Description

Tasks will depend on the volunteer's training, skills, and level of Spanish. A volunteer with a background in nursing or social work that has a solid grasp of Spanish will be more likely to work with patients on a regular basis. Nursing/ home care tasks could include:

* Providing support with personal care and hygiene
* Administering medications and treatments
* Assisting residents with dressing
* Monitoring health progress and overall well being of residents
* Communicating with health care providers in order to understand current health regimes at facility
* Respectfully sharing and communicating various methods of health care provision

Highlights

It is estimated that Costa Rica has a population of nearly 5 million inhabitants, which according to statistics made until 2000, 5.23% of the population has some type of disability. Of this percentage, 40% have a serious disability which must be treated consistently by physical therapists or occupational therapists. Of this population 95% use state institutions, through Social Security, to receive necessary medical attention. This care is performed in hospitals where even though few are basic human material, does not have the infrastructure necessary for developing programs that will allow the patient to have a proper development in improving disability. Thus, patients are transferred to the National Rehabilitation, an institution that has the basic infrastructure needed to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities.

This institute has a human capital, which is given 24 hours in the creation of conditions that potentializing the full development of the disabled person at risk or marginalization and ensures greater patient welfare through the provision of services individualized and flexible support according to the feature and abilities of persons with disabilities. However, the institution does not have enough capital to meet the demand for services, so the volunteer work makes a valuable aid to the population seeking these services. The volunteer will benefit from an opportunity to teach and learn in an institution since its inception has been concerned with providing assistance to those most in need and not have the resources to improve their quality of life.

Qualifications

People willing to work in anything they might be asked to do. It is very important to realize that those with no medical or nursing background will not be working directly with patients, but helping out with other tasks. Nursing experience or training in social work is a bonus.

Minimum Education

High School

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 3.295 for 8 weeks; USD 250 each additional wk.

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Upon arrival in country our staff will pick you up at the airport and return you to our Orientation Center for a safety briefing and general country orientation. For this program you are required to complete one - 4 weeks of language training and orientation which is included in the cost of the program. At the end of that week you will transfer to your placement to begin volunteering. Our staff are available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week should you require help of any kind.

Experience Required

yes

Emotionally stable people as they will be working with people a lot less fortunate than most of us.

Volunteer Types

• Community Development
• Health
• Health Care
• Nursing
• Nutrition
• Social Services, Social Work

Typical Volunteer

We believe everyone can contribute by volunteering. Recent graduates from high school, college or university, professionals taking a career break, recent retirees, individuals or groups who are interested in a change and the chance to enrich their own life and the lives of others. If you are 18 years or older you can apply for any of the placements available. If you are from 16-18 years old you may apply for placements near our Volunteer Abroad Office and Residence, so that we are able to give you more support. Both students and professionals are needed for placements in all our countries.

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory
• Group living
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of Depends on the placement

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

24-48 hrs

Basecamp International Centers's Mission Statement

We believe international volunteering promotes cross-cultural learning that helps create global awareness, understanding between cultures and provides the platform for positive change. Our volunteers have taught in schools, provided disaster relief support for the International Red Cross, conducted essential research to improve the management strategies of threatened environments, built homes for impoverished people, provided vocational training and programs for street kids and have worked in co-operation with hundreds of local organizations to distribute aid and improve the quality of life for people throughout Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Year Founded

1998