Description:
This unique opportunity gives you the chance to work in conservation of the beautiful ecosystems, or work more closely with the local community members. The Global Volunteer Network has opportunities to work in a range of programs in Costa Rica. Volunteers can assist with our turtle conservation program, to volunteering in one of our orphanages, schools, construction programs, animal rights programs and in our medical programs.
These programs will give you a chance to make an important contribution to Costa Rica, while gaining first-hand knowledge about the country and its culture.
Turtle Program
Volunteers will work with the endangered Olive Ridley turtles along the gorgeous coastlines of Costa Rica. The Olive Ridley population has not recovered from years of hunting and exploitation and they continue to suffer from the illegal harvesting of their eggs and inadequate fishing nets. Volunteers will assist biologists and the local population by participating in nightly beach patrols, tagging turtles and relocating nests into hatcheries.
Healthcare Program - Medical
Volunteers work at a clinic for low-income families. This project is for med students, pre-med students and qualified nurses or doctors.
Healthcare: Health Education
Volunteers will work in either a residence for HIV positive people, or in an assisted living facility for very low income elderly residents. At the HIV residence, volunteers will provide companionship to patients and providing general help in the on-site clinic.
Healthcare: Occupational Therapy
Volunteers will work at a non-residential centre for autistic adults to improve their life skills and help them function better in society. Individuals attending the centre have physical and mental disabilities of varying severity and need individual attention and care. Most of these individuals are independent and volunteers will mainly help around the centre by offering workshops, helping with daily physical therapy and simply spending time and chatting with the individuals at the centre.
Orphanage & Childcare Program
At the orphanage and childcare placements, volunteers will organise a variety of activities for the children, and assist with their school work. Volunteers are encouraged to use their skills and interests to develop music and dance, jewellery making, aerobics and arts & crafts work shops. Alongside the orphanage work, volunteers may also work in shelters, community centres or childcare facilities in impoverished housing areas, always working alongside severely underprivileged children.
Teaching English
At teaching English placements volunteers will teach children of all ages, and will also participate in cultural activities, health campaigns and recreational games.
Construction Program
Volunteers will work on one of our construction projects based in and around San Jose. These include renovation work (painting, plastering and repairs) and full construction projects (carpentry, masonry, laying tiles and plumbing). The construction placements are located in extremely impoverished housing areas or schools.
Highlights:
Costa Rica is one of the most exotic places on earth, offering unrivalled natural beauty, active volcanoes, rainforests and a wide range of national parks and eco-tourism opportunities. Volunteers on the turtle programs are able to work with the endangered Leatherback (Baula) and Olive Ridley turtles along the unrivalled stretch of gorgeous Pacific and Caribbean beaches Costa Rica has to offer.
To apply for our Costa Rica volunteer program please go to our website and fill in our online application form.
Please feel free to email us with any questions about this program. We are happy to answer any questions that you may have.
Qualifications / Skills Needed:
As a volunteer in Costa Rica you must:
- be at least 18 years of age, and not older than 60 years of age
- Basic Spanish language skills are required
- have no health problem
Languages:
English
and Spanish
Cost in US$: Please see our website for full details on costs
Cost Includes: The in-country fee covers your meals, accommodation, airport collection and orientation program. The other costs you will need to meet are your flights, tourist visa, shots, travel insurance, internal transport and departure tax. You will also need to cater for other expenses like bottled water, personal costs, beverages, and entertainment.
Experience Required: no
Typical Volunteer Projects:
animal welfare,
building maintenance,
conservation,
digging,
sea turtle protection,
volunteering
and wildlife surveying
Age Range: 18 - 60
This Program is open to
American,
Australian,
Canadian,
European
and Kiwi
Participants.
This Program is also open to
Couples and Individuals.
Typical Living Arrangement:
Group living
Participants Travel to Costa Rica
Independently
Typically Participants Work
in Groups
Application Process Involves:
Typically The Application Process Time Is 2-3 days
Post Services Include:
Alumni Network
Global Volunteer Network's Mission Statement: The Global Volunteer Network (GVN) is a New Zealand Charitable Trust (non-profit NGO) based in Wellington, New Zealand. Our Charitable incorporation number is: CC46460.
Our vision is to support the work of local community organizations in developing countries through the placement of international volunteers. We believe that local communities are in the best position to determine their needs, and we provide volunteers to help them achieve their goals.
Year Founded: 2000