Volunteer in Costa Rica

Cross-Cultural Solutions: Volunteer Abroad for the Experience of a Lifetime!
Experience another culture like never before while making a real difference in people’s lives. You’ll gain perspectives and insights into the local culture and yourself. It’s an exciting and personally inspiring experience, and you’ll develop memories that will be with you forever. Program operates in Cartago, Puriscal and San Carlos, Costa Rica.

Dates Offered: Choose from start dates year-round and lengths-of-stay from 1-12 weeks.
Costs: The U.S. tax-deductible program fee for a two-week program is £1,408 with each additional week of stay only £162. The program fee for the one-week Insight Abroad program offered in Brazil, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Peru, and Russia is £922. Program fee includes: personalized Volunteer Placement, language instruction, cultural education, food, lodging, transportation to and from all Cross-Cultural Solutions’ placements and programs, pre-departure guidance from headquarters staff, 24-hour access to in-country staff, travel medical and emergency evacuation insurance, and more.
Contact: Cross-Cultural Solutions, 2 Clinton Place, New Rochelle, NY 10801;Tel: 800.380.4777 or 914.632.0022; in the UK call 0845 458 2781/2782; other countries call +44 (0) 1273 666392; Fax: 914.632.8494.
Email: info@crossculturalsolutions.org
Website: www.crossculturalsolutions.org

Featured

	Volunteer with Children in Costa Rica Join this GVI volunteer project and teach school children while you explore one of the few remaining indigenous areas of Costa Rica. You will be based in a small town called Cahuita – a gorgeous Caribbean coastal town about four hours away from San Jose. From Cahuita you will travel every morning to your placement in a nearby rural community where you will teach literacy, math and English at local schools. You will teach classes in the mornings until early afternoon, and then help with other teaching activities in the afternoon, such as sports, geography and arts. Open classes are also held in the afternoons, open to both children and adults, these classes concentrate on literacy reinforcement and English.
Dates: 4 to 16 weeks, departures throughout the year Costs: From US$1900 for 4 weeks Contact in USA: Call toll free 888-653-6028 Contact in UK: 01727 250250 Website: www.gviusa.com
Featured

Conservation Expedition in the Costa Rica Rainforest
Take part in this wildlife conservation expedition and be an active member of GVI’s research team in the Costa Rican rainforest. Work on a variety of long-term terrestrial, marine conservation and community education projects. Help conduct turtle population surveys, jaguar predation surveys, jaguar and other mammal camera trapping, and mammal and bird studies. You can also teach English and environmental education in the local communities. Run in conjunction with the Costa Rican Ministry of Environment and Energy and other partners, the expedition is involved in long-term conservation projects and community education programs. You will receive continuous hands-on training regarding all aspects of the rainforest and coastline research. In addition to your volunteer work, the expedition also includes a Canopy Tour and several other additional excursions you can participate in.

Dates: 5 to 10 weeks, departures throughout the year
Costs: From US$2890 for 5 weeks
Contact in USA: Call toll free 888-653-6028
Contact in UK: 01727 250250
Website: www.gviusa.com

Featured

Volunteer In Costa Rica with United Planet
With many opportunities for volunteering , helping local NGOs, care centers for elderly, schools, or even working in a zoo, you could bring your help to people in need, while discovering this incredible country of Central America. Costa Rica, Spanish for "Rich Coast" is seen as an example of political stability in the region.

Cost: 6 months $4695, 1 year $7195.
Dates: Starts in August or January.
Contact: United Planet, 11 Arlington St, Boston MA 02116, USA. Tel.: 617-267-7763.
Email: quest@unitedplanet.org
Website: www.unitedplanet.org

Featured

Sea Turtle Conservation In Costa Rica with United Planet
Volunteers work at various beach locations conserving sea turtle populations in Southern Costa Rica. The projects main objective is to protect the nests from human poachers and more recently from beach erosion. This helps to promote long-term survival of the population and includes the recovery of affected populations as well as critical habitat protection.

