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Medical Volunteers Needed—Work in Costa Rica! logo

Medical Volunteers Needed—Work in Costa Rica!

by: MAXIMO NIVEL

4.58 (218)VerifiedSince 2003

Join healthcare and medical projects, and gain practical experience in hospitals, clinics, assisted living, and other related facilities in Costa Rica. You’ll work alongside doctors, nurses, therapists, and other medical professionals. Depending on your medical experience and Spanish language skills, you’ll take on various responsibilities. These could include shadowing a doctor or nurse, assisting with general check-ups, running medical campaigns, assisting with triage and vaccinations, taking vital signs, organizing patient records, and assisting during mealtimes. This program is available all year round, with start dates every Monday. It’s designed to take place for as short as 1 week and up to 1 year. NOTE: This program qualifies for 3-4 university credits via our School of Record. Volunteers must be over 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent or guardian. We require background checks and proof of medical insurance.

Program Highlights

Become more fluent in Spanish by taking our optional language classes for two hours each day.

Engage with local people and gain an insight into their traditions.

Spend your free time exploring San Jose and enjoying outdoor activities.

Have the opportunity to earn university credits and the President’s Volunteer Service Award (U.S. citizens).

Participate in our special programs: Surf School, Scuba Certification, Yoga Certification, and more!

Quick Details

Locations:
  • San Jose, Costa Rica
Availability
Year(s) Offered: Year RoundDuration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 3-6 Months
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • 7-12 Months
Age Requirement: 18+
Types & Subjects
Causes:
  • Biological Research
  • Dental
  • Drug & Alcohol Recovery
  • Health
  • Health Care
  • Health Education
  • Hospital
  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Nutrition
  • Public Health
  • Senior Citizens
  • Social Work
  • Special Needs
  • Women
  • Youth
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: Aug 04, 2026

Awards

Top Rated Program Volunteer Abroad in Costa Rica 2025
Top Rated Provider Volunteer Abroad 2025GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2024 - Volunteer AbroadTop Rated Provider 2023 - Language SchoolTop Rated Provider 2023 - Volunteer AbroadPeople’s Choice Award 2023 FinalistTop Rated Language School 2022Notable Mention 2021 - Gap YearTop Rated Organization 2021 - Volunteer Abroad

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

4.58

Total Reviews

218

Medical volunteering

August 08, 2026by: Braeden Chipman - United States
5

I really enjoyed my volunteer experience with Maximo Nivel at the nursing home. The staff was welcoming, supportive, and made me feel like part of the team. While it wasn’t quite the hands-on medical experience I was expecting, it was still incredibly rewarding to spend time with the residents and learn more about the local culture and healthcare environment. The experience reminded me that compassionate care is about more than medical procedures. Overall, I had a great time, met amazing people, and would recommend this program to anyone looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity in Costa Rica.

The best experience ever!

May 31, 2026by: Erica Stith - United States
5

This was such an amazing experience with amazing support from Maximo Nivel. They went out of their way to make sure we had the best experience possible. It will be a week I will never forget, i’m so grateful to have an experience so hard to leave.

Medical Volunteering!!

May 31, 2026by: Bella Lampe - United States
5

I had an amazing experience volunteering with maximo! the staff was so kind amd amazing and i got lots of good medical experience for my future career! I highly recomend this company and this experience!!

Had the best medical outreach session in Costa Rica!

May 30, 2026by: Zahra Ali - United States
4

Maximo Nivel’s staff were so amazing and sweet. Had the best time volunteering in low income communities, learned so much from Dr. Carren and Micheal, and also loved the classes Maximo Nivel held to give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture. 10/10 experience!!

Amazing life changing experience

May 30, 2026by: Jaya Jordan - United States
4

I would definitely recommend this program to any aspiring medical professional. This was an amazing opportunity that allowed me to learn so much about myself and the community. Maximo Nivel was very attentive to all our needs and made it a priority to make us feel comfortable and safe. Very great for this opportunity and would definitely do it again.

DO IT!!

May 30, 2026by: Stephanie Rodriguez - United States
5

My experience in Costa Rica was amazing! Micheal was amazing and was always there for us. I feel very fulfilled not only educationally but socially. This was a life changing experience and there isn’t one person I wouldn’t recommend this to.

Unforgettable experience

May 30, 2026by: Zahra Kanch - United States
5

Maximo Nivel is extremely supportive, organized, and their staff is incredible. I felt safe and supported throughout my entire trip and Michael was so funny! He was not only our project lead but became a very good friend. The volunteer projects were truly humbling and grounding, and thats what made them unforgettable. My future in healthcare will always be indebted to serving this project and all the people who supported me through it.

Such a rewarding experience!

May 30, 2026by: Sariya Taylor - United States
5

Maximo Nivel/IVHQ provided a safe and great opportunity to serve and volunteer in Costa Rica. This is a great opportunity for aspiring healthcare professionals, a great opportunity to meet new people, and overall have fun!

