You are about to discover a new culture, accomplish something unforgettable, and explore the best Costa Rica has to offer!

Costa Rica

We are excited to get your placement under way where you will:

  • Have the opportunity to contribute to turtle conservation, working with children at orphanages or teaching English. You can also help out with construction, healthcare and agricultural projects such as working on a coffee cooperative.
  • Have the 24/7 support of a non profit with 10 years experience in placing 17860 volunteers that will provide you with an affordable and rewarding placement.
  • Recommended by Bill Gates and CNN.
  • Be a part of progressive non profit that has raised over $1.8 million to help women and children in need.
  • Have the comfort of knowing that GVN staff have collectively flown over 1 million miles to ensure you get a quality placement.
  • Make a long-term impact in your community of choice - it's not just a vacation.

Just choose a project and apply:

 
 

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The Projects

Christmas and New Year

Christmas and New Year

The Christmas and New Year project is specifically designed for volunteers who would like to travel to Costa Rica during the Christmas break and would like to be part of a very special holiday both for volunteers and the communities of San Jose. This weeklong tour will offer a range of activities and while the project starting on December 23 will focus on children’s programs, the second tour will have its main focus on an elderly care facility with one morning spent with kids at a local childcare centre. If you would like to participate in both, please just apply for one week and then let us know that you would like to attend the tour for both weeks.

Apply Now!

Orphanage and Childcare

Orphanage and Childcare

At the orphanage and childcare placements, volunteers will organise a variety of activities for the children, and assist with their school work. Volunteers are encouraged to use their skills and interests to develop music and dance, jewellery making, aerobics and arts & crafts work shops. Alongside the orphanage work, volunteers may also work in shelters, community centres or childcare facilities in impoverished housing areas, always working alongside severely underprivileged children.

Apply Now!

Teaching English

Teaching English

At teaching English placements volunteers will teach children of all ages, and will also participate in cultural activities and recreational games. Our teaching placements are all situated in impoverished housing areas, and teaching normally takes place in a small community centre or Church.

Apply Now!

Turtle Project

Turtle Project

Volunteers will work with the endangered Olive Ridley, Leatherback Black and/or Green turtles along the gorgeous coastlines of Costa Rica. Both species' populations are in sharp decline due to over harvesting of eggs, beach development, fishing, pollution, and being killed for their meat and leather. The programs give you the chance to make an important contribution to the preservation of these species, assisting local communities who carry out conservation work and gaining first-hand knowledge into Costa Rica's biodiversity and culture.

Apply Now!

Construction

Construction

Volunteers will work on one of our construction projects based in and around San Jose. These include renovation work (painting, plastering and repairs) and full construction projects (carpentry, masonry, laying tiles and plumbing). The construction placements are located in extremely impoverished housing areas or schools, and are guided by a Spanish speaking foreman, experienced in guiding international volunteers.

Apply Now!

Coffee Cooperative

Coffee Cooperative

In our Coffee cooperative program, volunteers will assist with the sustainable production of coffee in a rural farming community, in the mountainous region of Costa Rica. Volunteers will assist with coffee-picking in the fields, roasting the beans and packaging the final product, alongside wider agricultural activities. As well as various agricultural activities, volunteers will also be involved in marketing of the coffee product to the wider market.

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Healthcare - Health Education

Healthcare - Health Education

Volunteers will work in either a residence for HIV positive people, or in an assisted living facility for very low income elderly residents. At the HIV residence, volunteers will provide companionship to patients and providing general help in the on-site clinic. Whilst a very rewarding position, volunteers should prepare themselves mentally and emotionally to work with terminally ill patients. At the assisted living facility, volunteers will provide companionship, assist with meals and the distribution of medication, and volunteers should be prepared to work with elderly patients.

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Healthcare - Occupational Therapy

Healthcare - Occupational Therapy

Volunteers will work at a non-residential centre for autistic adults to improve their life skills and help them function better in society. Individuals attending the centre have physical and mental disabilities of varying severity and need individual attention and care. Most of these individuals are independent and volunteers will mainly help around the centre by offering workshops, helping with daily physical therapy and simply spending time and chatting with the individuals at the centre.

Apply Now!

Healthcare - Medical

Healthcare - Medical

Volunteers work in a medical setting, such as an ambulance service or a hospital. This project is for med students, pre-med students and qualified nurses or doctors. Volunteers for these projects require at least intermediate Spanish as the staff they will work with have limited English. Notarized documentation of your medical school, nursing school, or other medical credentials will be required.