Cost: 6 months $4695, 1 year $7195.
Dates: Starts in August or January.
Contact: United Planet, 11 Arlington St, Boston MA 02116, USA. Tel.: 617-267-7763.
Email: quest@unitedplanet.org
Website: www.unitedplanet.org

Featured

Volunteer in Ecotourism in Costa Rica with United Planet
The mission of ecotourism initiatives is to stop the destruction of Costa Ricas natural resources and establish different sustainable systems to conserve flora, fauna and water resources in the protected areas. In many areas, protecting resources has provided a direct path to development: Rural communities are now able to become financially independent through sustainable tourism.

Cost: 6 months $4695, 1 year $7195.
Dates: Starts in August or January.
Contact: United Planet, 11 Arlington St, Boston MA 02116, USA. Tel.: 617-267-7763.
Email: quest@unitedplanet.org
Website: www.unitedplanet.org

Featured

Wildlife Conservation in Costa Rica with United Planet
Volunteers assist in the rehabilitation and conservation of wildlife, such as various species of birds, invertebrates, or primates, depending on the project location and time of year. The objective of the project is to protect endangered species and reintroduce them to the wild. Volunteer duties include, but are not limited to: observing and taking notes on animal behavior and helping to maintain the garden and trails.

Cost: 6 months $4695, 1 year $7195.
Dates: Starts in August or January.
Contact: United Planet, 11 Arlington St, Boston MA 02116, USA. Tel.: 617-267-7763.
Email: quest@unitedplanet.org
Website: www.unitedplanet.org

Featured

River Basin Conservation/Environmental Education in Costa Rica with United Planet
Many of our conservation projects are located in rural areas or inside the national park system. The main goal of these projects is to support conservation efforts and increase environmental awareness in the local community. Daily volunteer duties may include any of the following: constructing and maintaining nature trails, making plant nurseries, making fertilizers from dead plants or teaching the local community about recycling and the environment.

Cost: 6 months $4695, 1 year $7195.
Dates: Starts in August or January.
Contact: United Planet, 11 Arlington St, Boston MA 02116, USA. Tel.: 617-267-7763.
Email: quest@unitedplanet.org
Website: www.unitedplanet.org

Featured

Teaching in a School in Costa Rica with United Planet
Volunteers will learn firsthand about the educational system in Costa Rica through classroom placements in kindergartens and primary schools in either San Jose or Monteverde. The work consists of supporting the teachers with activities and classes, and playing with the kids. Many volunteers also help in the administrations office, though the volunteers responsibilities are usually defined together with the school staff.

Cost: 6 months $4695, 1 year $7195.
Dates: Starts in August or January.
Contact: United Planet, 11 Arlington St, Boston MA 02116, USA. Tel.: 617-267-7763.
Email: quest@unitedplanet.org
Website: www.unitedplanet.org

Featured

Enriching Lives of the Disabled in Costa Rica with United Planet
Volunteers interested in working with people with disabilities can work at an organization devoted to helping blind and deaf people of all ages. The organization tries to help them become an active part of society. Volunteers will provide support for those working at the organization by helping at different workshops and preparing materials needed for those activities. The specific tasks will be defined once the volunteer arrives.

Cost: 6 months $4695, 1 year $7195.
Dates: Starts in August or January.
Contact: United Planet, 11 Arlington St, Boston MA 02116, USA. Tel.: 617-267-7763.
Email: quest@unitedplanet.org
Website: www.unitedplanet.org

Featured

Healthcare Projects in Costa Rica with United Planet
Volunteers can work at a clinic in Monteverde or childrens hospital in San Jose. The work volunteers will be doing is defined by the health center and its needs, but mainly consists in supporting the people in charge with different tasks including aiding medical professionals. Volunteers will also be asked to take part in maintenance, cleaning, etc. Volunteers will also be under supervision.

