volunteer in costa rica

World Endeavors offers an exciting program that allows participants to experience Costa Rica in a meaningful way while contributing to its future. Volunteer and study Spanish with World Endeavors in the mountains of Costa Rica. Choose from teaching, orphanage, environmental conservation, wildlife conservation, and community development projects.

Costa Rica's vibrant culture, amazing biodiversity, and breathtaking landscapes make it one of the ideal destinations in Latin America. This small Central American country of 3.5 million human inhabitants is also home to 5% of the worlds biodiversity. Visiting the ticos or native people living in rural farming communities gives one the feeling of going back in time.

Despite its beauty and wonderful people, Costa Rica still experiences the problems of many Latin American countries. Non-profit support is lacking and volunteers are needed. Also, with tourism ranking as Costa Rica's main industry, English education and environment conservation is essential.

World Endeavors offers an exciting program that allows participants to experience Costa Rica in a meaningful way while contributing to its future. Volunteer and study Spanish with World Endeavors in Atenas, Costa Rica, or in a nearby town in the Alajuela region.

Atenas is a quaint town located in the central highlands roughly 45 minutes from the capital city of San Jose. The town of about 5,000 is made up of many surrounding communities that base their livelihood on growing coffee, oranges and mangos. Costa Rican history, tradition and culture are deeply rooted here. Atenas is very clean and picturesque with a laid-back atmosphere.

Orientation:

Upon arrival in Costa Rica, volunteers are met at the airport and taken to their host family's home in Atenas. They will receive an orientation that will familiarize them with the town and the surrounding area, the Costa Rican culture, and their program. For placements of one-month or longer, participants will receive two weeks of Spanish language training.

Once the placement begins, participants will receive an additional mini-orientation at the project site that focuses on project opportunities and responsibilities. 15 hours (2 weeks) of Spanish language instruction is included for all programs of 4 weeks or longer.

Volunteer Programs
Teaching Children
Volunteers help shape young lives in Costa Rica by sharing their English skills and teaching talents. They teach English along with many other subjects to elementary school children from 5-12 years of age. During the first week of classes, volunteers will shadow a local teacher to become familiar with the school, the children, and the curriculum. If the volunteer is ready at the beginning of the second week, he or she may begin teaching independently.

Orphanage Assistance
Orphans are deprived of many opportunities necessary for their development. Through education and compassion, children are empowered to challenge a life of further poverty and exploitation. Volunteers focus on educational training which consists primarily of English language classes. Volunteers' active participation in programs such as health education, games, drawing, and painting is encouraged. With such a variety of ways to participate, the orphanage experience provides volunteers many meaningful ways to approach service.

Environmental Conservation
Costa Rica, despite its small size, is one of the most biologically diverse places on earth. Yet environmental degradation is a major threat to this unique and fragile place. Problems such as loss of bio-diversity, deforestation, desertification, soil erosion, over-fishing, and pollution are significant. Environmental conservation projects address these issues directly through community education and collaboration.

Wildlife Conservation
The loss of natural habitats along with human population growth has put increased pressure on wildlife in Costa Rica. One project in particular focuses on rescue and rehabilitation of parrots, macaws, and other native tropical birds. Another project allows volunteers to work on a sea turtle conservation project.

Community Development
Volunteers will assist local communities in Costa Rica with projects that focus on community development. Activities may include home or school renovation or may involve efforts to support sustainable eco-tourism in rural areas.

Considerations:

Optional Excursions*
Participants will have the option to enjoy the natural beauty of Costa Rica through guided excursions. These excursions are day trips and guided by the local staff. Excursions include a beach visit, volcano trip, theater performance at the National Theater in San Jose, museum tour and tour of San Jose, and national park visits. Details about current excursions are available to volunteers after arrival in Costa Rica.
*not included

Cost and Dates :

Duration	2 weeks	3 weeks	4 weeks	5 weeks	6 weeks	7 weeks	8 weeks	12 weeks
Costs	$1,455.00	$1,575.00	$1,895.00	$2,005.00	$2,130.00	$2,270.00	$2,375.00	$2,877.00

Programs generally start on Monday of each week. Participants can choose when they would like to start and the duration of their volunteer program. A typical program ranges from 4 to 6 weeks. Check with World Endeavors for alternate dates or durations.

We encourage volunteers to apply as far in advance as possible. Generally it is best to submit your application at least 12 weeks prior to your intended start date, but exceptions can be made if the volunteer is willing to work with World Endeavors to expedite the enrollment process. To submit an application, download the application found on the sidebar of this page.

Placement availability may be limited during the Christmas holidays or Easter week, as Costa Ricans generally go on vacation at these times. In addition, placements in schools are generally not available (although alternate arrangements can be made) from about December 22nd until the beginning of February, and for the first two weeks in July.

Cost Included:

Pre-departure packet to prepare you for your placement
World Endeavors support for any of your pre-trip questions
In-country travel coordination
Accommodations (3 meals per day with a local family)
Support from local World Endeavors representatives
2 weeks of Spanish language training (for programs 4 weeks and longer)
Cultural activities (cooking class; dance class)
Volunteer placement
24X7 Emergency phone support

Orphanage Assistance in Costa Rica

Environmental Conservation in Costa Rica

Wildlife Conservation in Costa Rica

Teaching Children in Costa Rica