Description

As a volunteer in Costa Rica you could be:
* Living and working among communities to improve health and educational services
* Helping to protect the countries' natural environment
* Trekking over mountainous terrain, beaches, jungles and volcanoes

We run different length gap year expeditions throughout the year to fit your study or work patterns. Choose from our unique 10 week (with 3 and a half and 7 week shorter options) or 5 week expeditions. You will be working with other young people from all around the world, on much needed community projects and environmental projects alongside our volunteer managers (aged 25+) and local skilled workers.

Volunteer in Costa Rica with Raleigh.

Raleigh International is a youth and sustainable development charity that inspires people from all walks of life, nationalities and ages to get out there and rise to the challenges of life on expedition. We run programmes in Borneo, Costa Rica & Nicaragua and India. Our expeditions are a challenging, but extremely rewarding combination of sustainable community, environmental and adventure projects.

Highlights

* Our permanent presence in Costa Rica means that we know what is needed to really make a positive difference out there. Because of this all of our volunteer projects are sustainable and genuinely needed by the communities we work in.
* Meet people from all walks of life, nationalities and backgrounds and make friends for life
* Gain new skills and confidence that will help you stand out when applying for jobs or higher education
* Get off the beaten track - Live and work in remote destinations in Costa Rica few tourists get access to
* Combine community, environmental and adventure projects and experience an exchange of cultures, make a difference and challenge yourself physically and mentally.

"Raleigh was a massive life-changing experience for me, a perfect trip to go on just before university and definitely made life in a new country at university with new people much less daunting. It has improved my confidence and I have made lifelong friends due to it. " Charlotte Pratt, venturer, Costa Rica & Nicaragua

"Raleigh has shown me that I can achieve anything if I put mind to it. ...While away I realised what and whom are most important in my life/ Raleigh was an absolutely amazing and worthwhile experience for me." Kirsty McLeod, venturer, Costa Rica & Nicaragua

Travel Types

• Camping
• Cycling (Road/Touring)
• Environmental Studies
• Hiking
• Homestay
• Kayaking (River)
• Trekking
• Volunteering

Qualifications

* Venturers must be aged between 17 and 24 and up for a challenge!

* Our expeditions are tough, but enable you to develop key skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, perseverance and leadership, all of which are sought by universities and employers and will help set you apart from the crowd.

* We advise venturers to sign up between 6 and 12 months before the expedition departs, the reason being the earlier you apply the better chance you have of getting your first expedition choice. This also gives you more time to raise funds and you'll benefit from our training workshops.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

1500 - 2995 GBP

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Living stipend
• Medical insurance
• Medical services
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

17-24

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Home-stays
• Other

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 8-12

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Raleigh International's Mission Statement

We are a youth and sustainable development charity. Since 1984 we have inspired over 30,000 people from all walks of life, nationalities and ages to get out there and rise to the challenges of life on our overseas expeditions. We run programmes in Borneo, Costa Rica & Nicaragua and India. Our expeditions are a challenging, but extremely rewarding combination of sustainable community, environmental and adventure projects.

Year Founded

1984