Most impactful experience of my life

May 17, 2026by: Caroline Swift - United States
5

This was truly such an amazing and eye opening experience. We were able to consistently put a smile on patients faces and make their days better. Truly an experience of a lifetime that I will carry heavily with me for the rest of my life and future career.

Amazing experience!

May 17, 2026by: olivia cotton - United States
5

Great experience. I got to learn so much and felt so supported the entire time by the staff. everyone was so welcoming and eager to help me achieve my goals. we got to experience new cultures and talk to people from all different backgrounds, growing my cultural knowledge and sensitivity. 10/10 recommend!!

day 4 of clinical studies!!

Such an amazing experience!

May 17, 2026by: Lorelai Christmas - United States
5

I learned so much and had such a great experience. This was very eye opening and taught me a lot about culture, medicine, and even myself. I’m so sad my experience was over but know I will carry it with me forever!

Exceeded my expectations

May 01, 2026by: Kathryn Sos - United States
5

I had no idea what this experience would be like but it exceeded my expectations. Be flexible and enjoy the time…it is rewarding to help others and make genuine connections. Maximo Nivel was so helpful and the communication was excellent.

Volunteer abroad

May 01, 2026by: Megan Gunther - United States
5

This experience was invaluable. The connections we can make without even speaking the same language is so powerful. I would recommend this company and program to anyone. I will embrace the challenges and differences in culture and take that with me.

Aquatic therapy at an assisted living residence

I had a wonderful time volunteering

May 01, 2026by: Daniel Currey - United States
5

Have a great experience at Maximo Nivel from our program leader to other staff, everyone was amazing. The program was a once in a lifetime experience for me and I am very fortunate to have been able to volunteer in Costa Rica!!

My Time at Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza

January 31, 2026by: Catherine Abreu - United States
5

I can’t say enough about the positive experience I had at this project. The staff is professional and everyone was extremely patient with my Spanish. The patients were endearing and very appreciative of my presence. It was an emotional goodbye for me, and I hope to return some day. I highly recommend this program. Thank you Máximo for enabling this very meaningful experience!

Great time and great learning experience

December 20, 2025by: Gavin Fryer - United States
5

First time volunteering in healthcare but they were very helpful and I learned a lot. I was able to work directly with patients and help the nurse. I do tasks like filling perceptions and taking the patients vitals.

This was a great experience!

December 19, 2025by: Rhiannon Harris - United States
4

Maximo Nivel was very supportive. They were able to organize trips after work, and the overall atmosphere was great! I\pronoun would recommend anyone who wants to volunteer to check out Maximo Nivel. They also offer Spanish classes for non native speakers.

So fun!

December 19, 2025by: Lily Holtze - United States
5

I love the atmosphere of Costa Rica and having Maximo always nearby made me feel safe and comfortable. My host family was so sweet and took great care of me. The project I was on was engaging and exciting.

Pura Vida

December 19, 2025by: Savannah Sullivan - United States
5

This was the most amazing trip I have ever been on. Everyone was so welcoming and kind. I felt very safe and I did not want to leave :( I would definitely do it again!! My host family was amazing and I felt like it was very easy to navigate around.

Wonderful Adventure

November 22, 2025by: Juliet Wagner - United States
4

I had an incredible time in Costa Rica. I got to practice my Spanish, make new friends, and gain valuable experience in the healthcare field. I will remember this experience forever, that was made so amazing by the staff at Maximo and the support they gave me. Highly recommend!

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • San Jose, Costa Rica

Types and Subjects

  • Causes
  • Biological Research
  • Dental
  • Drug & Alcohol Recovery
  • Health
  • Health Care
  • Health Education
  • Hospital
  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Nutrition
  • Public Health
  • Senior Citizens
  • Social Work
  • Special Needs
  • Women
  • Youth

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Duration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 3-6 Months
  • 9-12 Weeks
  • 7-12 Months

Age Requirement

18+

Guidelines

All Nationalities

This Program is also open to Solo, Couples, Families, Group

Accommodation Options

  • Apartment/Flat
  • Group living
  • Guest House
  • Home-stays
  • Independent living
  • Other

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Application Procedures

  • Online Application
MAXIMO NIVEL

MAXIMO NIVEL

4.58Verified

Ready to Learn More?

Join healthcare and medical projects, and gain practical experience in hospitals, clinics, assisted living, and other related facilities in Costa Rica. You’ll work alongside doctors, nurses, therapists, and other medical professionals. Depending on your medical experience and Spanish language skills, you’ll take on various responsibilities. These could include shadowing a doctor or nurse, assisting with general check-ups, running medical campaigns, assisting with triage and vaccinations, taking vital signs, organizing patient records, and assisting during mealtimes. This program is available all year round, with start dates every Monday. It’s designed to take place for as short as 1 week and up to 1 year. NOTE: This program qualifies for 3-4 university credits via our School of R...

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