Cooking Programs in Costa Rica

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

This 17-day journey offers an enriching blend of thrilling adventure, deep cultural immersion, and impactful conservation work in the heart of Costa Rica. Start by immersing yourself in the vibrant local culture in Quepos with Spanish lessons, cooking, dance, and surfing classes. Explore rich biodiversity in Manuel Antonio National Park and engage in a transformative cultural exchange with the indigenous Boruca/Térraba communities. The adventure culminates with a meaningful volunteer experience at the sea turtle conservation project in Osa, where you’ll contribute to protecting one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems. Are you seeking adventure, cultural discovery, and a chance to make a positive impact?

Volunteer for wildlife in Costa Rica! This program works with three wildlife sanctuaries, in the Alajuela and Puntarenas Provinces. Many animals in the sanctuaries have been rescued from wildlife traffickers or found injured. These are nursed back to health and re-released into their natural habitat when rehabilitated. Sloths, tapirs, spider monkeys, green macaws, scarlet macaws, and different types of felines are just some of the animals rehabilitated and bred here. Volunteers play an important role in the conservation of Costa Rica's incredible biodiversity and take on responsibilities that are vital to the success of the wildlife rescue center. Requirements are: - Minimum age of 18 - Minimum 3 weeks stay: 1 week orientation/Spanish course + 2 weeks at wildlife project - Minimum of basic conversational Spanish - Able to cope with remote and basic conditions - Full travel and medical insurance - Immunizations (please consult your doctor)

Seeds of Change seeks to train young biology students in comparative microbial bioinformatics to give them a leg up in this burgeoning field. Students study microbial bioinformatics because microbes are central to all environments on the planet, drive biogeochemical cycles, and perform functions vital to all life forms. Before students travel to Costa Rica, they are introduced to the Joint Genome Institute’s (JGI) Integrated Microbial Genomes and Microbiomes (IMG/M) platform, a gateway to sophisticated genome databases and analysis tools. The five interactive pre-trip modules present a seminal case study that applies the fundamentals of genetics (DNA structure, replication, transcription, translation and gene regulation) to an insect-bacteria symbiotic relationship. Once in Costa Rica, students work with a partner to generate their original research question and use their new-found expertise in microbial bioinformatics to develop a poster of their research. Students engage in off-site activities that include guided hikes in the cloud forest, a zipline adventure in the cloud forest, a coffee tour, a horseback ride in the cloud forest, and a sea turtle marine research experience.

Join a welcoming host community in Costa Rica and take part in hands-on service projects that support local initiatives. Work alongside residents on small-scale construction, environmental efforts, and activities with local children, gaining insight into community life and Costa Rican culture. Between service days, surf and snorkel along Pacific beaches, hike through volcanic landscapes, and explore vibrant markets. Stay at a coastal villa and a sustainable ecolodge near Arenal Volcano, forming friendships while discovering the biodiversity and warmth of “Pura Vida.”

Welcome to La Pura Vida! Upon arrival, you are quickly struck by this small country’s natural beauty and the warmth of its people. Whether you are building a home with Urbarium or running a day camp for the children of La Carpio, you are sure to develop strong connections and have a significant influence on the communities you will be supporting. Complement your volunteering with exciting adventure activities like learning to surf and zip-lining over the forest canopy, you will return home with a love for all things Costa Rican. This program is available to students completing grades 8, 9, 10,11,12 (ages 14-18 years old). Participants can join us for 14 days or 20 days.

Immerse yourself in a thrilling two-week adventure that blends exciting activities, cultural immersion, and meaningful service work. Explore life in a remote ranching village nestled high in the cloud forest as you roll up your sleeves and get involved in building crucial infrastructure. Get to know the local community by organizing a community soccer game with elementary school students, practicing Spanish skills, and learning about traditional Costa Rican culture. Marvel at the natural beauty of the country as you raft through a verdant rainforest along the Pacuare River, spotting monkeys, sloths, and toucans overhead. Try your hand at surfing the gentle waves of the Pacific Ocean on palm-fringed beaches, sample locally grown chocolate and coffee, and master the art of crafting delicious tortillas and empanadas by hand. From hidden waterfalls to unspoiled coastlines, experience the bounty of Costa Rica's rainforests while embracing the "Pura Vida" way of life and learning from local Costa Ricans.

