Programs - Reto Juvenil Internacional

Spanish Program

2012-11-15T09:16:07+00:00

Immerse yourself in a culture - Connect with people - Make a difference

Learn or improve your Spanish, immerse into Costa Rican culture living with hosting families. RJI offers personal and group courses of Spanish all year around, planned to guarantee effective communication skills from the basic level to advanced courses in the four communicative skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Making a difference

SPANISH permitting students to learn how to use Spanish in everyday situations, and enabling them to travel and have effective communication.

VOLUNTEER & INTERNSHIPS work designed for persons depend on their interest in social, cultural or ecological projects or in our NGO headquarters in Costa Rica. After the course you will have the unique opportunity to work as a volunteer or do an Internship in any of our 8 countries

Panama
Costa Rica
Nicaragua
Honduras
El Salvador
Belize (Spanish Villages)
Guatemala
Mexico
Cuba

Description
The programs in Spanish are designed to offer a balanced approach to the development of Spanish language skills and the acquisition of a broad and solid knowledge of the Non government organization world. Our Spanish Program provide the perfect environment to learn about rural and urban development solutions, third world countries reality, how to move the human society to live in ways that protect the earth’s, how to improve people’s lives and how to address the countries advancement issues in our region through local leadership models.

Methods

The courses offer linguistic tools that provide comprehension and allow the student to communicate effectively. RJI Spanish program relies upon qualified professionals, who facilitate learning through the use of didactical material and methodologies that measure and make possible efficient learning, as well as encouraging proficiency; developing simultaneously the four communicative skills reading, writing, listening and speaking

To locate the most convenient level course for each student, an allocation test will be realized the first day. This test measures the skills and knowledge in Spanish. Beginners don’t have to do the test. The learning process is evaluated in a qualitative form throughout the course and in a quantitative form at the end. Upon completion of each level of proficiency the students sit an exam which evaluates their knowledge by means of a certification.

Spanish courses for foreigners are offered with flexible timetables in blocks of five hours daily (3 class hours and 2 practice hours) from Monday to Thursday depending on the availability and needs of the students.

2 Weeks Programs food and acommodation	1 Week Intensive Spanish Course in San José - 4 hours per day 1 week of volunteer or internship	$1000us
3 Weeks Programs food and acommodation	1 Week Intensive Spanish Course in San José - 4 hours per day 1 Week Intensive Spanish Course at the Beach, Esterillos, JACO. 1 week of volunteer or internship	$1400us
6 Weeks Programs food and acommodation	2 Weeks Intensive Spanish Course in San José 4 hours per day 2 Week Intensive Spanish Course at the Beach, Esterillos, JACO. 2 weeks of volunteer or internship 4 Week Intensive Spanish Course	$2400us
8Weeks Programs food and acommodation	2 Weeks Intensive Spanish Course in San José 4 hours per day 2 Weeks Intensive Spanish Course at the Beach, Esterillos, JACO. 4 weeks of volunteer or internship	$3000us

ADDITIONAL WEEKS

1 Week	Spanish Course 4 hours per Day	$400us
1 Week	Spanish Course at the Beach, Esterillos, JACO. 4 hours per Day	$500us
1 Week	Volunteer or internship	$400us

Includes:

Grammar and Conversational Lessons.
Classes Materials, Books and Textbooks.
Cultural Activities, Dance and Cooking Lesson once per week.
College Credits. Participant Certification. Level Certification Letter.
Hosting with Costa Rican Family, Including two meals per day.
Round Trip Airport Transfers.
Free WFI and Computer Access at the School.
Free Gym Membership During your participation.
Free Coffee and Kitchen Access.
Bilingual Staff Support.
Optional Tours for Purchase.

Do not include

Airfare (flight tickets).
In country Transportation.
Visa Arrangements.
Airport Taxes.
Personal Expenses.
Medical Insurance (all students are require to have medical insurance before participating in the program).
Phone Calls.
Laundry (some home stays provide the service with an extra cost).

