Published on Tuesday, June 2, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

A new group of 31 U.S. Peace Corps volunteers will begin teaching English in public schools across Costa Rica as part of a two-year initiative coordinated with Costa Rica's Ministry of Public Education (MEP).

The volunteers were officially sworn in by U.S. Ambassador Melinda Hildebrand during a ceremony at the U.S. Embassy in San José.

According to the U.S. Embassy, the program is designed to strengthen English-language skills among students throughout the country, helping expand future academic and career opportunities.

"For me, being able to help others achieve their goals, get ahead and have a better life makes me feel proud, and I love doing it," said Ezequiel Zimmer, a teacher and lawyer from Philadelphia who is part of the new volunteer group. "Dedicating two years to achieving this goal is a pleasure. I'm very excited to begin this journey."

Peace Corps volunteers serve as ambassadors in communities around the world, building relationships between Americans and their host countries through their work.

The U.S. Embassy said the humanitarian organization has worked closely with the MEP on the initiative because English proficiency can open the door to better career opportunities for many students.

"For me, I've always wanted to help people around the world," said Lucas McEarchen of New Hampshire, who studied languages and psychology. "I grew up in a multicultural home, and from a young age, I saw the opportunities that cultural exchange and different perspectives offer."


McEarchen said he was drawn to Costa Rica after visiting other Latin American countries.  "I knew other Latin American countries, but Costa Rica has very friendly people and so much nature; it's a beautiful country," he said. "My goal is to create strong bonds with my classmates and community members. The aim is to work together."


The volunteers range in age from 22 to 38 and represent a variety of professional backgrounds, including education, law, psychology, communications and sociology. They come from states across the United States, including Texas, California, Minnesota, New York, Iowa and Ohio.

The Peace Corps English Education (ED) project goal in Costa Rica aims to help students attain English language communication skills and the cultural understanding necessary to access academic and/or professional opportunities. More information is available on the Peace Corps Costa Rica website.

The Peace Corps is an independent agency of the U.S. government. Since arriving in Costa Rica in 1963, more than 4,000 volunteers have served in programs focused on English-language education, community economic development and youth development.

The Ministry of Public Education oversees Costa Rica's public education system and implements policies and programs designed to ensure access to free basic public education nationwide.

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