Cost: 6 months $4695, 1 year $7195.
Dates: Starts in August or January.
Contact: United Planet, 11 Arlington St, Boston MA 02116, USA. Tel.: 617-267-7763.
Email: quest@unitedplanet.org
Website: www.unitedplanet.org

Featured

Enriching Lives of the Elderly in Costa Rica with United Planet
Volunteers work at an association dedicated to supporting the elderly by giving them a space to stay active and have a meaningful place in society. The association does so by organizing varied workshops and activities for them. Volunteers can help in the planning process and by running activities, as well as assisting in the central office. Occasionally the volunteers also have the opportunity to do outreach in outlying communities.

Cost: 6 months $4695, 1 year $7195.
Dates: Starts in August or January.
Contact: United Planet, 11 Arlington St, Boston MA 02116, USA. Tel.: 617-267-7763.
Email: quest@unitedplanet.org
Website: www.unitedplanet.org

Featured

Preserving Culture in Costa Rica with United Planet
Volunteer work at the Cultural Heritage Project generally involves making signs, distributing information, educating locals and tourists about the local cultural heritage, maintenance of work stations, and various small tasks. Volunteer responsibilities vary based on the organizations day to day needs. You will most likely have a great deal of autonomy and will learn a lot on your own. The objective of the cultural rights organization is to preserve local traditions and offer a space for artistic and cultural manifestations.

Cost: 6 months $4695, 1 year $7195.
Dates: Starts in August or January.
Contact: United Planet, 11 Arlington St, Boston MA 02116, USA. Tel.: 617-267-7763.
Email: quest@unitedplanet.org
Website: www.unitedplanet.org

Featured

Globe Aware
The Road Less Traveled Village Experience: Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a cultural and natural paradise, but most travelers see only the large, touristy resorts. This Road Less Traveled program, however, offers a unique opportunity in the middle of a secluded natural rainforest to help an untouched community create a sustainable future. While helping the community to help themselves, volunteers will be treated to enormous cultural learning and spectacular contact with the lush rainforest. A decade ago, the government set aside a national forest reserve for the spectacular Carara Rainforest, which borders the village. The villagers love their nature paradise and appreciated the action. However, since then, the tiny village has struggled for sources of income, as their crops are being eaten by protected wildlife. As a first step toward creating sustainable eco-tourism, the community needs help clearing paths, marking trails, learning English, etc. No special skills are required.

Contact: info@globeaware.org, www.globeaware.org

Featured

Volunteer Costa Rica
GeoVisions offers a number of exciting and rewarding programs in numerous areas throughout the country. Volunteers can work in the education sector teaching English to children or helping people in underprivileged situations. Volunteers can also help with land and animal conservation getting a chance to experience Costa Rica’s incredible environment in-depth. With projects ranging from working in National Parks to orphanages, GeoVisions has the specific program to meet your interests and goals.

Dates: Any Sunday to Thursday throughout the year, except for some holidays.
Cost: $1,280 for four weeks, $3,360 for six months. Prices may change so please see our website for more information.
Contact: GeoVisions, 101 Sage Hollow Road, Guilford, CT 06437.
Tel: 203-457-4257. Toll Free. 877-949-9998. Fax: 203-738-1024.
Email: programs@geovisions.org
Website: www.geovisions.org

Featured

Spanish Language School with Volunteer Placements in Costa Rica
Includes a 4-week language school program and a 4-week Volunteer placement, Host Family housing with private room, meals and more. Basic and Advanced Language Classes available. Spanish Schools are located in San Jose and on the Pacific Coast in Manuel Antonio Beach. Language Schools feature multimedia facilities, internet access, social and cultural activities. InterExchange has over 40 years experience arranging cultural exchange programs.

Cost: $1,595 (includes classes, host family housing, meals and volunteer placement).
Dates: Year-Round
Contact: InterExchange Working Abroad, 161 Sixth Avenue, New York, NY 10013. Tel.. 212-924-0446; toll-free 1-800-597-3675. Fax: 212-925-0575.
Email: workabroad@interexchange.org
Web: www.workingabroad.org

Featured

Environmental Volunteer Project in Costa Rica
The project is located on a private reserve in the rainforests of north central Costa Rica, on the border of the Children's Eternal rainforest and within 30 minutes of the famous Arenal Volcano. Volunteers assist with a wild animal rescue center and/or help with English teaching in local rural schools. Homestay with warm and welcoming Costa Rican families is provided. The staff of the reserve are friendly and welcoming.

