Activity Leader
EF Education First · Tamarindo
Activity Leader – EF Playa Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Department: Activities & Student Experience
Location: Playa Tamarindo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Reports to: Activities Coordinator
Workplace: On-site
Employment type: To be confirmed
About EF Playa Tamarindo
At EF Education First, we believe that the world is better when people try to understand one another.
Our EF Playa Tamarindo campus offers a unique international learning environment in one of Costa Rica’s most exciting coastal destinations. Students from around the world come together to learn Spanish, discover Costa Rican culture, develop meaningful friendships and create unforgettable experiences.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, creative and responsible Activity Leader who is passionate about people, cultural exchange and creating an engaging student community.
This role goes beyond organizing activities. You will help students feel welcome, connected, included and supported throughout their experience in Costa Rica.
Your Role
As an Activity Leader, you will support the planning, promotion and delivery of a diverse program of social, cultural, recreational and educational activities both on and off campus.
You will work closely with the Activities Coordinator, Student Services, Academic Team and Resident Advisors to encourage student participation, foster an inclusive international atmosphere and contribute to an outstanding student experience.
You will also play an important role in promoting student safety, cultural awareness and responsible behavior during all EF-organized activities.
Key Responsibilities
1. Student Engagement & Community Building
- Create a welcoming, energetic and inclusive atmosphere for students from different countries, ages and cultural backgrounds.
- Encourage interaction among students and help newcomers integrate into the EF community.
- Actively engage with students on campus, rather than limiting interactions to scheduled activities.
- Organize social gatherings, icebreakers, games, cultural exchanges and community-building initiatives.
- Promote activities that connect students living in EF residences and host families.
- Identify students who may feel isolated or disconnected and encourage their participation, escalating welfare concerns through the appropriate channels.
- Support welcome activities, orientation events, graduation ceremonies and special school celebrations.
- Encourage students to practice Spanish and discover Costa Rican culture beyond the classroom.
2. Activities, Excursions & Cultural Experiences
- Assist in planning, organizing and delivering the weekly activities calendar.
- Lead and supervise groups during cultural visits, beach activities, outdoor experiences, recreational events and excursions.
- Help develop engaging experiences showcasing Costa Rica’s culture, biodiversity, traditions and local lifestyle.
- Support special programs, including long-term students, younger learners and 50+ groups, adapting activities to their needs and interests.
- Coordinate logistics with approved local providers, including meeting points, transportation, equipment and activity schedules.
- Encourage participation in free and paid activities through clear and enthusiastic communication.
- Assist in organizing volunteering opportunities, community initiatives and special events.
- Collect student feedback and suggest improvements to enhance the activities program.
3. Student Safety & Well-being
- Prioritize student safety, well-being and appropriate supervision during all assigned activities and excursions.
- Follow EF safeguarding standards, risk assessments, emergency protocols and applicable local regulations.
- Ensure that students understand meeting points, schedules, safety instructions and expected behavior before each activity.
- Apply appropriate safety precautions during beach, ocean and outdoor activities, working exclusively with approved providers and within authorized operating procedures.
- Ensure compliance with the EF Student Code of Conduct and promptly report incidents, safety concerns or inappropriate behavior.
- Pay special attention to safeguarding requirements and supervision arrangements for students under 18.
- Respond calmly and professionally to unexpected situations, immediately escalating emergencies according to EF procedures.
Monitor attendance and participant accountability, including headcounts before departure, during activities and upon return.
4. Teamwork & Operational Support
- Work collaboratively with the Activities Coordinator and other school departments to ensure consistent student communication and support.
- Maintain regular communication with Resident Advisors to coordinate student engagement initiatives and activities involving EF residences.
- Support student arrivals, departures, orientation sessions and major school events when assigned.
- Assist with reservations, attendance records, activity registrations and other related administrative tasks.
- Communicate activity schedules, participation requirements and any changes accurately and on time.
- Support promotional initiatives by contributing photos, videos and activity content in accordance with EF privacy and consent policies.
- Report incidents, student feedback and operational challenges to the appropriate manager.
- Take ownership of assigned activities, including preparation, execution, equipment management and post-activity follow-up.
Who You Are
We are looking for someone who is:
- Outgoing and engaging: You genuinely enjoy meeting people, building relationships and bringing energy to a multicultural environment.
- A natural leader: You feel confident guiding groups, communicating instructions and encouraging participation.
- Creative and proactive: You bring fresh ideas and take initiative to improve the student experience.
- Responsible and safety-conscious: You understand that student welfare always comes before entertainment.
- Organized and reliable: You can manage schedules, logistics, attendance and multiple priorities.
- Culturally aware: You respect differences and know how to create inclusive experiences.
- Flexible and solution-oriented: You adapt easily to changing schedules, weather conditions and student needs.
- A team player: You work collaboratively and communicate clearly with colleagues and management.
Requirements
- Strong communication skills in both English and Spanish; B2 English level or equivalent preferred.
- Previous experience in tourism, hospitality, recreational activities, student services, education or customer-facing roles is desirable.
- Confidence leading international groups and facilitating social activities.
- Knowledge of Tamarindo, Guanacaste and Costa Rican culture is highly desirable.
- Availability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends and holidays when required.
- Ability to work in outdoor and tropical environments.
- Basic digital skills for communication, scheduling and administrative follow-up.
- First aid certification and previous experience working with minors are considered advantages.
- Successful completion of applicable reference, background and safeguarding checks.
Why Join EF Playa Tamarindo?
- Work in a dynamic and multicultural environment with students from around the world.
- Contribute to meaningful educational and cultural experiences.
- Build professional skills in leadership, communication, event coordination and international hospitality.
- Experience the unique lifestyle and natural environment of Costa Rica.
- Become part of an international organization committed to opening the world through education.
At EF Playa Tamarindo, activities are more than entertainment. They are opportunities to connect people, build confidence, experience new cultures and create a sense of belonging.
If you are passionate about people, adventure, cultural exchange and making a positive difference in the lives of international students, we would love to hear from you.
EF Education First – Open the World.