Description

Join Kaya's effort to protect and preserve endangered macaws in Costa Rica's Carara National Park, preserve and protect the environment and conduct research in the world-famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, work in a rescue center for animals that have suffered starvation and neglect, and get hands-on teaching experience with children who will really benefit from international instruction.

Programs:
1. Cloud forest environmental and wildlife research
2. Sea turtle conservation
3. Animal rescue project
4. Protection of endangered macaws
5. Work on a traditional cattle ranch
6. Primary school and English teaching
7. Pre-school and day care
8. Work with abused and at-risk children
9. Mother and child care
10. Community health in rural clinics
11. Help women empowerment on an Orchid cooperative
12. Wildlife conservation, research & education
13. Reforestation and ecosystem preservation
14. Wildlife Eco-tourism
15. Environmental conservation in National Parks

Kaya evaluates every project we offer to ensure that we only commit to programs with genuine need for volunteer aid, not just financial assistance.

Highlights

Costa Rica, or "rich coast," boasts a warm climate, pristine beaches on the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, active volcanoes, and contrasting landscapes. With such eco-diversity it is easy to see why Costa Rica is the best-traveled nation in the Central Americas with 1.9 million visitors in 2007. Often called the land of peace, it has the oldest democracy in Latin America and has more than 100 years of political stability. It is also one of the most people- and environment-conscious nations in the world, ranked No. 1 in the Americas on the Human Development Index and No. 5 in the world on the Environmental Performance Index.

Bungee the Old Colorado River Bridge:
Standing at 265 feet the Colorado River Bridge offers one of the tallest and most beautiful jumps in the Americas. The old bridge is located an hour west of San Jose where several companies offer bundled packages, which generally include pick-up and one jump. So if jumping headfirst off a bridge in the middle of a tropical forest catches your imagination then put bungee jumping on your list.

Learn to Surf:
Costa Rica has some of the best surfing anywhere in the world, with fantastic warm tropical water surfing. Surf the beach breaks, reef breaks, point breaks and river mouth breaks on the Pacific or Caribbean side of the country. Whether you're a beginner or a pro there is a wave for everyone.

Whale and Dolphin Watching:
The shallow warm waters create the ideal ecosystem for humpback whales, killer whales, Pilot Whales and bottlenose, spinner and spotted dolphins. Humpback whales come from two hemispheres to breed and spend the longest period of the year here. Its the premier location to see these amazing mammals up close.

There are lots of young people who work with the participants so it will be a great opportunity to interact with locals while helping them improve the community.

Qualifications

Participants must possess enthusiasm and a willingness to learn about the environment and the people. Additionally, a love of working in the community and interacting with people is essential.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees

Program Fees Include:

* Accommodation: Single room in a home-stay
* Food: 3 meals per day - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
* Airport pick up and drop off
* Training: Orientation and language classes provided
* Support: 24 hour support
* Excursions: 2 field excursions

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

A Kaya volunteer shows enthusiasm, spirit and life to stimulate and bring something new to the local residents; love, patience and a listening ear for the people; and a good motivator with a positive and optimistic attitude.

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Kaya Responsible Travel's Mission Statement

Kaya's mission is to promote sustainable social, environmental and economic development, empower communities and cultivate educated, compassionate global citizens through responsible travel.

Year Founded

2008