Travel to Teach: Costa Rica Volunteer Story

Niamh, 22, Ireland

To reach Sámara I had a long way to go: a seven hour flight from Shannon, Ireland to Newark, a five hour wait at Newark Airport and then a five hour flight to San José. I stayed in a hostel in San José that night. The little I saw of the city did not impress me; dirty and dilapidated with no features that would compel someone to stay longer than they needed to. The next morning I flew with Sansa to Sámara. The plane was smaller than a minibus and I had a wonderful view of the Pacific coastline as we approached Sámara-Carrillo. We landed on a dirt track among trees and colourful plants. I was surprised to see that the “airport” was no more than a bus shelter!

As we drove along the bumpy road towards Sámara my first impression was of a very rural, exotic, isolated area full of palm trees and exotic plants. When we reached the bamboo house – where the volunteers live – I was pleasantly surprised to find proper furniture, a fridge, a microwave and even a t.v.! I met Poncho, our cook (and soon-to-be friend) and his wonderful family. When I arrived there was only one other volunteer staying in the house, but over the next few days others joined us. Indeed, one of the highlights of whole experience for me was meeting and working with like-minded people – all the volunteers are from such diverse backgrounds but we all love travelling, experiencing new cultures and learning about other ways of life. Having Poncho cook for us was another huge advantage in allowing me to become familiar with Costa Rican culture; not just the traditional food but also the friendliness of the Costa Rican people and their openness towards new people in their community. It is amazing how quickly one adapts to having pinto (rice and beans) for breakfast!

On my second day in Sámara the coordinators gave me a tour of the town and surrounding area. Sámara is a tiny town but it has more or less everything one needs and I quickly began to enjoy the small town lifestyle. The main street runs directly onto the beach, which is perfect for relaxing after a long morning’s work! The best start to the day is a bowl of pinto with some fresh pineapple and papaya and a cycle on the beach! The area is exactly how one imagines Costa Rica – sun, sand, palm trees, exotic fruits, beautiful wild animals and colourful birds and butterflies. It took a while for me to be able to sleep with the sounds of dogs, roosters, frogs, birds and howler monkeys during the night. It also took me a while to get used to cycling, seeing as I had not been on a bike in about ten years! However, after a few days I felt like I had been doing it all my life.

I started teaching English in Sámara primary school. I taught the maternal and kinder classes, mainly through activities and arts and crafts. I really enjoyed working with these children, who are so sweet and affectionate. For a few hours each morning I also helped the kinder teacher during her other classes. I really felt I was contributing to the children’s education since I mainly worked with those who were struggling with numbers or writing. I must admit that I found having Spanish a necessity rather than an advantage because it helps to explain things and it also helps the children to get to know you and bond with you. The teachers were very open and helpful, and I learned a lot from them about working with children.

The community evening classes were challenging because the students’ attendance was inconsistent and their levels varied enormously. At the same time, I enjoyed this class the most because I really felt that I was assisting these people in their efforts to learn a new language. I also found teaching this class a wonderful opportunity to get to know the local people and make friends in Sámara. It was lovely to walk through the town and constantly bump into people I knew.

Living in Sámara, Costa Rica is a world away from living in Ireland. I have learned so much about myself, about teaching, about Costa Rica and about the world in general. I have used the chance to see other parts of Central America and I will really miss all the friends I have made – both volunteers and samareños. My time here has inspired me to live in new places and I am looking forward to my next adventure.

Pura vida!

Email: Niamh.

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