Volunteer Abroad in Costa Rica for 1–12 weeks

This program is provided by

Location

Costa Rica: Cartago

Description

Cross-Cultural Solutions is a nonprofit working to address critical global issues by providing meaningful volunteer service to communities abroad, and contributing responsibly to local economies. As a leader in the field of international volunteer travel since 1995, we know that the best approach to international volunteering—the only approach—is one designed by the community. In every community in which we work, we have long-standing relationships with local organizations who communicate real-time needs and objectives to the CCS team so that our volunteers can work alongside local people and make a sustainable impact. We’ve made the volunteer abroad experience of a lifetime possible over 30,000 international adventurers just like you. And with our staff of 300+ in 10 countries around the globe, along with our 99.5% volunteer satisfaction record, you can rest assured that we'll provide you with the full experience—a safe, immersive, and impactful adventure of a lifetime.

Whether your version of Pura Vida includes surfing or scaling mountains, howler monkeys or hummingbirds, coffee of cocao, camping or canyoning — alright, you get our point — well, you'll find it when you volunteer in Costa Rica. A worldwide leader in ecotourism, Costa Rica is known for its rich biodiversity, myriad ecosystems, and not to mention its warm and welcoming people.
While this incredible environmental richness is a national treasure, it also brings with it some interesting social and economic challenges, such as an increasing percentage of regional immigration. Costa Rica’s reputation for social stability, along with its free education and universal healthcare, has drawn the attention of international trading partners, as well as immigrants from other Central American countries seeking better lives. As the economy changes, so do traditional social structures, which abandon vulnerable populations and leave them little access to healthcare, education, or social services.

As a CCS Costa Rica volunteer, you'll contribute your time and passion to a local organization working to effect real and lasting change. No matter where you spend your time as a Costa Rica volunteer, your unique energy will offer a refreshing change of pace to under-resourced local organizations.

Our impact areas are:
• Improve education for children
• Assist with the care of infants and children
• Improve health and the sense of dignity among the elderly
• Improve the quality of care for people with disabilities
• Support those affected by HIV/AIDS

Highlights

Here at CCS, we know that a chance to learn about the culture of the community in which you're volunteering is what truly makes the experience unique and complete. This is why we include plenty of immersive Cultural Activities to complement your volunteer efforts. As a volunteer, it isn't only the work that you do that will leave a lasting impact on the local community, but the cultural exchange and understanding in which you openly participate as well. Whether you're engaging in guided discussions on relevant local issues, or find yourself elbow deep in rice flour and learning how to cook a local specialty, every organized Cultural Activity will offer you a deeper understanding of the local community and all of its beautiful complexities.

While in Costa Rica, take a tour to explore your new home in Cartago. During your orientation, our CCS staff will take your group on a tour, pointing out sites of interest from the famous, like the Basilica, to the practical, like banks, and the just plain zany, like a restaurant known for its cone-shaped pizza. You’ll also learn the path to the market and how to ride the bus; skills you’ll put to use as you begin to explore your new neighborhood on your own. Also, take time to pick up Costa Rican cooking techniques. At weekly cooking classes, choose from a list of mouth-watering Costa Rican recipes to prepare alongside our amazing CCS cooks. Lessons are held in Spanish so that you can practice your new language skills -- and your rice and beans -- while you do a bit of culinary bonding with the CCS cooks. With your new Spanish vocab and a tasty plate of homemade gallo pinto -- traditional Costa Rican rice and black beans -- you'll have plenty to bond over.