share
Volunteering Projects in Costa Rica
You can become involved in a variety of community and conservation projects in Costa Rica. With such a variety of projects this program has something to suit everyone.
You have the opportunity to contribute to turtle conservation, orphanage, teaching, construction, healthcare, and agricultural projects.
Costa Rica is one of the most exotic places on earth, offering unrivalled natural beauty, active volcanoes, rainforests and a wide range of national parks and eco-tourism opportunities.
The Projects
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Gallery
Video
About 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, or during weekend 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
Application Fee – US $97
Your application fee is fully transferable and will secure your place on the Costa Rica program, (or any other GVN program of your choice), at a placement date that is suitable to you.*
 |
*Your application fee provides you with access to any of GVN's volunteer programs over the next 5 years, as many times as you like without having to pay another application fee! |
Children under 18 are not required to pay the application fee when volunteering together with a parent/guardian. (Except for participants in our Youth Tour program who are required to pay a US$97 application fee.)
Program Fee – from US$ 45 a day*
Orphanage & Childcare, Teaching English Programs
- 1 week: US $1397
- 2 weeks: US $1597
- 3 weeks: US $1797
- 4 weeks: US $1997
- 6 weeks: US $2297
- 8 weeks: US $2547
Turtle, Healthcare, Construction, Coffee Cooperative Programs
- 1 week: US $1447 (except turtle conservation)
- 2 weeks: US $1697
- 3 weeks: US $1947
- 4 weeks: US $2197
- 6 weeks: US $2497
- 8 weeks: US $2847
* Placements longer than 8 weeks are available, please contact us or apply online for details.
* Based on an 8 week placement
What’s included:
| Accommodation: | Family-stay or on reserve accommodation. | |
| Meals: | 3 meals daily. | |
| Airport pickup: |
|
|
| 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. |
Additional Benefits:
- A Quality Volunteer Placement
Dedicated staff with the sole focus of facilitating the placement of volunteers, reviewing and improving programs and supporting the work of our partners. -
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! - Fundraising guide
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. - Personal online journal
Which help you to communicate effectively and easily with your family and friends back home. - Access to a non-profit:
Contribute to the ongoing support of the charitable + educational work of community organisations.
What’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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
When will I know specific details on the placement?
After you pay your application fee, you’ll be put in touch with our partner, and will be sent the program guide with more details about the program.
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.
How safe is it to volunteer in Costa Rica?
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.
When do I need to arrive in Costa Rica?
Volunteers need to arrive the Sunday before the Monday you start your placement.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How many volunteers are there on the site at the same time?
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.
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.
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.
How do I pay my fees?
Your application fee secures your place on the program (remember this is fully transferable to a later date or different program if you decide not to take part in the program, subject to the terms of service). Your program fee is payable to Global Volunteer Network 12 weeks prior to the 1st of the month you wish to volunteer. 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. Eighty percent (80%) of your program fee is refundable until one calendar month before the 1st of the month you are due to begin your program. Refer to GVN's legal terms of service for full details.
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.
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.
Do I need an entry visa (and how do I obtain this)?
Is there any time of year when I can’t volunteer?
No, the program is open all year round.
What is the climate like in Costa Rica?
What immunizations/vaccines will I need?
Can I bring my family/children to this program with me?
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.
Do I have to be from New Zealand to volunteer through the Global Volunteer Network?
No, our volunteers come from all around the world.
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.
Who organizes my visa for my volunteer placement?
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/
Volunteer Diaries
Mission accomplished!
Monday, August 17th, 2009
It has been two days since my return back home…and yet I still feel the ripples of my previous adventure. I’d like to take this time to reflect on the series of events, as a reminder. Perhaps I can also offer suggestions for future volunteers. My last night, last patrol to Playa Blanca was the [click here to read more]
solitude and kindness of strangers
Monday, August 10th, 2009
There is much to say about solitude. Spending sometime alone allows for realization: what you want, what you have been putting up with and what you absolutely cannot live without! Like baby wipes, for example! lol Seriously, I am grateful to have met such a diverse group of people (biologist, marine biologist, geologist, bankers, physicist, [click here to read more]
My new fave town
Saturday, August 08th, 2009
Puerto Viejo is my fave town and hanging with new friends is awesome. Night patrols, censos and hatchery patrolling is quite interesting. None like no other. Will keep you posted next time.
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 program, intermediate Spanish for Healthcare program
The Application Process
Your application process is free and seamless, and if you are successful we will provide you with a choice of application fee payment options that include a secure online service. We also are one of the few organisations that allow you to transfer your application fee to another program at no extra cost.