Apply Now!

Healthcare - Medical

Be The Change - Costa Rica

AUGUST 25 - 31, 2013

Facilitators, including Colin Salisbury, live in accommodation with all the Be The Change participants during the course and spend the entire week with the group.

The week starts with a discussion about how each participant wants to contribute to social change. From there, facilitators will take the group through a series of workshops designed to address the skills needed to start a nonprofit organization, development project and /or social enterprise.

The workshops are flexible and the facilitators will focus each workshop on those skills that will most benefit the group as a whole.

 

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Video

About Costa Rica

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is bordered by Nicaragua in the north and Panama in the south, and by the Caribbean Sea to the east and the North Pacific Ocean to the West.

It features a diverse geography of mountains, craters, sandy beaches and great flowing rivers.

Development in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is considered one of the most stable and historic of democracies, with one of the highest life expectancies and living standards in the region.

Amidst the political instability of many nations in Latin America, Costa Rica has a thriving democracy and Costa Ricans promote peace and freedom of speech. Costa Rica, as a nation has been nominated twice for the Nobel Peace Prize. The honour of that sought-after accolade was given to Costa Rican former president Dr. Oscar Arias Sánchez in 1987, for his tireless efforts to bring peace to the Central American region during the 80s, when those nations were politically shattered by civil wars.

In the mid 1800's Costa Rican farmers began to plant coffee. The high altitude lands were blessed with excellent volcanic sediment which made coffee plantations thrive throughout the Central Valley. Coffee soon became the most important product in the country's economy. The export of "the bean of gold" as it soon became known, to Europe and the United States, earned Costa Rica a solid reputation as an excellent coffee exporter.

Coffee still remains core to the country’s economic stability, alongside other agricultural exports such as bananas, sugar and beef. However, there has been an increased focus on high value added goods and services, such as microchips and tourism in recent years.

Volunteer Impact

Volunteers provide assistance to disadvantaged socio-economic groups within Costa Rican communities, focusing primarily on orphaned children, rural communities and school children.

Volunteers on the turtle programs are able to work with the endangered Leatherback (Baula) and Olive Ridley turtles along the unrivalled stretch of gorgeous Pacific and Caribbean beaches Costa Rica has to offer.

As a volunteer in Costa Rica you can provide love, affection, education and support to orphaned children.  You will help to improve education in schools ensuring children learn and flourish.  As a volunteer you can practice and teach preventative healthcare, and HIV care.   Depending on your interests you can also contribute to building projects in impoverished communities, or in a coffee plantation project.  You will also provide education, inter-cultural exchange and understanding in Costa Rican communities.

What else can I do in Costa Rica?

Volunteers will also enjoy the cosmopolitan feel of the modern San Jose, the gateway to the natural rainforests and beaches of Costa Rica.

Volunteers can explore the city of San Jose, visit the Central Market or Artisanal Market, take a canopy tour, explore the region by taking part in a tour to a waterfall or visit a coffee plantation. And if all that’s not enough for you there’s always bungee jumping!

Spanish Lessons and Tandem Exchange Program

For your first week you will take Spanish lessons provided by our partner. These are taught by professional teachers, either certified in teaching Spanish as a foreign language or with their Masters in Education, and you will have two hours of lessons per day, either in the mornings, so that you spend the afternoons at your volunteer placement, or vice versa. Volunteers will also be provided with a Native Spanish Program book.

For the remainder of your stay you will take part in our partner's Tandem Exchange Program. This program pairs volunteers learning Spanish with a Costa Rican student who is learning English at their headquarters in San Jose. This way you practise Spanish with your partner for one hour a day, as well as provide invaluable practice for the Costa Rican student learning English. It's also a great way to get to know local students in San Jose. If you wish to extend your formal Spanish lessons beyond your first week, this can be arranged for an extra fee.

Please note that for the turtle and coffee programs the Tandem Exchange Program is not available as volunteers in these programs won’t be placed in San Jose. Intensive Spanish sessions before/after the program can be arranged.

Online Spanish Lessons

Global Volunteer Network has established a partnership with the Spanish school Instituto Exclusivo, which offers GVN volunteers a 5% discount off their online Spanish lessons. This is not like other courses which give you pages of web material or recordings of various phrases to repeat. You will speak to, and see your instructor as he/she is giving you a private lesson, tailored to your level of Spanish. Learn spanish before you go

Costs

How it works...