How to apply
You can fill the online application here and after that a RJI staff member will contact you through email to coordinate your participation!

Transfer policy payment

To book your space, you may deposit $100us not refundable 4 weeks before to begin the course.
To ensure your participation you may deposit the total cost of the program 2 weeks before to begin the course.
Please confirm your payments to Marcela Murillo at mmurillo@retojuvenilcr.org

We accept the following forms of payment:

Bank Wire Transfer
Traveler Check
Money Gram

Refund appeals
Refund appeal will not be accepted 1 week before the course begins, except under the following circumstances:

Medical

For a medical problem, we require verification of the severity of the condition (verification of how the condition affects your ability to perform the course), not a detailed description of the condition itself. We require a letter from the physician or other personal healthcare provider.

Death in the Family

We require a copy of death certificate (or verification of death from the hospital or attending physician), and the deceased's relation to the student.

How to Submit

Please submit your documents at Yazmín Ruiz yruiz@retojuvenilcr.org

Mail to:
Yazmín Ruiz
RETO JUVENIL INTERNACIONAL
P.O.BOX 420 2070 SABANILLA MONTES DE OCA
SAN JOSE
COSTA RICA

Service Learning & Capstone Projects

2012-10-17T22:07:09+00:00

In partnership with academic institutions, RJI coordinates Service Learning and Capstone Projects experiences for groups and individuals. The Projects combines community service with academic instruction, as it focuses on reflecting thinking and civic responsibility. The programs involve students in our communities´ development vision by addressing local needs, while developing their academic skills, sense of global responsibility and commitment to change. For most students, this is a life-changing experience that prepares them to be lifelong learners and leaders in their community and professions.

Experience

Reto Juvenil has a long history working together with prestigious regional and international academic centres in the development of Service Learning projects. Some of these institutions include:

United States: Columbia University, Texas AIM, Winthrop University, Michigan University.
Canada: McGill University, Wilfred Laurier University, Ottawa University, Ryerson University, University of Toronto, Carleton University, Vancouver Island University, Queens University, Dalhousie University, Windsor University, Western University, British Columbia University and Simon Fraser University.
México: Universidad Iberoamericana.
Costa Rica: UCIMED, Universidad de Costa Rica, Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica.

Customize your project

RJI organizes projects that adapts in time and conditions the group and the academic centre. We also match the group with a community where they can develop an initiative that they feel passionate about and that suits the objectives of this learning experience. Please visit where we work to learn more about our projects in every country. Remember that RJI has more than 30 years working in the region, so the communities and projects we show at our page are only a fraction of our scope. Make sure you contact us to let us now about your ideas and how we can work together.

Earn a free trip!

RJI offers a FREE trip to the representatives of universities or schools who are able to form groups of over 12 people. Special discounts are also available even if the group is smaller than 12 participants. Make sure you contact us to receive more information, ideas and resources for linking your institution to RJI and creating a Service Learning program.

RJI Group Leader

For groups bigger that 5 people, RJI offers a trained Group Leader that will direct and assist the volunteers during their entire trip. The Leader will stay with the group at all times and will be the direct link between the group and the community. Some of the key responsibilities of the Group Leader include:

Ensure the safety and adequate behaviour of volunteers.
Coordinate the group´s work schedules, community interactions, social activities, meals and others
Logistical support to in-community activities
Effectively and quickly handle any possible emergency
Be the bridge between the community and the volunteers. RJI leader will be bilingual and thus will facilitate the communication between both of them.

Participation fee

RJI is a non-profit organization dedicated to the development of communities and youth leaders. Nevertheless, we depend on the fundraising efforts of our groups to cover expenses like alimentation, materials, transportation and administrative costs.

Participation fee may change depending on special conditions of a particular community and on the amount of volunteers in the group, but the information below can help you have a good idea of the funds per participant that needs to be raised for the project of 12 people. The fee may rise for groups smaller than this or be lower for larger groups. If you wish to have the exact information, please don’t hesitate contact us to discuss your ideas. Make sure you ask us about special offers and opportunities!

