Volunteer Programs in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a high population of orphans, street kids, and other at-risk children who are in constant need of love, care, and support. Help respond to their needs by taking part in a range of volunteer projects, including working in orphanages, rural schools, and community centers, and street children programs. Projects focus on providing boys and girls with shelter, food, and education to support their basic needs. As a volunteer, you'll help keep them off the streets as well as provide them with a happy, productive childhood. Depending on individual skills and interests, volunteers act as mentors, help with homework, organize sports and arts and crafts, and teach English. However, your care and support are the most important things for these disadvantaged children. 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.

GVI offers a variety of opportunities for young adults between the ages of 15 and 17 to gain first-hand experience in cultural immersion, marine and wildlife conservation and community development. This is a great way to become a global citizen with a better understanding of prevalent social and environmental issues. It’s also a gateway to improving your future education and employment opportunities, as you acquire soft and hard skills in your chosen GVI focus. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to dive in the oceans of Greece, visit the jungles of Costa Rica, or the rolling Incan valleys of Peru, all while contributing to sustainability, this is for you. This is an opportunity to connect with a network of people who share similar passions for sustainability, while also expanding your knowledge of different linguistic practices and cultural customs. Each project is aimed at reaching sustainable objectives that align with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

This Spanish immersion program for teens (finishing grades 9, 10, 11, and 12) is a dynamic combination of interactive Spanish lessons and language practice while performing valuable service work and helping out the community! You will take lessons in gorgeous open-air classrooms surrounded by nature in both the mountainous jungle town of Turrialba and the beachside community in the Caribbean town of Puerto Viejo, as well as the Pacific towns of Manuel Antonio and Tamarindo. You will attend classes every morning with local teachers who incorporate fun activities like playing games, singing songs, learning traditional dances, and taking cooking lessons. The service component of this program involves working directly with the local communities. Not only are you giving back, but you’ll be putting your Spanish skills to use in real-world situations as well! In Turrialba, our community service will consist of working with a local community association. In Puerto Viejo, we will be working directly with an animal rescue center at the Cahuita National Park, cleaning cages, helping with feeding, and assisting in the care of injured and retired animals.

Volunteer in this program and work alongside local organizations to help children from underprivileged backgrounds, many of whom may have come from homes with little nurturing, poverty, or a lack of education. You will play a big part in teaching and inspiring these kids by giving them the care and attention they require. As a volunteer, you will work in childcare facilities, community centers, and schools. Your tasks will include supporting local childcare workers in caring for the kids, helping with the general running of the place such as lunchtimes and cleaning, providing individual attention and care for the children who most need it, playing games and sports, tutoring, teaching hygiene, and inspiring them to learn. You can also lead art, music, dance, and drama. This is a chance to get creative and integrate fun into the activities you provide. We have programs in San Jose and near the beach in Manuel Antonio.

Learn, serve, and lead with Bright Light Volunteers in a country of your choice. Our Global Service Learning (GSL) program is designed for passionate middle and high school students, exposing them to various aspects, including cultural and social, of their host community. Participants not only broaden their knowledge but also develop a deeper understanding of local, national, and global issues. They gain insight into the interdependency and interconnectedness of people and communities, becoming equipped to act responsibly and effectively toward a more just and peaceful world. Additionally, they develop a range of skills outside a conventional classroom environment. If you’re interested in joining our movement and becoming a global citizen, get in touch with us today for more information.

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.*