volunteer in costa rica

World Endeavors offers an exciting program that allows participants to experience Costa Rica in a meaningful way while contributing to its future. Volunteer and study Spanish with World Endeavors in the mountains of Costa Rica. Choose from teaching, orphanage assistance, environmental conservation, wildlife conservation, and community development projects.

Costa Rica's vibrant culture, amazing biodiversity, and breathtaking landscapes make it one of the ideal destinations in Latin America. This small Central American country of 3.5 million human inhabitants is also home to 5% of the world's biodiversity. Visiting the ticos or native people living in rural farming communities gives one the feeling of going back in time.

Despite its beauty and wonderful people, Costa Rica still experiences the problems of many Latin American countries. Non-profit support is lacking and volunteers are needed. Also, with tourism ranking as Costa Rica's main industry, English education and environment conservation are essential.

Most of our programs are centered in the town of Atenas in the Alajuela region of Costa Rica. Atenas is a quaint town located in the central highlands roughly 45 minutes from the capital city of San Jose. The town of about 5,000 is made up of many surrounding communities that base their livelihood on growing coffee, oranges and mangos. Costa Rican history, tradition and culture are deeply rooted here. Atenas is very clean and picturesque with a laid-back atmosphere.

Orientation:

Upon arrival in Costa Rica, volunteers are met at the airport and taken to their host family's home in Atenas. They will receive an orientation that will familiarize them with the town and the surrounding area, the Costa Rican culture, and their program. 15 hours (2 weeks) of Spanish language instruction is included for all programs of 4 weeks or longer.

Once the placement begins, participants will receive an additional mini-orientation at the project site that focuses on project opportunities and responsibilities.

Spanish Language Training
For all placements of 4 weeks or longer, volunteers will receive 15 hours of Spanish language training during the first two weeks in Costa Rica. Classes are taught by experienced instructors and certified teachers with an average of 25 years of teaching experience.

Cultural Activities
As part of each placement, volunteers will have the opportunity to experience Costa Rican culture in a unique way through two cultural classes. One class focuses on the art of Costa Rican cuisine. Volunteers work together to prepare traditional Costa Rican dishes in a local home. The other class focuses on Latin dance. Volunteers will have the opportunity to experience the spirited Costa Rican culture through music and movement.

Optional Excursions*
Participants will have the option to enjoy the natural beauty of Costa Rica through guided excursions. These excursions are day trips and guided by the local staff. Excursions include a beach visit, volcano trip, theater performance at the National Theater in San Jose, museum tour and tour of San Jose, and national park visits. Details about current excursions are available to volunteers after arrival in Costa Rica.
*not included

Teaching Children
Volunteers help shape young lives in Costa Rica by sharing their English skills and teaching talents. They teach English along with many other subjects to elementary school children from 5-12 years of age. During the first week of classes, volunteers will shadow a local teacher to become familiar with the school, the children, and the curriculum. If the volunteer is ready at the beginning of the second week, he or she may begin teaching independently.

Orphanage Assistance
Orphans are deprived of many opportunities necessary for their development. Through education and compassion, children are empowered to challenge a life of further poverty and exploitation. Volunteers focus on educational training which consists primarily of English language classes. Volunteers' active participation in programs such as health education, games, drawing, and painting is encouraged. With such a variety of ways to participate, the orphanage experience provides volunteers many meaningful ways to approach service.

Environmental Conservation
Costa Rica, despite its small size, is one of the most biologically diverse places on earth. Yet environmental degradation is a major threat to this unique and fragile place. Problems such as loss of bio-diversity, deforestation, desertification, soil erosion, over-fishing, and pollution are significant. Environmental conservation projects address these issues directly through community education and collaboration.

Wildlife Conservation
The loss of natural habitats along with human population growth has put increased pressure on wildlife in Costa Rica. One project in particular focuses on rescue and rehabilitation of parrots, macaws, and other native tropical birds. Another project allows volunteers to work on a sea turtle conservation project.

Community Development
Volunteers will assist local communities in Costa Rica with projects that focus on community development. Activities may include home or school renovation or may involve efforts to support sustainable eco-tourism in rural areas.

Cost and Dates :

Duration	2 weeks	3 weeks	4 weeks	5 weeks	6 weeks	7 weeks	8 weeks	12 weeks
Costs	$1,455.00	$1,575.00	$1,895.00	$2,005.00	$2,130.00	$2,270.00	$2,375.00	$2,877.00

Programs generally start on Monday of each week. Participants can choose when they would like to start and the duration of their volunteer program. A typical program ranges from 4 to 6 weeks. Check with World Endeavors for alternate dates or durations.

We encourage volunteers to apply as far in advance as possible. Generally it is best to submit your application at least 12 weeks prior to your intended start date, but exceptions can be made if the volunteer is willing to work with World Endeavors to expedite the enrollment process. To submit an application, download the application found on the sidebar of this page.

Placement availability may be limited during the Christmas holidays or Easter week, as Costa Ricans generally go on vacation at these times. In addition, placements in schools are generally not available (although alternate arrangements can be made) from about December 22nd until the beginning of February, and for the first two weeks in July.

Cost Includes:

Home stay accommodations
3 meals per day
On-site orientation
Travel medical insurance
Cell phone rental
Pre-departure handbook and pre-trip guidance
English speaking representative in-country for your assistance
2 weeks of Spanish language training (for programs 4 weeks and longer)
Cultural activities (cooking class; dance class)
Volunteer placement
24/7 emergency phone support

Orphanage Assistance in Costa Rica

Environmental Conservation in Costa Rica

Wildlife Conservation in Costa Rica

Teaching Children in Costa Rica

Internships in Costa Rica