If your application is successful you will accepted and we will then get to work organizing your placement. You don't have to pay us anything at this stage. (We are the only volunteer organization which begins preparation for your placement before any funds are paid). It is an honor for us to do this as you have chosen GVN and the communities we serve for your volunteer work and after you have chosen to "Join Us" we will send further detail on your placement with information on how to prepare for your trip abroad, including:

  • Your Program Guide: your online resource guide that covers topics such as country information, details on your placement, travel links, visa application process and much more!
  • Your Fundraising Guide and Software: which provides you with proven fundraising strategies, letter generating software and other resources to help you raise up to 100% of the cost of your trip.
  • Video - Preparing for your Trip: join Mike in his volunteer journey, taking you step by step through the preparation process and how to make the most of your experience.
  • Access to Your Own Online Journal: which help you to communicate effectively and easily with your family and friends back home.
  • Opportunities for Preferred Pricing and Personalized Service when booking Airfares: through our travel partner AirTreks who go the extra mile to support GVN volunteers.

 

Program Package – from US$ 50 a day* ($300 Early Bird discount available)

Orphanage & Childcare, Teaching English, Occupational Therapy Programs

  • 1 week: US $1497
  • 2 weeks: US $1747
  • 3 weeks: US $1997
  • 4 weeks: US $2197
  • 6 weeks: US $2497
  • 8 weeks: US $2797

Turtle, Healthcare, Construction, Coffee Cooperative Programs

  • 1 week: US $1497 (except turtle conservation)
  • 2 weeks: US $1797
  • 3 weeks: US $2097
  • 4 weeks: US $2297
  • 6 weeks: US $2697
  • 8 weeks: US $3047

* Placements longer than 8 weeks are available, please contact us or apply online for details.

* Based on an 8 week placement

What You Get – Pre-Trip

  • All the support you need from our experienced volunteer coordinator! This include unlimited phone and email access!
  • Your Program Guide: your online resource guide that covers topics such as country information, details on your placement, travel links, visa application process and much more!
  • Your Fundraising Guide and Software: which provides you with proven fundraising strategies, letter generating software and other resources to help you raise up to 100% of the cost of your trip.
  • Video - Preparing for your Trip: join Mike in his volunteer journey, taking you step by step through the preparation process and how to make the most of your experience.
  • Access to Your Own Online Journal: which help you to communicate effectively and easily with your family and friends back home.
  • Opportunities for Preferred Pricing and Personalized Service when booking Airfares: through our travel partner AirTreks who go the extra mile to support GVN volunteers.

What You Get: While in Country

  • Accommodation: Family-stay or on reserve accommodation.
  • Meals: 3 meals daily
  • Airport pickup: On arrival date.
  • Training: In-country orientation and training.
  • Supervision: In-country staff supervision.
  • Support: Pre-departure personal support from your volunteer coordinator, 24/7 in-country support from partner, and 24hr emergency line.
  • Extra: Spanish lessons (one week), weekly Salsa lessons, internet usage at our partner's headquarters, a monthly volunteer party, and a certificate of completion from our partner organisation.

What You Get: Post-Trip

  • An opportunity to debrief and provide feedback
  • Free access to GVN Changemakers program which alerts you to future internship/job opportunities at GVN
  • A Letter of Completion in Volunteer Service

crossWhat's Not Included:

Flights, insurance, visas, vaccinations, project transportation, departure from the program.

We recommend you allow a weekly budget of US $25 for your other expenses such as bottled water, personal items, beverages, transportation, and entertainment.

Apply now for the Costa Rica Program:

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Schedule

Program Schedule

Start Date: Every Monday of each month.

Volunteers need to arrive into San Jose the Sunday before this date, in order to attend orientation the following morning.

Length: 1 week - 6 months.

Hours: volunteers will be helping for 3-4 hours at their projects each day (Monday- Friday); except Turtle project.

Please note:

Volunteers on the Turtle program can volunteer anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months. If you would like to take Spanish lessons and you are volunteering on the Turtle program, you need to arrive a week early.

The Occupational Therapy project will be closed during December 2012 and January 2013.

 

FAQ

We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions which we receive at the GVN inbox.  This is a great place to start if you have questions about Global Volunteer Network and our placement process. This information should answer the majority of questions you may have.