Two Weeks USD$750:

The participation fee includes

Airport Pick-Up & Drop-Off. Using Private or Public Transport depends on the fee.
Transportation to & from Project
Basic lodging and meals in the community
Orientation session
Project Training and In-Country Support
Participation certificate and Reference letter (when requested)
24 hour in-country emergency service
24/7 Bilingual Group Leader.

The participation fee does not include

Airfare
Airport Exit Taxes
Personal Spending Money
Travel Insurance
Optional Tours
Laundry Service
Hotel reservations in case of late flights

Fundraising

Project fees are sometimes the biggest obstacle for volunteers. For this reason, RJI gives support to its prospective volunteers to fundraise in their home communities with staff advices and online fundraising tools. Fundraising can be an important part of planning your experience and it is amazing what you can raise when you tell people about the great work that you will be doing in the communities. Fundraising can be used to collect sponsorships for volunteers, or to collect donations to take on your trip. You can, for instance, host events to raise your funds such as garage sales, car wash, or sell beverages/food at diverse activities. If you have any questions or want our advice on how to raise money for your group trip, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Individual volunteers

2012-10-17T21:56:11+00:00

With the objective of promoting alternative models of international cooperation, RJI offers to customize projects for volunteers with specific needs that are interested in developing their own development initiatives. In this way, we create, in coordination with the volunteer and the community, projects that suit their requirements and expectations

Customize your volunteering project

RJI organizes projects that adapts in time and conditions of the volunteer. We also match the participant with a community where you can develop an initiative that you feel passionate about. Please visit where we work to learn more about our projects in every country. Remember that RJI has more than 20 years working in the region, so the communities and projects we currently show at our page are only a fraction of our scope. Make sure you contact us to let us now about your ideas and how we can work together.

Participation fee

RJI is a non-profit organization dedicated to the development of communities and youth leaders. Nevertheless, we depend on the fundraising efforts of our youth volunteers to cover expenses like alimentation, materials, transportation and administrative costs.

Participation fee may change depending of special conditions of a particular community, but the information below can help you have a good idea of the funds that need to be raised for your project. If you wish to have the exact information of a specific possibility, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Make sure you ask about special offers and opportunities!

Two weeks USD$750

To enrol for individual volunteer programs, please fill an Online Application (link a online application) and send an email directly to Yazmín Ruiz at yruiz@retojuvenilcr.org with a copy of your CV and a Statement of Purpose.

The participation fee includes

Airport Pick-Up & Drop-Off
Transportation to & from Project
Basic lodging and meals in the community
Orientation sessions
Project Training and In-Country Support
Participation certificate and Reference letter (when requested)
24 hour in-country emergency service
24/7 Staff Support

The participation fee does not include

Airfare
Airport Exit Taxes
Personal Spending Money
Travel Insurance
Optional Tours
Laundry Service
Hotel reservations in case of late flights

Fundraising

Internship opportunities 2024

2012-10-17T21:49:34+00:00

RJI is always looking for enthusiastic interns that wish to support our organization. We are looking all year around for motivated and skilled individuals who can stay with us for at least two weeks. Please take in consideration that these are unpaid opportunities. Most of the intern positions are in our offices in Costa Rica, but some may require occasional field visits. If you are interested, please contact us for more details.

We are looking for Interns to develop specific projects for organized rural and urban sectors and development associations in Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragua, Belize, Guatemala, Mexico, El Salvador, Ghana and Ivory Costa in Africa.these opportunities will provide highly employable and in-demand skills and will give the students also a first-hand experience with international operations. We are looking for:

• Laws, Inmigration and Human Rights

• Rural Health

• Social Work

• Psychology

• Social media and Marketing

• Research, Bussines

• Environmental Conservation

• Gender Equity

Examples of our internship positions:

Graphic Design / Visual Media Intern

We are seeking an intern to work in graphic design and visual media who can assist with website design, publications and other forms of media. This position will work with the communication coordinator and the Executive Director to develop media that visually states the goals and objectives of our non-profit organization.