Dates: Flexible, year round rolling admissions.
Cost: Cost starts at $850 for one week program including homestay with three meals daily, insurance, and full support. Programs of 1 month or more include excursions to local points of interest.
Contact: Center for Cultural Interchange, 746 N. Lasalle Dr., Chicago, IL 60610.
Tel: 1.312.944.2544 or direct 312.264.1601.
Email: info@cci-exchange.com
Website: www.cci-exchange.com

Featured

Volunteer in Costa Rica with Volunteer Adventures!
Volunteer Adventures gives you the opportunity to live and volunteer on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. You will work in a sea turtle hatchery on the beach, helping collect eggs from nesting mother turtles and releasing hatchlings into the ocean. You will be directly involved in the protection of the wildlife in our two locations, defending animals from illegal poachers and promoting conservation awareness.

Contact: volunteer@volunteeradventures.com, www.volunteeradventures.com.

Featured

ICADS Intensive Spanish Immersion Program - Costa Rica
The Institute for Central American Development Studies (ICADS) offers 30-day programs of Intensive Spanish Language - 4 1/2 hours daily, five days a week. Small classes (4 students or fewer) geared to individual needs. Extra lectures, activities and volunteer opportunities emphasize environmental and social justice issues. Supportive, informal learning environment. Award winning programs. 25 years of excellence in teaching.

Dates: Courses begin at the beginning of every month. Please see the website for exact dates.
Cost: $1,800
Contact: Institute for Central American Development Studies c/o ICADS, Dept. 826, P.O. Box 025216, Miami, Florida 33102-5216.
Email: info@icads.org
Website: www.icads.org

Featured

Cactus Language
TEFL Course and TEFL Jobs in Costa Rica

Dates: All year round; first Monday of every month
Website: Teaching TEFL in Costa Rica

Featured

Projects Abroad in Costa Rica
Live and work in exciting Costa Rica. Projects start year-round and last from two weeks to a year. Opportunities exist in teaching, care, conservation and sports. Programs are for ages 16+.

Dates: Start any day you choose.
Cost: From $1,595.
Contact: Projects Abroad, 347 West 36th Street, Suite 903, New York NY 10018.
Tel: US Toll-free 1 888 839 3535.
Email: info@projects-abroad.org
Website: www.projects-abroad.org

Featured

All Languages Abroad: 50 Countries 30 Languages 1 Adventure!
We offer a variety of language courses for all ages & budgets. Immerse yourself in the local culture, pick your accommodation type (host family or apartment) and enjoy many cultural activities with international students from around the world. We also offer the chance to volunteer in selected locations around the world helping the local community. These volunteer programs are not just fun and interesting but very rewarding and meaningful for the local people you are helping.

Visit www.languagesabroad.com/volunteer.html for more information.

Featured

Alliance Abroad Group
Volunteer and Learn Spanish in Costa Rica
Our unique program in Costa Rica enables you to combine Spanish language study with volunteer work. We have placements in over 25 national parks in various regions. You can choose to work near the beach in the rain forest, or in a park that has a little of both! As a volunteer in Costa Rica, you will gain insight into environmental problems facing the country and help contribute to their solutions, while at the same time gaining valuable educational and professional experience. You are strongly encouraged to take our intensive language classes before you start your volunteer placement if you are a beginner. After your language courses, you can volunteer for 2 weeks to 1 year. We find a customized placement for you based upon your background and interests.

Contact: 1221 South Mopac Expressway, Suite 250 Austin, Texas 78745; 512-457-8062 or 888-6-ABROAD; info@allianceabroad.com, www.allianceabroad.com.

Amigos de las Américas (AMIGOS)
Volunteer in Costa Rica
Amigos de las Américas is an international, volunteer-based nonprofit organization which provides youth volunteers with leadership development opportunities during training and while serving in community development projects such as mural painting, garden planting, forming youth groups, etc. in Latin America. Since 1965, more than 20,000 AMIGOS volunteers have lived with families and worked in Latin American and Caribbean countries.