Tell me more about Costa Rica

Costa Rica is known as Central America’s jewel. It is a country of four million people, renowned for its diverse natural beauty; rainforests, volcanoes, beaches and lagoons. Amidst the political instability of many nations in Latin America, Costa Rica has a thriving democracy and Costa Ricans promote peace and freedom of speech.

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Tell me more about the partner organisation?

Our partner organisation was founded in Peru in 2003, with their Costa Rica office opening in 2006. In addition to international volunteer programs they also have TEFL/TESOL Certification programs in Guatemala and Costa Rica, and offer English and Spanish courses. Their aim is for volunteers to experience Costa Rica's beautiful surroundings and build their proficiency in Spanish while at the same time helping an impoverished region of the country.

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Are there holidays or festivals I should be aware of when traveling?

The country just about closes down during Semana Santa (Easter Week) and the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day tends to be an unofficial holiday, especially in San José. Various towns celebrate their own saints’ days, like San José’s Day (Saint Joseph’s Day) is March 19, while Virgin of Los Angeles Day (the patron saint of Costa Rica) is August 2. Juan Santamaría’s Day on April 11 celebrates the national hero who helped see off William Walker in 1856, and Dia de la Raza (Columbus Day) on October 12, as elsewhere in the Americas, is a national holiday.

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What age do you have to be to volunteer in this program?

To be a volunteer on the Costa Rica program with GVN you need to be at least 18 years old, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

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What kind of volunteer work is available?

Volunteers will work in turtle reserves located along Costa Rica's Pacific and Caribbean coasts, working with the endangered Olive Ridley and Leatherback (Baula) turtles. Volunteers will be working on nightly beach patrols, tagging and relocating nests to nurseries amongst other tasks. There are also opportunities to volunteer in one of our childcare, construction, teaching, healthcare and ecological zoo programs.

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When will I know specific details on the placement?

After you have joined the program, you will be sent the program guide with more details about the program and your Volunteer Coordinator will begin making arrangements for your placement. Once you’ve confirmed your placement, you’ll be put in touch with our partner organization.

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What language do I need to know to participate in the program?

Volunteers need to be able to converse in English, with basic Spanish also a requirement for the turtle program, as you will be working with local staff who speak very little English. For those volunteering in the healthcare programs, volunteers will need to have a reasonable level of Spanish. We recommend volunteers try and learn at least a little Spanish before travelling to Costa Rica, however lessons will be provided for volunteers in the first week as part of your program fees.

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How safe is it to volunteer in Costa Rica?

As in many countries, foreigners are perceived as wealthy in Costa Rica. Although the people are generally warm and friendly towards foreigners, as well as appreciative of the work done by volunteers, not every individual is the same. We work extremely hard to ensure you are placed in safe environments while volunteering and security policies are in place to achieve this. However, as in any situation at home or abroad, there is no way to erase all potential threats. Costa Rica is generally considered a very safe country, and what crime does exist tends to be opportunistic rather than violent. The main thing travelers have to worry about is pick pocketing. In downtown San José you need to be wary at all times. You should not leave anything of value in a parked car - even locked in the trunk - day or night. Volunteers will be given further safety advice in their orientation session.

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Tell me more about flying into Costa Rica.

Volunteers need to fly into San José’s Juan Santamaría international airport (SJO). You will be picked up from the airport by our partners.

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When do I need to arrive in Costa Rica?

Volunteers need to arrive the Sunday before the Monday you start your placement.

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Tell me more about the Spanish lessons

Included in your program fee, you will be given 1 week of Spanish lessons upon arrival. These last for 1-2 hours a day, and can be scheduled in around your volunteer schedule. After this, volunteers have the option of using our free Tandem Exchange with a local Costa Rican student. Volunteers will meet up with their exchange students and practise English and Spanish with each other.

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What are the living arrangements when volunteering?

Volunteers will be accommodated in a local family-stay. All families selected for this are pre-approved, and the program fees cover breakfast, lunch, and dinner from Monday through to Sunday. Most family-stays include a shared room and shared bath facilities, and many of the families have been hosting volunteers for years.

For those volunteering in the Turtle conservation program, you will be accommodated in either a local family-stay or on reserve accommodation, and you will be located on either the Pacific or Caribbean coastline, depending on the turtle season.

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Where will I be located?

The turtle placements are located on Costa Rica’s Pacific and Caribbean coasts, according to the season, at different conservation beach areas. Most projects are located close to conveniences like internet cafes and volunteers can visit nearby beach towns during their free days.

For those working on the non-turtle programs, volunteers will be based in and around San Jose.