Communication & Support:
Throughout the process, we are committed to working with you to answer any of your questions or concerns. During your placement we are also available as a form of support to you as a volunteer and will email you while in country to discuss how the program is going.
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
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
Costa Rica is great! My first day at the hatchery training, about 70 baby turtles hatched and were released later in the early evening. My first night of hatchery watch, we released 23 more baby turtles at night underneath the stars. I’ve been on two night beach patrols to collect eggs that have been laid, but did not come across any.
Aside from these duties, we clean house everyday and tend to the maintenance of our lot, including replacing sandbags around the hatchery and repairing the bamboo fence in front of our common area. We do get a few hours of free time here and there and is perfect for taking a dip in the ocean and relaxing on the beach. I am enjoying my stay thus far.
- Lee
Articles
Rescuing Turtles in Costa Rica
This article will be published in Nature Landings Isabelle Pury, a Swiss citizen, saw Costa Rica by sunset, sunrise and, mostly, by moonlight. During the day, she was resting. But she wasn’t a weary traveler; she had come to Costa Rica to work. Isabelle volunteered through the...
News From Costa Rica
Application Form
Why Volunteer
At GVN we align with the idea of 'local solutions to local problems', so we work with local community organisations in each country. What this means for our volunteers is that they receive a unique and genuine cultural experience whilst being immersed in a local community.
If you're
- Graduating from school and not sure which direction to take, or you're not ready to jump into full-time employment just yet;
- Ready for a Career Break;
- An 'empty nester';
- Retired;
- Or ready for a change or new adventure
Volunteering abroad could be the very thing for YOU!
If you're looking for something worthwhile to do volunteering will give you the opportunity to travel whilst making a difference in the community you are based in.
Did you know taking a Gap Year can improve your college admission chances and success rate during your studies?
"Harvard College encourages admitted students to defer enrolment for one year to travel, pursue a special project or activity, work, or spend time in another meaningful way" – Harvard College Office of Admissions, 2010.
International volunteering is a great way to gain experience living in a developing country, learning about another culture and experiencing a different way of life. It is a fantastic way to grow as a person, to develop life skills, self-confidence and self-esteem, and is a tool for self discovery and identity formation.
Other personal benefits include, developing international friendships and networks, social awareness, and building independence.
Volunteering can increase your employability, help you to gain valuable work experience and enhance your CV/resume.
"Going to a foreign country for a volunteer experience is a huge boost on a resume. Employers love to see a person that can think outside the box and work past their comfort zone. The added benefits of teamwork, foreign language knowledge, and plain old hard work also add polish to the volunteer candidate. Since business now happens on a global scale, the volunteer is armed with useful, and potentially actionable, information." – USA Today, 2010.
Reputable Charity
The Global Volunteer Network (GVN) is a New Zealand Charitable Trust (non-profit NGO) based in Wellington, New Zealand. Our Charitable incorporation number is: CC46460. GVN has been verified and approved by Idealist (the largest volunteer portal on the internet. GVN is also a member of the World Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (WANGO), and our ‘sister’ organization the GVN Foundation has been granted special consultative status on the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Prestigious web sites such as Lonely Planet and Goabroad.com have placed web links to us. Additionally, when you apply, we can provide you with contact information for previous volunteers if you wish. GVN is also an approved member of the Site Trust Network and you can view our verification page.
Recommended by Bill Gates
Bill Gates personally recommended GVN by stating "I'd love to see more young people taking action to help the poor and disadvantaged. Two places to get started are Network for Good and Global Volunteer Network." Newsweek Web
Proven Track Record
To give you peace of mind, GVN has over eight years experience and has placed 13,500+ volunteers since 2002. Read volunteer's journals and testimonials or speak to a returned volunteer directly about their experience abroad through GVN.
Volunteer Support
GVN’s specialist staff provide personal support to volunteers, assisting not only with preparation for your placement, but whilst in-country, and follow-up on return home. GVN provides comprehensive Program Guides, project resources (eg teaching resources).
Community Focussed
GVN aligns with the idea of 'local solutions to local problems', therefore we work with local community organisations in each country. We believe that local communities are in the best position to determine their needs, and we provide volunteers to help them achieve their goals.
Recommended by CNN
CNN listed the Global Volunteer Network as one of 10 organizations that can help you to make a positive impact on the world around you. CNN encourages you to visit our website to get more details on how you too can Be The Change.
Personal Security
GVN offer an insurance package tailored specifically for volunteers. Partner’s staff are always available (24hr/7days), along with this GVN also has a 24hr/7day emergency hotline.
Kenya. 
Vietnam. 
Peru. 
Nepal. 