Position Sample Tasks

Creating logos and publications for the organization.
Creating the organization’s Brand Manual.
Taking photos and video of programs for online publication
Create and update website content and design.
Create publications and advertisements for programs/events.

International Program Development Intern

We are looking for an intern who can act as coordinator of our international development program. This position would require a minimum of 1 month in Costa Rica, with the possibility of completing the remainder of the internship in your home country.

Position Sample Tasks

Communicate weekly with our international partners to provide updates and reports on RJI activities, marketing strategies, and industry trends.
Research and contact international potential partners
Compile and organize team notes and correspondence for potential partners
Research trends in the volunteer abroad industry and draft reports on those trends.
Create and write blog posts.

Marketing Intern

We are looking for an intern who can work as part of our team as the Marketing Coordinator.

Position Sample Tasks

Creating and implementing new marketing strategies.
Researching, creating and implementing a plan for no-cost or low-cost marketing and advertising.
Designing, creating and implementing a newsletter.
Gather information from companies / foundations to help us remain competitive in the market.
Assist with publication management, writing style, design, media relations, and brand management.
Update web site content; develop web-based promotional marketing initiatives and special projects.

Campus Program Development Intern

We are looking for an intern who can act as coordinator of our campus development program in countries outside Central America

Position Sample Tasks

Develop marketing materials, such as flyers, brochures, and handbooks for distribution to potential volunteers.
Coordinate with community-based organizations, university clubs, and others to generate interest in new international volunteer opportunities.
Assist Communication Coordinator with social media marketing.
Draft monthly newsletters.
Create and write blog posts

Grant Writer Intern

Writing grant proposal can be a long and energy consuming process. For this reason, RJI is looking for an intern interested in project management and grant proposal writing that can support us in looking for funds for the projects we wish to execute

Position Sample Tasks

Preparing, submitting and managing grant proposals to foundations and corporate sources.
Researching on foundations and corporations to evaluate prospects for grants and gather the financial information necessary to report to funders.
Responsibility for coming up with creative fund raising and sponsorship ideas.

Operations Specialist Intern:

RJI is in need of someone to assist with the management of our day-to-day operations. The intern will report to the Executive Director and Administrative Director and will focus primarily on the organization's consistent achievement of its mission and objectives.

Position Sample Tasks

Assist in basic organizational operations: planning, staff and management of all activities necessary to deliver excellent service to our volunteers and clients, as well as our projects and communities.
Plan and manage projects using effective project management techniques.
Improve the operational systems, processes and policies in support of the organization’s mission — specifically, support better management, reporting, information flow, business processes and organizational planning.
Manage and increase the effectiveness and efficiency of support services through improvements of functions.
Participate in long-term planning and development, including a focus toward overall operational excellence.
Evaluate overall management, planning, systems and controls.

Participation fee

Participation fee may change depending of special conditions of a particular needs, for example, host family, private room, special diet restrictions etc. If you wish to have the exact information of a specific possibility, send a mail to volunteers@retojuvenilcr.org

Organize a group

2012-10-17T21:36:09+00:00

RJI helps you to organize a group from your university or other organization to develop a volunteer project that suits your interests and needs. We will work closely together to guarantee the success of your trip and to help you get the most out of this amazing volunteer experience.

Customize your project

RJI organizes volunteering projects that adapt in time and conditions to your group. We also match the group with a community where they can develop an initiative that they feel passionate about and that responds to the communities´ needs. Please visit where we work to learn more about our projects in every country. Remember that RJI has more than 25 years working in the region, so the communities and projects we currently show at our page are only a fraction of our scope. Make sure you contact us to let us now about your ideas and how we can work together.

Earn a free trip!

RJI offers a FREE trip to the volunteer that becomes our representative at universities or organizations and who is able to form groups of over 12 people. Special discounts are also available even if the group is smaller than 12 people. Being a RJI Representative enhances initiative, teamwork, organizational skills and leadership, as well as other important qualities for a successful student's future career. Make sure you contact us to receive more information, ideas and resources for creating a volunteer group.