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How do I get to the project?

You will be met at Costa Rica’s international airport and transferred to the capital San Jose, about 20 minutes away. The cost is included. You will then be taken to your accommodation ready to begin your orientation the following day.

For those volunteering on the turtle program, volunteers will spend 2 days of orientation in San Jose before boarding a public bus that takes you to your project site.

Please note: Your daily transportation to and from your project site by taxi or bus is not included in the the fees.

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How many volunteers are there on the site at the same time?

The number of volunteers varies greatly from project to project, and depends on the time of year you choose to travel. Numbers can be anywhere up to 30 volunteers at each site, however, we cannot guarantee that you will be placed with another volunteer.

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Are we able to do any sightseeing?

Volunteers will be given an orientation of tourist places when you arrive. You can travel by local buses to most of the tourist attractions. Any sightseeing will be at your own expense and days off for sightseeing can be negotiated with the partner.

Due to the isolated nature of the turtle reserves and the fact that volunteers work 6 days a week on the turtle program, we recommend that you allow yourself time to see more of Costa Rica either before or after volunteering.

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What hours am I expected to take part in the program?

Volunteers will work Monday- Friday for roughly 3-4 hours a day. For those on the turtle program, volunteers will work 6 days a week, with one free day to leave the reserve. Depending on the season, volunteers may work night and day, doing shifts of 2-4 hours and then resting. The hours of work can vary due to the nature of the program. Days off are negotiable with the director of the project.

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What is the course content of the training/orientation session?

The welcome pack contains the following information: safety in Costa Rica, travelling around, registration with the Embassy (if required), culture shock, what it means to volunteer in conservation, rules of the National Park, work involved in turtle conservation, revision of the code of conduct or termination of contract, and what to do in case of a natural disaster. On arrival to the turtle reserve you will be given a more detailed orientation about the work required by a park ranger.

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How do I pay my fees?

Your program fee is payable to Global Volunteer Network 10 weeks prior to the 1st of the month you wish to volunteer.  Please note, your placement is not confirmed (ie secured) until your program fee has been received.  Please note that all charges incurred by the payment of the program fee are at the volunteer’s expense, e.g. if a bank transfer incurs a bank fee at the point of origin, that is at the expense of the volunteer. Seventy percent (70%) of the program fee is refundable until two calendar months before the 1st of the month you are due to begin your program. For example a volunteer with 15 July 2012 as their start date would need to submit their refund request form by the last day of April 2012 to be eligible for a refund. Refer to GVN's legal terms of service for full details.

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What clothing is appropriate for the program?

Dress needs to be conservative, and light loose clothing is advisable as it is most comfortable in the heat.  For those working on the turtle program, it is best to wear clothes that will cover and protect you from the sun and mosquitoes. Bring very light cotton clothes because it could be very wet. Dark clothing is also required, as you’ll often be working at night.

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Are there any more expenses when I arrive?

You need extra money to travel locally if you wish to. You may also need to cater for other expenses like bottled water, personal costs, beverages, and entertainment. Please note: Your daily transportation to and from your project site by taxi or bus is not included in the fees.

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Do I need an entry visa (and how do I obtain this)?

Depending on your nationality and length of stay you may not need a visa to travel to Costa Rica. You will need to contact your nearest Costa Rican Embassy to find out the requirements.

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Is there any time of year when I can’t volunteer?

No, the program is open all year round.

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What is the climate like in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica has a tropical climate, and temperature really depends on the altitude. It has distinctive dry and wet seasons.

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What immunizations/vaccines will I need?

There are no required vaccines for Costa Rica, but we advise volunteers to get immunized against Typhoid, Cholera, Hepatitis A & B, booster doses for tetanus, polio and measles. Volunteers also need to take anti malarials and protect themselves from mosquito bites - as Malaria and Dengue Fever is present. Some of these can be taken in oral form so please do discuss all options with your doctor to see what is best for you.

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Can I bring my family/children to this program with me?

It may be appropriate to bring children with you for this project, and this will be considered on a case by case basis. It is fine to volunteer as a couple.

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How does GVN choose volunteers for this program?

Each GVN program has different criteria depending on our partner's requirements. Every application is reviewed to ensure that the minimum requirements (as set out on the program page) are met. Next we look to see what skills or experience you have that relate specifically to the program. We are also interested in any previous volunteer experience you may have (either local or international), travel experience, and your particular interest in the program.

After reviewing your application, should we require any further information from you, we will email you to request this.

