Description

The Youth Discovery program is a short-term environmental focused program in Costa Rica for individuals aged 18-30. This program offers volunteers the opportunity to gain experience working on environmental initiatives and community based infrastructure projects. Projects vary from one to four weeks in length with year-round departure dates.

Working directly with local partners, Youth Discovery volunteers implement projects focused on eco-tourism, conservation, environmental initiatives and community based infrastructure projects as part of short-term team placements.

Volunteer and take part in community development projects that include:

* Protecting and improving national parks
* Contributing to environmental conservation
* Developing and implementing eco-tourism programs
* Conducting environmental research and education
* Participating in community based infrastructure projects.

Take initiative and employ your skills and interests to mobilize local youth, interact directly with the community, and become fully involved in innovative environmental programming.

Highlights

Key Features:
* Ideal for individuals aged 18 to 30.
* Team-based programs of one to four weeks.
*Year-round departure dates.
* Program focus on eco-tourism, conservation, environmental initiatives and community based infrastructure projects
* Fundraising targets range from USD1,500 to USD2,500.

Key Benefits:
* Youth Involvement YCI believes that young people should play a central role in addressing youth issues. A key component of our work is combining the energy and skills of youth volunteers with those of local youth. Your skills and interests will mobilize local youth to become involved and provide great reach and results.

* Development Results Our focus is ensuring the best results overseas for local youth and we work hard to ensure that the involvement of volunteers is value added for the partners. YCI focuses on a few long-term programs to ensure sustainability and effectiveness of results.

* Travel with purpose YCI is ideal if you are interested in traveling with a group on a purposeful project. We do focus on achieving development results, but it also becomes a fantastic travel experience that you would never be able to replicate on your own.

* Cross-Cultural Understanding. By working so closely with local youth and communities, you will develop cross-cultural communication skills and go to places that tourists never get to. Although our focus is on the development results, the projects are truly off the beaten track.

* Safety YCI has a superb safety track record and has never had a serious incident in its history. Well-trained and local staff members supervise our programs. As well, the team-nature of the program ensures that you are never alone and are constantly supported.

Qualifications

* Experience working in a team with demonstrated leadership skills;
* Diploma or degree in Environmental Sciences, Conservation or Environmental Education is an asset
* Have a positive attitude towards others and a willingness to engage with people of different cultures and languages;
* Willing to bring ideas and thoughts to the team towards program improvement,
* Ability to communicate in Spanish and/or willingness to learn before and/or during project
* Previous working or living experience in a cross-cultural setting or in a developing country is an asset.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD1,500- USD2,500 depending on project length

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Medical services
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad

Program Fees Include:

What's Covered by YCI:
* Preparatory support and pre-project distance learning
* In-country training
* Modest local accommodations and food
* In-country work-related travel
* Comprehensive medical and evacuation insurance

What's Not Covered by YCI:
* Airfare and personal expenses
* Travel insurance
* Volunteers will be expected obtain the required vaccinations and take anti-malarials at their own expense.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

18-30

This Program is open to

American and Canadian Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 6

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

2-3 weeks

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Youth Challenge International's Mission Statement

Building Communities and Leaders through Global Youth Development.

Year Founded

1989