
🛏️ Rooms & Comfort
• Shared rooms (2–4 people of the same gender)
• Bunk beds, lockable doors, and bedding provided
• Private rooms or couple/family rooms available (with supplement)
• 2 shared bathrooms per house, with ambient-temperature showers and Western-style toilets
• Mosquito nets included; bring your own towels and toiletries
🍽️ Meals
• 3 meals per day on weekdays, 2 on weekends (brunch + dinner)
• Costa Rican cuisine with a modern twist
• Vegetarian options available on request
• Free drinks: water, tea, and coffee
🪴 Common Areas
The houses share a large common room used as a dining and relaxation area, complete with a ping-pong table and free Wi-Fi in shared spaces. It's the heart of social life — where you share meals, laugh, play, and build bonds with volunteers from around the world.
🧺 Practical Services
Laundry service available for an extra fee. Bed sheets and mosquito nets included. For a reliable connection, you can get an eSIM through Airalo before you leave.
🛏️ Included Services
• Shared or private rooms (on request)
• 3 weekday meals / 2 weekend meals
• Free drinks (water, tea, coffee)
• Wi-Fi in common areas
• Tropical garden and relaxation spaces
• Rooms with lockable doors
• Ongoing support from the local team
💚 Living Together
The volunteer house isn't a hotel — it's a temporary family. Between shared meals and evenings in the tropical garden, you'll experience the true essence of Costa Rica: community, simplicity, and pure vida 🇨🇷
🛡️ Safety & Support
In Costa Rica, safety always comes first 🌿 We only partner with trusted local facilities to offer you a smooth, well-organized experience both at the educational centers and in the volunteer house.
🔹 Participant Screening
Every volunteer must provide a criminal record check before departure — we'll guide you through the process step by step. It's a simple but important requirement to ensure a positive and safe environment.
🔹 High Safety Standards
• Daycares and schools selected with strict criteria
• Quiet areas with controlled access
• Trained local staff always on-site
• Well-established welcome procedures built over the years
🔹 24/7 Support
From the moment you land to the day you head home, you can count on a team that's always reachable. Local staff are available in the evenings and on weekends, and the our team is always just a WhatsApp message away 📞
🔹 Training & Orientation
On your first day, you'll receive a full orientation covering rules, culture, and community living. Before departure, we'll also send you a helpful guide to prepare you thoroughly.
🔹 Tips for Staying Safe
✔ Avoid going out alone at night
✔ Travel with fellow volunteers
✔ Always follow the local team's advice
💡 Our Goal
To provide you with a safe and welcoming environment, so you can fully enjoy the cultural exchange and the vibrant energy of Costa Rica 🇨🇷
In Costa Rica, safety always comes first 🌿 We only partner with trusted local facilities to offer you a smooth, well-organized experience both at the educational centers and in the volunteer house.
🔹 Participant Screening
Every volunteer must provide a criminal record check before departure — we'll guide you through the process step by step. It's a simple but important requirement to ensure a positive and safe environment.
🔹 High Safety Standards
• Daycares and schools selected with strict criteria
• Quiet areas with controlled access
• Trained local staff always on-site
• Well-established welcome procedures built over the years
🔹 24/7 Support
From the moment you land to the day you head home, you can count on a team that's always reachable. Local staff are available in the evenings and on weekends, and the our team is always just a WhatsApp message away 📞
🔹 Training & Orientation
On your first day, you'll receive a full orientation covering rules, culture, and community living. Before departure, we'll also send you a helpful guide to prepare you thoroughly.
🔹 Tips for Staying Safe
✔ Avoid going out alone at night
✔ Travel with fellow volunteers
✔ Always follow the local team's advice
💡 Our Goal
To provide you with a safe and welcoming environment, so you can fully enjoy the cultural exchange and the vibrant energy of Costa Rica 🇨🇷
🧭 Orientation Day
In Esparza, your journey begins with a day designed to help you settle in, get to know the local community, and take your first steps with ease and confidence.
On your first Monday, the local team will walk you through a series of practical and cultural moments:
• Welcome meeting and program overview including house rules
• Practical tips on health, safety, and cultural behavior in Costa Rica
• Introduction to local culture, fun facts, and useful Spanish phrases for everyday life
• Area tour with tips on shops, ATMs, local transport, and SIM cards
• Option to purchase an eSIM before departure through Airalo, so you'll be connected from day one
• Visit to the Esparza center to discover the most useful spots and make your first purchases
Beyond the practical information, the orientation is also a great chance to meet other participants, share experiences, and build that first sense of group spirit 🌴
📌 After the Orientation
From Tuesday, you'll dive into the childcare project, already feeling a sense of familiarity and belonging to the local community.
In Esparza, your journey begins with a day designed to help you settle in, get to know the local community, and take your first steps with ease and confidence.
On your first Monday, the local team will walk you through a series of practical and cultural moments:
• Welcome meeting and program overview including house rules
• Practical tips on health, safety, and cultural behavior in Costa Rica
• Introduction to local culture, fun facts, and useful Spanish phrases for everyday life
• Area tour with tips on shops, ATMs, local transport, and SIM cards
• Option to purchase an eSIM before departure through Airalo, so you'll be connected from day one
• Visit to the Esparza center to discover the most useful spots and make your first purchases
Beyond the practical information, the orientation is also a great chance to meet other participants, share experiences, and build that first sense of group spirit 🌴
📌 After the Orientation
From Tuesday, you'll dive into the childcare project, already feeling a sense of familiarity and belonging to the local community.