Contact: Amigos de las Américas, 5618 Star Ln., Houston, TX 77057-7112; Tel. 713) 782-5290 or (800) 231-7796; fax 713-782-9267; info@amigoslink.org, www.amigoslink.org.

Amistad Institute S.A.
Volunteer Programs in Costa Rica
About 40 different projects in 5 different areas from which to chose. Volunteer work available with Children at Risk, Health, Ecology, as Teachers' Assistants, and with the local Community.

Contact: info@amistadinstitute.net, www.amistadinstitute.net

Costa Rica Conservation Trust (CRCT)
Volunteer in Costa Rica Program
Leave a positive footprint while visiting Costa Rica by supporting local and grassroots community groups in their efforts to protect and recover endangered species and ecosystems, raise cultural and ecological awareness, and promote sustainable living practices. Year-round volunteer/travel experiences available for families, individuals, students, and youth groups. Lodging options include home stays with Costa Rican families, providing you with a rich and rewarding cultural and language immersion adventure! Make your time in Costa Rica meaningful, memorable, and life-enhancing!

Contact: volunteer@conservecostarica.org, www.conservecostarica.org

EcoSur
Volunteer Program
Volunteers participate in a 1-2 week cultural immersion in the small town of el Sur Costa Rica. Each day is a balance of volunteer work, cultural activites, and recreation. This experience truly allows the volunteers to make a meaningful connection to the small community they are serving. Please see our webpage and email us for more information.
Extended Volunteer Program
Come visit el Sur for a period of more than 3 weeks. Volunteers normally teach english to the people of el Sur as well as in the elementary school where there is currently no english teacher assigned. Volunteers also have the option of boarding with one of the families in the village. See our webpage, www.elsurcostarica.com, for more information.

ELI-Experiential Learning International
Volunteer in Costa Rica
ELI partners with organizations in Heredia to offer volunteer opportunities that benefit the locals while giving participants a unique cultural learning experience. Participants should be able to speak at least basic Spanish. One week of Spanish Language instruction is included in the program. Volunteers can teach, work with at-risk youth, teach English, help with community development projects, assist with ongoing income generation projects, assist with women’s empowerment projects, help with conservation projects, or work in a charity clinic.

Contact: info@eliabroad.org, www.eliabroad.org

Global Crossroad
The volunteer Costa Rica Program offers you amazing opportunities to experience one of the most exotic and undiscovered vacation destinations in the world, while volunteering in unique conservation and social projects. Global Crossroad invites you to consider this Peace Corps alternative, where you can help the children, teach indigenous peoples, and put your skills to work in grass-roots level development and conservation efforts. During your free time, explore towering and fiery volcanoes, pristine beaches, raging rivers, and virgin rain forests. Observe the abundant wildlife, or get to know the warm and hospitable people of Costa Rica.

Contact: www.globalcrossroad.com/costarica

Global Volunteers
Serve on village development projects in Costa Rica! "Pura Vida" -- Costa Ricans' traditional greeting meaning "pure life" -- speaks of walking lightly and giving back to the earth.

Contact: www.globalvolunteers.org/costarica

Green Valley Retreat
Offers lodging, volunteer opportunities, tours, and Spanish language lessons in Costa Rica.

Contact: info@greenvalleyretreat.com, www.greenvalleyretreat.com

Inter Cultural Youth Exchange
Volunteer to Save Sea Turtles in Costa Rica
We offer a range of ecological projects in Costa Rica, working particularly with sea turtles. Volunteers are involved in activities such as developing coastal wildlife refuges, working in breeding centres or eco-tourism lodges. Projects last from 3 weeks to 3 months. No specific experience necessary, just enthusiasm and a positive attitude.