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Do I have to be from New Zealand to volunteer through the Global Volunteer Network?

No, our volunteers come from all around the world.

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Can vegetarians be catered for in this program?

We are able to provide vegetarian food - please indicate on your application form if you would like this. You may need to supplement your diet with some snacks.

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Who organizes my visa for my volunteer placement?

You do, if you need one. Our program guide has links to Costa Rican Embassies throughout the world.

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Do I need travel insurance?

All GVN Volunteers must have insurance. You are free to take out insurance cover through any provider of your choice. However, as some policies do not cover volunteering, we recommend you check you are covered during your volunteer placement.

For your convenience we have arranged a comprehensive package specially designed for volunteering. It includes excellent medical and accident coverage as well as “loss of deposits” cover which covers fees paid to GVN, airlines etc. If you would like to learn more just follow this link: http://www.globalvolunteernetwork.org/insurance/

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Volunteer Diaries

La playa secreta

Sunday, May 19th, 2013

Today Rebecca, Katya, Carlos, Freddy and I took a trip to San Juanillo to pick up a kilo of camarones and check out the segunda secreta playa. We stopped in at the supermercado in Nosara for picnic supplies, and at Carlos’  for hammocks (the guy is a BYO hammock obsessive- he really likes lying down). [click here to read more]

Click here to read the full blog entry

Slack lining

Sunday, May 19th, 2013

Our new volunteer Rebecca is a super keen yoga enthusiast. An extension of her practice is slack lining. It’s kind of like walking on a tightrope but the line can be put up anywhere and has a bit of bounce in it. The idea is that you get balance and core-strength, and eventually you can [click here to read more]

Click here to read the full blog entry

Thursday 16th April

Thursday, May 16th, 2013

So that is it then my time volunteering has come to an end! I returned from Ostional this afternoon after a bus journey which should of taken about 3 hours and instead took 6! I decided to return a day early so that I wouldn’t be rushing about tomorrow getting ready to leave first thing [click here to read more]

Click here to read the full blog entry

Please visit journals.globalvolunteernetwork.org for more journals and feedback from past volunteers

How to Apply

Program Requirements

As a volunteer in Costa Rica you must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Have no major health problems
  • A reasonable level of fitness is required for the Turtle and Construction programs
  • A medical qualification may be required for the Healthcare program
  • Basic Spanish for the Turtle and Coffee programs, intermediate Spanish for Healthcare program
  • Obtain a satisfactory police check from your home country prior to volunteering

Volunteer Feedback

My experience in Costa Rica with the various projects that I participated in was a memorable one.  I felt that I was constantly surrounded by marvelous and diverse people.  Working with turtles is an experience that has changed my life and opened my eyes to their wondrous world. Costa Rica is full of beauty and it was an awesome experience to be able to live there and work toward preserving the nature and wildlife.  Being able to live in National parks and work there was a humbling opportunity.  I am forever grateful for this opportunity! I hope to be able to return and volunteer again in the future.

Faith

Everything has been great here in Montezuma! Our main focus these last few weeks has been building a new hatchery here for the turtles on the coast, which we have almost finished! We have also been clearing trails, building bridges, and repairing systems for our new volunteer camp. It really is SO beautiful here and we absolutely love Montezuma as well. We went on a little trip to Arenal/Monteverde/and Tamarindo this last week and that was great, but for now we're back at our refuge volunteering. Thank you for checking in with us, we're having a wonderful time!

- Hayley

First off I would like so say THANK YOU so much for everything you did!!! you made moving from project to project simple and easy!! So thank you! you made my trip perfect!

As for the projects themselves! I have heard horrible things about other organizations but I will honestly say that GVN is organized and well prepared! There is always someone to contact and answer questions!

The in water turtles project was unreal! It’s an experience every volunteer should do! It opened up my eyes to a lot! Not just the project but the environment and community offered some amazing experiences too!

It would be wonderful to be able to do it again! I would definitely go through GVN and recommend it to friends! thanks again for everything!!!!!

- Emily

Everything here is fantastic! I dont want to leave!!! We have caught so many turtles and seen so many babies hatch! The whole place is beautiful and having a really great time!

- Claire

So far I have helped about 350 baby turtles and I love Costa Rica. The Ticos are beautiful people the work here is good and so are the people in charge.   I am going to have a lot to remember when I go home about the pura vida.  Thanks so much for allowing me to share in this experience.

- Rachel

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