Description

Greenheart Travel's volunteers in Costa Rica have a unique opportunity to live and work side by side with local conservationists on a beautiful private reserve in the rain forest near the famous Arenal Volcano. Volunteers participate in rain forest conservation projects and assist with the care of sick and endangered animals in the reserve's animal hospital. Projects are also available in teaching English to local children and helping with rural construction projects. Volunteers experience an authentic cultural immersion through living with welcoming Costa Rican host families during their project. Spanish classes are also offered to participants who would like to improve their Spanish skills, as well as Costa Rican cooking lessons and other cultural activities. The friendly and knowledgeable staff of the reserve can also assist with arranging excursions to nearby points of interest, such as the famous Arenal Volcano.

Highlights

Costa Rica enjoys a reputation as one of the best vacation spots in Latin America, thanks to its scenic beauty, political stability and the famous hospitality of the locals. It is also a land of amazing ecological diversity. Although only about the size of West Virginia, Costa Rica contains almost 6% of the world's plant and animal species. Volunteers are increasingly in demand to help protect this natural legacy.

Qualifications

An intermediate level of Spanish is required. No previous volunteer experience is necessary.

Languages

• Spanish

Cost in US$:

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Written materials pre-departure

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Volunteers can be all ages and come from all walks of life, but all have enthusiasm and a genuine desire to make a meaningful contribution to the protection of the environment. Volunteers get to know the people and culture of Costa Rica from the inside by living and working side by side with local residents.

Age Range

18 and up

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Phone/Video Interview
• Written Application

Post Services Include

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Greenheart Travel's Mission Statement

Greenheart Travel is a division of the Center for Cultural Interchange. Founded in 1985, the Center for Cultural Interchange (CCI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of cultural understanding, academic development and world peace. Greenheart is CCI's way of promoting the health and welfare of the earth and its people through cultural exchange, ethical travel, responsible consumerism, and community service.

Year Founded

1985