Uncover the spirit of Central America on a 10-week journey through Mexico, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. Trek lush rainforests, hike volcanoes, raft wild rivers, and explore ancient Mayan ruins. More than just adventure, this program invites you to live alongside local communities, learn Spanish through immersion, and engage in meaningful sustainability projects that leave a lasting impact. Designed for students and young adults seeking growth, clarity, and purpose, Pacific Discovery blends challenge with support. You’ll gain confidence traveling with a small group and experienced instructors who mentor you through guided reflection and leadership activities. Days balance cultural exchange, service, and personal exploration—so you’re not just passing through, but truly connecting. Whether you’re taking a gap year, looking for an alternative to study abroad, or craving a deeper cultural experience, this program helps you grow, give back, and discover your place in the world.

We believe that the best things in life are personalized; so we’ve launched our custom courses for 5 or more people. Tell us your dates, duration, and activities—we’ll do the rest! Step by step, we’ll create an unforgettable adventure to Costa Rica or Panama. Bring 7 others on your custom course and you will come for free! Our custom courses are for friends & family, sports teams, youth groups, Girl Scout Troops, and even business teams! Mix and match activities from the following categories: Outdoor Adventure, Volunteering, Skills & Training to create your perfect adventure. No matter your age, the activities you’re taking part in or who you’re here with you will be challenged, you will gain new skills and you will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. *Please note that, for the health and safety of our participants, OBCR has made program adjustments to these courses. Please visit our website to view our COVID-19 considerations.*

For those looking to combine training of the body and mind, NSI's Spanish & Yoga program combines the best of what Nosara has to offer. As a world-class yoga teacher training destination, Nosara has an abundance of expert yoga instructors and first-class yoga studios. In this program, students can participate in our 10 or 20-hour Spanish course and schedule their yoga classes before or after their Spanish classes. The Spanish classes will take place Monday-Friday at our campus, and the yoga classes at the beautiful, newly designed Bodhi Tree Resort, which is just a 10-minute walk along a nature trail from our campus. Yoga classes are offered at multiple times throughout the day, six days per week. This is truly a unique opportunity to take advantage of stretching both your body and mind.

Try your hand at off-grid living in the jungle. Your hosts are two experts at jungle living: Dan is a natural builder who knows how to use materials from the earth to make houses and furniture. He built the wells and electrical systems, and has a creative solution to troubleshoot any problem. Lis is a healer and herbalist, and uses medicinal plants to heal. Join us for an immersion in this way of life: where the jungle provides what we need, and we live in harmony with the abundant and wild nature around us. Wake up with the howler monkeys in the trees around you, spend the day working on hands-on farm projects from building to planting to weaving, and rest surrounded by the sounds of one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. Explore the area through jungle hikes, beach bonfires, and unforgettable nature. You'll be welcomed into a warm family, with shared meals and stories, and welcomed to share your own creative ideas and suggestions. Everyone who comes to the farm has left their own mark, from murals to new designs to trees planted. What will be your footprint?

Tico Lingo offers the most comprehensive and expertly designed Spanish immersion program in Costa Rica. Our native Spanish professors help students focus on enhancing oral communication and integrating listening and writing techniques to help them achieve true proficiency in the Spanish language. Located in the heart of Costa Rica's Central Valley, in the vibrant city of Heredia, Tico Lingo guarantees significant progress in your language abilities. Our mission is to create a fun, interactive, and engaging learning environment that fosters an understanding of Costa Rican culture and the Spanish language. With our Homestay program, you'll live with nearby families and get to experience the Costa Rican way of life firsthand. We also offer on-site activities like yoga, dance, cooking, and conversational classes, as well as weekend adventure tours! We're young, we're connected, and we're passionate about creating the perfect environment for you to learn Spanish in Costa Rica. We're committed to sparking cultural exchanges on a global level and connecting people from all over the world. So, join the conversation and start learning Spanish with us today!