Description

June and July are our busiest months of the year, especially when it comes to students. The weather is great and we have tons of fun all working together and making new friends.

Last year our group was made up of about 85% university students and 15% high school students (16-18 years old). Participants chose their own individual projects and we all got together in the afternoons and evenings to take tours together, as well as hanging out at night together.

Though it was a lot of fun, this year we really thought it would be so much more fun - and even more effective for our community projects -- if we did more things together. The feedback we received from our participants was that they would have really liked to work together as well. So that's what we're going to do!

This new concept is going to give us much more time to work and play together and will provide a bit more structure to the program. Another big plus is that we'll get to work on several different types of projects together in several areas of the country.

Highlights

Life-changing experiences, unrestricted glimpses of the Costa Rica most visitors don't know, and a way to have a positive and lasting impact on a community are all major components of a volunteer vacation with Tropical Adventures.

Live among locals, learn from them and share talents that can make a difference in a society often forgotten. Take advantage of the Spanish immersion program to enhance communication during the project work.

The vacation is not all work; plenty of play is available as well. Build bridges, literally and figuratively, and return home fulfilling a community's hopes and feeling fulfilled.

Travel Types

• Eco Tours
• Student Tours
• Vacation Packages
• Volunteering

Qualifications

We are seeking volunteers who have the ability to impact the community in a positive way. Prospective volunteers should also have a good work ethic, a friendly attitude and be willing to immerse themselves in another culture.

The minimum age requirement is 16 years old. Students under 18 require parental permission. Please contact us for more information.

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

Any Two-Week Period: 1,895 USD. Extra week: 799 USD

Program Fees Include:

* Airport Pick-Up, Transfer between all projects and tours, Airport Drop-Off
* Accommodations
* Three Meals Per Day
* Volunteer Project Placement
* Project Training
* In-Country Support
* Medical Insurance
* Country Information and Orientation
* Assistance with Planning Excursions and Activities
* Guided Tours (if selected)
* Reference letter or evidence of volunteer service hours
* 24-hour in-country emergency service
* 2-hour Survival Spanish Class

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

The typical volunteer at Tropical Adventures is someone who wants to experience the rich bio-diversity of Costa Rica, while learning Spanish and sharing their time, skills and love. Our volunteers like to work hard and play hard. They work well with others and enjoy submersing themselves in a different culture. Typical Summer Volunteer Adventure volunteers are college students and families.

Age Range

16+ unless with guardian.

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone/Video Interview

Typically The Application Process Time is

24 hours

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Tropical Adventures Foundation's Mission Statement

The Tropical Adventures Foundation is a resource for empowering individuals and communities inside and outside of Costa Rica. Our goals are to: Support the inherent value of the individual, reduce poverty and injustice, help communities achieve sustainable growth, create safe environments, promote international learning and cooperation and foster personal and worldwide peace. Every community around the world faces the fundamental challenge to create social and economic systems that promote peace, human welfare and the sustainability of the environment on which life depends. We meet this challenge by supporting and encouraging initiatives by those living and working closest to where the problems are located. We promote collaboration among diverse individuals, nonprofit organizations, government and businesses from the local area and around the world, as well as from every level of society. Our experience shows such activities help build common understanding, bring forward and reinforce the inherent value of the individual, strengthen a sense of local and worldwide community, and ultimately enable people to improve their lives and reinforce their commitment to society.

Year Founded

2005