RJI Group Leader

For groups bigger than 5 people, RJI offers a trained bilingual Group Leader that will direct and assist the volunteers during the entire trip. The Leader will stay with the group at all times and will be the direct link between the group and the community. Some of the key responsibilities of the Group Leader include:

Ensure the safety and adequate behaviour of volunteers.
Coordinate the group´s work schedules, community interactions, social activities, meals and others
Logistical support to in-community activities and projects
Effectively and quickly handle any possible emergency
Be the bridge between the community and the volunteers. RJI leader will be bilingual and thus will facilitate the communication between them.

Participation fee

Participation fee may change depending of special conditions of a particular community and the amount of volunteers in the group, but the information below can help you have a good idea of the funds per participant that needs to be raised for the project of 12 people. The fee may rise for groups smaller than this or be lower for larger groups. If you wish to have the exact information, please don’t hesitate contact us to discuss your ideas. Make sure you ask us about special offers and opportunities!

Two weeks USD$750:

The participation fee includes

Airport Pick-Up & Drop-Off. Using Private or Public transport depends on the fee.
Transportation to & from Project
Basic lodging and meals in the community
Orientation sessions
Project Training and In-Country Support
Participation certificate and Reference letter (when requested)
24 hour in-country emergency service
24/7 Bilingual Group Leader

The participation fee does not include

Airfare
Airport Exit Taxes
Personal Spending Money
Travel Insurance
Optional Tours
Laundry Service
Hotel reservations in case of late flights

Fundraising

Volunteering project fees are sometimes the biggest obstacle for volunteers. For this reason, RJI gives support to its prospective volunteers to fundraise in their home communities with staff advices and online fundraising tools. Fundraising can be an important part of planning your experience and it is amazing what you can raise when you tell people about the great work that you will be doing in the communities. Fundraising can be used to collect sponsorships for volunteers or to collect donations to take on your trip. You can, for instance, host events to raise your funds such as garage sales, car wash, or sell beverages/food at diverse activities. If you have any questions or want our advice on how to raise money for your group trip, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Change the world!

2012-10-17T20:53:15+00:00

Reto Juvenil invites passionate volunteers from all around the globe to join our cause of creating a better and more sustainable world. With over 20 years of experience, RJI's programs offer safe and life-changing opportunities for individuals and groups to participate in the development of the Central American communities that need it the most.

How? RJI works together with the communities to identify needs and assets, in order to create long-term visions of what we wish to achieve together. Since every community is different, RJI's projects are specialized and attend the communities' specific situations. This has given us experience in a wide range of development areas, including youth and women empowerment, environmental conservation, community health, education, infrastructure development and others.

RJI then recruits, along with its´ partners, international volunteers that contribute with their energy and skills towards making the community's vision a reality. In this way, RJI facilitates to the participants the opportunity of being an active actor in the process of change, while developing personal and professional skills.

Volunteers can join RJI programs in the following ways:

Join a group

RJI organizes two to 10-weeks group projects during the year for volunteers who are interested in participating in grass-root community development initiatives.

Organize a group

RJI helps you form a group from your university or other organization to develop customized projects in the Central American and Caribbean region.

Service Learning

Universities and Academic Institutions can work together with RJI to coordinate Service Learning experience.

Individual Volunteers

For volunteers with specific needs interested in developing their own initiatives, RJI offers to create customized projects that meet individual needs.

Internship opportunities

RJI is always looking for interns that wish to support the organization. Learn more about the available internship opportunities by accessing the link.

Option 4

2010-04-17T08:50:07+00:00

It is located in Southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica.The project is administered by the Community Association, led mostly by women.

Through voluntary and sustainable ecotourism focused on turtle protection is working daily in community work related to monitoring and nesting of endangered turtles, namely the Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), Hawksbill (Eretmochelis imbricatta) and Green Chelonia mydas).

In addition the association daily struggle to create community awareness regarding the importance of protecting these animals in a controlled manner has an income for families through ecotourism.

