Animals Gap Year Programs Post High School 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.

Embark on a life-changing journey through Asia, Africa, and South America, where you'll make a positive impact and create lasting memories. Beginning in Nepal, you will get involved in various volunteer roles, like teaching at local schools, and taking care of rescued pets. Next, you will head on to Cambodia, where you will take part in sustainable gardening and construction initiatives before traveling to South Africa for the Big 5 conservation volunteering. You will conclude your journey in Costa Rica, where you will help alleviate social and economic issues by assisting in various industries, including organic gardening, handicrafts, and cheese and jam-making businesses. Eligibility requirements: - Must be in good physical and mental health - At least 18 years old during travel - Have a fluent understanding of English Don't miss this chance to forge meaningful connections in each country you visit. You may visit our website and inquire today for complete information about this program.

Pursuing an academic study or career in the field of veterinary? Build up your skills with the help of the Institute for Global Studies. We offer vet internships abroad, providing you with an up close and personal look at all aspects of the practice – from animal surgery and recovery to intake and customer service. Veterinarians are a “different breed” and this is a chance to find out if working with animals is your calling. It may be possible to assist with surgical operations including anesthetics, surgical scrubbing, shaving, inserting catheters, and other technical procedures. Post-surgery work includes rehabilitation and integrating animals back into their families. Intake is an important role that an intern can help with. Checking in animals and helping them feel comfortable in a foreign environment is key to keeping a comfortable office and clinic. You may assist with taking vital statistics.

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

In three of the world's most beautiful countries—Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru—Maximo Nivel offers its unique Native Spanish Program. Join our "Country Jumper" program and begin your GAP Year in one of our countries and then jump to another and another. Experience different aspects of each country's culture and Spanish dialect. Your program and curriculum follow you as you study across 2, 3 or all 4 of our institutes. EXAMPLE ITINERARY: Start your studies at our institute in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica (on the beach!), then travel to our institute in the beautiful pueblo of Antigua, Guatemala, and then move your program to our institute in historic Cusco, Peru. From Peru, join us again in Costa Rica at our institute in the capital city of San Jose. Study, trek, tour, and eat your way through Latin America—it's a great experience! We recommend at least 3 weeks for a Country Jumper program.

Sea turtle and marine conservation volunteer abroad projects are fun and combine your beach vacations with meaningful work which goes a long way in the concentrated efforts globally to prevent these enchanting marine creatures from going extinct. All seven sea turtle species are endangered today and without conservation turtles may soon be pushed to the brink of extinction. Our Sea Turtle and Marine Conservation volunteer abroad programs will bring you to exotic locations that are nesting sites for turtles. By joining hands with trained biologists and local conservation groups you can help to secure the future of these creatures and also help raise awareness in the local community you will be living in. Volunteers work alongside trained biologists and go on beach patrols, witness nesting turtles, and hatching babies, assist with care of disabled turtles, feeding turtles and cleaning turtle hatcheries. Saving turtles and releasing older babies back into the ocean is a truly scintillating experience! From saving sea turtles in Costa Rica to working with turtles in the Maldives, there are plenty of sea turtle conservation projects waiting for you!

Costa Rica is where adventure, service, cultural immersion, and the wonders of nature intersect. Our programs focus on turtle conservation, surfing, and connection with the local communities. With programs for high school students, college students, and young explorers, there’s an exciting opportunity to live the ‘pura vida’ lifestyle for all explorers. Turtle Conservation Project – Embark on a journey to protect sea turtles. Contribute to conservation through beach cleanups, hatchery construction & nest monitoring. Learn to surf in your free time. Pura Vida Service – Create authentic bonds with local communities and contribute to meaningful service projects. Program highlights include zip-lining, whitewater rafting, and hot springs. Surf and Service – Take in breathtaking sunsets and the blue waters during a week of surf, service, and community support. Spring Break Surf and Service – The Spring Break version of our popular Surf and Service program! Young Explorers – The perfect intro for young adventurers! Journey from the mountains to the beaches and participate in impactful service projects.

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

With our gap program, you will take the time to get to know yourself and what you enjoy and value. This will help you focus on the academic or career path that you desire instead of choosing blindly or because of someone else´s expectations. This program is designed to gain international experience with a combination of Spanish classes, fluency in the language, and volunteer work in a non-profit organization in your area of choice throughout Costa Rica. This way, you get to know the diversity of this beautiful country. In order to get to know both, the city and rural areas of Costa Rica, we recommend studying at both our beautiful campuses – Heredia and Sámara – before taking your new language skills out into the real world, working part-time or full-time (depending on the placement) in one of our cooperating NGOs.

Costa Rica is a nature lover's paradise. Experience stunning beaches, lush jungles, and exotic wildlife found nowhere else on Earth! On our Sea Turtle Conservation trip, you will spend your days volunteering with one of our project partners in Costa Rica. Most of your volunteer duties happen in the afternoon and evening when the turtle hatchlings are most active. This means you can spend your mornings lounging on black sand beaches and swimming in the ocean, teeming with life. You won't just be making a difference in the lives of sea turtles in Costa Rica, but you will also live in one of the most biodiverse and nature-forward countries on Earth. You can explore the active volcanoes and mist forests of this adventurous country with travelers you meet along the way. We offer the full package for a smooth volunteer abroad experience. When you book with us, you can leave the guesswork out of organizing your travels and focus on having the trip of a lifetime.

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.

Interested in taking a gap year? Do it with an organization well regarded for its responsible travel and gap year travel opportunities - Oyster Worldwide. Whether you are taking a break before pursuing higher education or taking time off from university, we have the perfect opportunity for you! Our programs and projects across 6 continents are open all year. Sign up for a program within a field that matches your skills and interests - animal welfare, child care, veterinary, medicine, conservation, etc. Go on a trekking holiday or volunteer on a project you are passionate about. No matter what you do, where you go and how long you stay, we guarantee amazing experiences you will treasure for a lifetime. UK-based Oyster Worldwide has been sending young people to take part in gap year experiences for more than 17 years. We offer over 60 volunteer and paid programs in over 20 countries around the world. We have been working with many host countries for years and have great relationships with them. Our aim is to provide happy, safe and fulfilling experiences, as well as to help participants to return home with a long-term affection for the country they have visited.

Costa Rica may be small, but this sun-drenched Central American country holds more than 5% of the world’s diversity. Compared to other countries around the globe, it boasts more national parks per square meter. It’s home to important nesting sites for endangered turtles and has both Pacific and Caribbean coastlines. Complementing these landscapes are mountains, where coffee is grown, and active volcanoes. Discover and experience the highlights of Costa Rica through our comprehensive gap year. This program has been developed to let you immerse in the country’s amazing beauty. Spend time in our ‘jungle surf camp’ on the Nicoya Peninsula, found on the northwest Pacific coast. Here, you’ll assist in environmental community projects involving forests and turtles; surf at a top surfing destination; and learn Spanish from local people. Afterward, you’ll head inland for a cloud forest adventure. Sounds fun? Join us in this varied, full-on, and exciting gap year experience!