✈️ Arriving in San José (SJO)
To start your experience on the best note, we recommend booking your flight to arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, ideally on Sunday between 10:00 and 21:00. During this window, our welcome and transfer service to Esparza is available.
If you arrive on Saturday, you'll need to book an extra night at our accommodation (with a supplement) and arrange a private pick-up. If you arrive on a weekday (Monday to Saturday), transfers are not available: you can get to Esparza independently by bus from San José (Terminal Empresarios Unidos – direction Puntarenas, stop at Esparza). Alternatively, we can arrange a private transfer for an additional fee.
📌 Flight Details
Please share your flight details with us at least two weeks before departure so we can plan your arrival accordingly.
🤝 Airport Welcome
On arrival, our transfer coordinator will be waiting for you at the international arrivals exit with a sign. You may need to wait briefly for other participants arriving at the same time before heading together to Esparza.
📱 Internet Connection
To have internet access from the moment you arrive, you can activate an eSIM before departure through Airalo. This way, you can reach us immediately in case of delays or unexpected issues.
⏱️ Transfer Duration
The journey from the airport to the center takes approximately 2 hours, depending on traffic.
🧭 If You Can't Find Our Staff
Stay at the meeting point and do not leave the airport alone. Wait at least 30 minutes, as traffic may cause delays. Contact the emergency numbers you'll receive by email after your registration is confirmed.
🚖 Departure and Return Flight
Check-out from the volunteer house is by 12:00 on Saturday. The transfer to the airport is not included, as participants usually depart at different times. Our staff will be available to help you arrange a taxi or a shared ride with other volunteers.
We recommend booking your return flight on Saturday afternoon or evening, giving you time to check out calmly and reach San José without rushing. If you plan to continue travelling in Costa Rica, let us know in advance — we'll be happy to share tips on transport, local buses, and recommended destinations.
📑 Practical Recommendations
All participants are required to provide a criminal record check; in , this can be requested online without a stamp duty if used for our programs. Bring a printed copy of your return flight, insurance policy, and passport. We also recommend carrying some cash in colónes or US dollars for your first expenses at the airport or along the way.
💡 After Confirmation
Once your participation is confirmed, you'll receive an email with all the updated information, local coordinator contacts, and detailed instructions for managing arrivals and departures safely.
To start your experience on the best note, we recommend booking your flight to arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, ideally on Sunday between 10:00 and 21:00. During this window, our welcome and transfer service to Esparza is available.
If you arrive on Saturday, you'll need to book an extra night at our accommodation (with a supplement) and arrange a private pick-up. If you arrive on a weekday (Monday to Saturday), transfers are not available: you can get to Esparza independently by bus from San José (Terminal Empresarios Unidos – direction Puntarenas, stop at Esparza). Alternatively, we can arrange a private transfer for an additional fee.
📌 Flight Details
Please share your flight details with us at least two weeks before departure so we can plan your arrival accordingly.
🤝 Airport Welcome
On arrival, our transfer coordinator will be waiting for you at the international arrivals exit with a sign. You may need to wait briefly for other participants arriving at the same time before heading together to Esparza.
📱 Internet Connection
To have internet access from the moment you arrive, you can activate an eSIM before departure through Airalo. This way, you can reach us immediately in case of delays or unexpected issues.
⏱️ Transfer Duration
The journey from the airport to the center takes approximately 2 hours, depending on traffic.
🧭 If You Can't Find Our Staff
Stay at the meeting point and do not leave the airport alone. Wait at least 30 minutes, as traffic may cause delays. Contact the emergency numbers you'll receive by email after your registration is confirmed.
🚖 Departure and Return Flight
Check-out from the volunteer house is by 12:00 on Saturday. The transfer to the airport is not included, as participants usually depart at different times. Our staff will be available to help you arrange a taxi or a shared ride with other volunteers.
We recommend booking your return flight on Saturday afternoon or evening, giving you time to check out calmly and reach San José without rushing. If you plan to continue travelling in Costa Rica, let us know in advance — we'll be happy to share tips on transport, local buses, and recommended destinations.
📑 Practical Recommendations
All participants are required to provide a criminal record check; in , this can be requested online without a stamp duty if used for our programs. Bring a printed copy of your return flight, insurance policy, and passport. We also recommend carrying some cash in colónes or US dollars for your first expenses at the airport or along the way.
💡 After Confirmation
Once your participation is confirmed, you'll receive an email with all the updated information, local coordinator contacts, and detailed instructions for managing arrivals and departures safely.
Book your spot
1
Send your application (free!)
Choose the project that inspires you most and indicate the period you would like to travel. No commitment: the application is free and non-binding.
2
Meet your coordinator
After your application, we will put you in touch with your dedicated coordinator. They will explain everything in detail and answer all your questions.
3
Confirm your spot
When you're ready, pay the deposit to lock in your spot. You'll get everything you need: local contacts, a visa guide and your pre-trip pack.
4
Set off on your adventure!
Pack your bags and go! On arrival you will find other volunteers like you, a welcoming local team and an experience you will hardly forget.
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