Participation Fee per person:

•   One week $800 USD
      •   Two weeks $1200 USD
      •   Each additional week $350 USD

Fee include

-Pick up airport in an out.
-Two nights hostel in San Jose (one at the begining, one at the end).
-Transport to the community.
-Accommodation and food (3 meals every day)with a local family, at the project station or overflow cabins.
-Staff support 24/7

Fee not include

-Airfare.
-In country transportation.
-Phone cards.
-Internet.
-Medical / Accident insurance.

Volunteer Tasks:

•   Night Beach Patrols: Approximately 3 hour walks monitoring sea turtle nesting activity.
•   Data Register: Egg Collection, Turtle Measuring and Tagging.
•   Hatcheries: Nest relocation and hatchling release after incubation period.
•   Community Interaction (optional): English lessons at local school, college andmembers of the association; also environmental education, Art programs, local tours…
•   Construction and nursery care (for nests of turtle eggs)
•   Cleaning the beach (at least once a month organized by the community)
•   Construction of houses and other infrastructure to facilitate patrols and stay of visitorsand volunteers on the observation of nesting.

APPLY NOW!

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Option 3

2010-04-17T08:46:51+00:00

Our is an small remote village on the South Pacific coast of Costa Rica, 65km south of Golfito; approximately 200 inhabitants. The Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) is by far the most common turtle, although it is also possible to observe the sporadic nesting of other species of sea turtles including Hawksbills (Eretmochelis imbricatta) and Greens (Chelonia mydas).

There is the longest continuously monitored Olive Ridley nesting beach in the world. Community support and involvement is integral to the success of the program. During free time you can experience the local environment: the long deserted beaches, jungle trails leading to waterfalls and natural pools, and of course the friendly people, who are always willing to help you polish up on your Spanish or give a surfing lesson.

Also, the town is built around a beach-front football field and you can participate in afternoon football matches or kick a ball around with the locals as the sun is going down. Climate It usually rains at least once each day, if even just for 10 minutes, as this is a rain forest. Daytime temperatures range from the mid-70 when overcast to low-90’s when the sun is out.

Participation Fee per person:

•   One week $800 USD
      •   Two weeks $1200 USD
      •   Each additional week $350 USD

Fee include

Fee not include

-Airfare.
-In country transportation.
-Phone cards.
-Internet.
-Medical / Accident insurance.

Volunteer Tasks:

APPLY NOW!

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Option 2

2010-04-17T08:34:20+00:00

It is located in the southern region of the Nicoya Peninsula on the Pacific side of Costa Rica.

In response to community anecdotal reports of high numbers of nesting sea turtles, has recorded a high level of nesting activity for Olive Ridly (Lepidochelys olivacea), Pacific Green (Chelonia mydas), and Hawksbill Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata).

Participation Fee per person:

•   One week $800 USD
      •   Two weeks $1200 USD
      •   Each additional week $350 USD

Fee include

Fee not include

-Airfare.
-In country transportation.
-Phone cards.
-Internet.
-Medical / Accident insurance.

Volunteer Tasks:

APPLY NOW!

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Option 1

2010-04-17T07:45:54+00:00

Situated on the north-central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, this town of roughly 100 is right on the beach; has a small grocery shop and several open-air restaurants, as well as potable water, and electricity.

The project site is not located in a typical tourist area and project participants are usually the only non-locals in town. The Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) is the most common specie that you will find; it is also possible to observe the sporadic nesting Pacific Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas), Hawksbill Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) and Eastern Pacific Leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea).

Climate it often rains, but there are more than plenty of sunny days. Daytime temperatures range from the mid-70 when overcast to mid-90’s when the sun is out.

Participation Fee per person:

•   One week $800 USD
      •   Two weeks $1200 USD
      •   Each additional week $350 USD

Fee include

Fee not include

-Airfare.
-In country transportation.
-Phone cards.
-Internet.
-Medical / Accident insurance.

Volunteer Tasks:

APPLY NOW!

back to Summer Projects 2014...