Contact: info@icye.org.uk, www.icye.org.uk

PRETOMA (Programa Restauracion de Tortugas Marinas)
Sea Turtle Conservation Program in Costa Rica
Two biologist research coordinators work with volunteers from around the world and locals to monitor beaches at night for endangered nesting sea turtles. Turtles are tagged, measured and the eggs are placed in a project hatchery where they are protected until they hatch, then hatchlings are released into the sea.

Contact: Apdo. 1203-1100, San Jose, +(506) 241-5227, info@tortugamarina.org, www.tortugamarina.org.

Proyecto Asis Volunteer Work and Spanish Institute
Spanish language courses, learn in ecological reserve in rain forest, near volcano Arenal, small groups. Asis Job Volunteer: Ecological work in different areas

Contact: info@institutoasis.com, www.institutoasis.com

Proyecto Carey
Hawksbill Sea Turtle Population Monitoring at Cahuta National Park, Costa Rica
Improve the knowledge about the biology, ecology and conservation of the Eretmochelys imbricata in the Southeastern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, to give guidelines for a better conservation actions. Conduct an assessment of the sea turtle population trends based on: a) sampling of sea turtles in foraging grounds to include individuals, not encountered on the nesting beach; b) monitoring of the seasonal beach activity of adult females.

Contact: carey.cahuita@gmail.com.

Rancho Leona
Explore, Experience, Learn in Costa Rica
Learn Spanish, volunteer and experience Costa Rican culture at a beautiful relaxed lodge setting on the Sarapiqui river.

Contact: feslick@sbcglobal.net, www.rancholeona.com.

Reto Juvenil Internacional
Internship Volunteer Program
Directed to young professionals and college and university students, who want to donate their time and expertise in the planning, execution, and monitoring or community development programs, with an average stay period of 4 months. These programs can be well-suited for the development of field research projects and theses.

Contact: info@retojuvenilcr.org, www.retojuvenilcr.org.

Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center
Volunteer to Teach English in the Rain Forest
The Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to linking the community with conservation. We are looking for an ESL Coordinator to begin asap and commit until December 12, 2008. You will teach English to adults and teens. In exchange for your volunteer work, you will be provided with free room and board. Preferred applicants have an ESL certificate or experience in teaching ESL.

Contact: info@learningcentercostarica.org, www.learningcentercostarica.org

Tropical Adventures
Costa Rica Volunteer Adventure
Tropical Adventures provides volunteer adventure tours in Costa Rica, as well as Spanish lessons. Volunteer opportunities include working with children, the indigenous community, the environment and animal protection. It's a great way to explore Costa Rica, help others and make new friends for life.

Contact: info@tropicaladventures.com, www.tropicaladventures.com

Volunteer and Spanish Special Package, Amistad
Special program that covers both Volunteer and Spanish courses.

Contact: info@amistadinstitute.net, www.amistadinstitute.net.

Volunteer in Latin America
Sea Turtle Conservation Volunteers
Volunteer Latin America is currently recruiting volunteers who can commit from a week up to several months of their time participating in one of two sea turtle conservation projects in Costa Rica.sustainable projects.

Contact: info@volunteerlatinamerica.com, www.volunteerlatinamerica.com

Volunteer Visions
Affordable Volunteer Programs in Costa Rica Starting at $550 for 2 Weeks
Volunteer Visions was founded with a simple idea in mind; that volunteering should be affordable and available to everyone. We offer affordable programs in community development, environmental conservation, building homes and teaching English. Packages start at $550 and includes food, accommodation, arrival pick-up, pre-departure information, orientation and 24/7 emergency support. Whatever your motive for volunteering may be, we can help you find a placement that suits your needs.

Contact: 330-871-4511 (USA); info@volunteervisions.org; www.volunteervisions.org.

Youth Challenge International
Teams of volunteers aged 18-30 carry out community development projects lasting 5, 6, 8, or 10 weeks in Costa Rica and Guyana. Sample costs $2,900 for 5 weeks, $3,600 for 8 weeks excluding airfares.

Contact: 20 Maud St., Ste. 305, Toronto, Ontario M5V 2M5, Canada, 416-504-3370; www.yci.org.