Volunteering at Futuro Verde

Embark on a Journey of Impact at Futuro Verde School!

Are you ready to make a real difference in the heart of the Costa Rican jungle?

Join our dynamic and impactful volunteering program at Futuro Verde, an International Baccalaureate (IB) school that is not only dedicated to academic excellence but also to fostering environmental stewardship and global citizenship.

By volunteering with us, you will have the chance to contribute to the development of young minds in a unique, bilingual, and multicultural setting, surrounded by the rich biodiversity of Costa Rica. Whether you’re passionate about education, sustainability, or cultural exchange, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact while experiencing the beauty and vibrant culture of this incredible region.

Dive in and be part of something meaningful!

Why Volunteer with Us?

Immerse Yourself in Nature: Experience the breathtaking beauty of the jungle surroundings as you contribute to the growth and development of our students.
Empower the Next Generation: Share your skills and passion with bright young minds, fostering a global perspective and a love for learning.
Cultural Exchange: Engage with the vibrant Costa Rican culture, creating lasting connections with the local community and fellow volunteers.
International Baccalaureate Excellence: Contribute to a school dedicated to providing an outstanding IB education, preparing students for success in a rapidly changing world.

Cate Fair

English Support

About Cate

Cate hails from Nashville, Tennessee, where her passion for working with children began early, playfully teaching her little sister and cousins. She took this passion to the next level by starting a summer camp focused on early literacy in a local preschool serving a low-income community. Cate’s educational journey took her to the University of Virginia, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Youth and Social Innovation and a master’s degree in Elementary Education.

Upon graduating, Cate moved to Washington, DC, and embarked on her teaching career in Arlington, VA, right amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. The shift to remote teaching honed her adaptability and creativity, while reinforcing the value of in-person connection. She served as a reading specialist and IB coordinator before transitioning back to full-time, in-person instruction, where she spent two years teaching fourth grade. Cate cherished creating a positive classroom environment and a “home away from home” for her students. At a Title 1 public school in Arlington, she had the unique opportunity to work with students from 41 different countries, speaking 20 languages, which enriched her skills in teaching English as a second language.

In October 2023, Cate and her husband tied the knot and made the exciting decision to relocate to Santa Teresa. They aimed to immerse themselves in Spanish language and culture, enjoy life closer to the ocean, and explore new experiences. Cate was eager to continue her involvement in education, and her search led her to Futuro Verde, the perfect bilingual jungle school that welcomed her with open arms. Here, she applies her English literacy expertise to support early primary grades. In her spare time, Cate loves cooking, playing the guitar and singing, reading, surfing, and discovering new cafes with friends.

Cate's Experience at Futuro Verde

My Experience at Futuro Verde: A Month of Growth, Learning, and Joy

My time at Futuro Verde has been nothing short of wonderful. This past month, immersed in the lush jungle surroundings of this unique school, has been filled with learning, laughter, and personal growth. I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders, focusing on their English language development in small group settings. Together, we’ve been building background knowledge, expanding vocabulary, developing phonological awareness, and mastering the skills needed to become confident English speakers, readers, and writers.

Each session with my students is thoughtfully structured to maximize learning and engagement. We typically begin with a quick warm-up to reinforce the skills we learned the previous day, followed by a focused mini-lesson. Then, we dive into a vocabulary review, and finally, we wrap up with a fun game that ties in the new concepts, helping students connect them with what they’ve learned before.

Given how much the students love to move, I make sure to incorporate activities and games that allow them to do just that, often taking advantage of the beautiful outdoor spaces around the school. One of my favorite moments so far happened during a lesson with a group of 3rd graders on vowel sounds. We were suddenly interrupted by a student who spotted a monkey in a nearby tree. We all paused to watch the monkey, and this unexpected visitor even became part of our lesson as we discussed the vowel sounds in the word “monkey.” Another highlight was Valentine’s Day, when I had the joy of witnessing parents, teachers, and students coming together to spread love and kindness throughout the school.

As I look ahead, I’m excited to continue growing alongside my students over the course of this school year. The experiences we’ve shared so far have been incredibly rewarding, and I can’t wait to see what the coming months will bring.

Diana Angold

Volunteer in Preschool and PE Program

About Diana

Diana's Experience at Futuro Verde

I had a wonderful time here at Futuro Verde School. The faculty welcomed me warmly from the beginning. Most of the time, I helped out in the kindergarten. My tasks involved taking care of the children, playing with them, accompanying them to various activities such as meals and swimming, and implementing various teaching and learning methods. Furthermore, I was able to participate in physical education classes and various field trips, which I particularly enjoyed. I was pleased to have significantly improved my Spanish skills since the school is bilingual (Spanish & English). Looking back, I have collected unforgettable and exciting experiences here at Futuro Verde School.

Antonia Seitz

Volunteer

About Antonia

Antonia’s journey is one of embracing the wild heart within. Born and raised in Germany, she carries with her the warmth of her grandmother’s kitchen, where the scent of traditional apple pie was always in the air. This connection to her roots is just one part of the rich tapestry that makes up Antonia’s vibrant personality.

After spending years in the legal field, Antonia felt a calling to something more profound. Her desire to contribute meaningfully to the world led her to pursue a degree in Social Work, a decision that has brought her closer to her true passion—building communities and connecting with nature. Antonia is at her happiest when she’s outdoors, basking in the warmth of the sun, climbing trees, or getting lost in the pages of a good book. Her love for nature is infectious, and she’s eager to share this with our students. Antonia will be focusing on our primary school students, leading activities that blend physical education, arts, and language lessons. Her approach to education is holistic, nurturing not just the mind, but also the heart.

In her time at our school, Antonia hopes to create a learning environment where students feel the freedom to explore, play, and grow—both in the classroom and in the lush surroundings of the Costa Rican jungle. We are excited to welcome Antonia’s energy and vision to our community, where we know she’ll inspire both students and staff alike.

Tamara Macakova

Volunteer

About Tamara

Meet Tamara: The Adventure-Loving Sports Enthusiast and Future Educator

Tamara brings a blend of energy, passion, and a deep-seated love for education to our school. Hailing from Slovakia and currently residing in China, Tamara’s life has been a thrilling journey across cultures, always with a focus on exploration and learning.

As the daughter of teachers, Tamara has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education. This profound experience inspired her to follow in her parents’ footsteps, with a desire to make a difference in young lives. After completing her A-Levels in Psychology, Biology, and Chemistry, Tamara took a gap year to study Chinese and connect with her roots. Now, she’s ready to bring her unique perspective and skills to our school in Costa Rica.

Tamara is a self-proclaimed sports junkie with a particular love for football and volleyball. She believes that sports are not just about physical activity but also about building character, teamwork, and resilience. Tamara plans to channel this passion into leading after-school sports clubs and organizing outdoor adventures that will take students from the soccer field to the breathtaking beaches and rainforests of Costa Rica.

Tamara’s adventurous spirit, combined with her commitment to education, makes her an invaluable addition to our school. She is excited to forge meaningful connections with students, helping them to discover their strengths and achieve their full potential. We are thrilled to have Tamara on board, ready to share her love for sports, exploration, and learning with our vibrant school community.