Volunteer in Costa Rica
Location
Costa Rica: San Jose
Description
Costa Rica draws the crowds due to its staggering diversity of wildlife and scenery as well as its smiling communities. As a PMGY volunteer you will be able to witness this tropical paradise from the inside, working side by side with the local people towards a better future.
Costa Rica is one of the richest areas of biodiversity on the planet, the ecological zones vary from dry tropics to jungles and white sandy beaches to a volcanic ring of fire, all in one small country. It is also an extremely stable nation, having dissolved its armed forces in 1949. Furthermore, the standard of living, as a whole, is also relatively high for a country of its income level. Therefore, it is hardly surprising that Costa Rica was named ‘the happiest place’ on earth for its most content people, best ecological footprint and the average life expectancy according to the Happy Planet Index (HPI). During your time with PMGY, not only will you be able to take in Costa Rica’s incredible natural beauty but also to build meaningful relationships with its friendly, laid-back and welcoming people. It won’t be long before you settle into the ‘Pura Vida’ way of life!
We work in a small town called Santa Barbara de Heredia and its surrounding district, which is approximately 15 miles from San José. Our volunteers see the real Costa Rica, without the tourists. You will live with a local family who will help you become truly immersed in the culture. The projects we support are fairly well managed but volunteers’ assistance is well received.
Volunteering in Costa Rica is a great way to develop your Spanish skills. Our programs are designed to give you the opportunity to work with the local people whilst developing a rich cross-cultural experience and becoming part of the community.
Highlights
Childcare - Provide assistance to a community run day-care center for children from local families.
Community Outreach - Join this enriching volunteer program working at a center for disabled adults or lending a hand at a home for the elderly.
English Teaching - Be the teacher you always wish you had – Volunteer as a teaching assistant in Costa Rica.
Medical Elective - PMGY’s Medical Elective scheme in Costa Rica offers volunteers the chance to obtain useful medical experience, improve their Spanish and observe how the Costa Rican healthcare system operates.