Costa Rica’s renowned biodiversity, laid-back culture, and breathtaking landscapes make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Latin America. Costa Rica is home to 5% of the world’s biodiversity, while occupying only 0.25% of the world’s landmass. The Costa Rican people have a well-deserved reputation for being friendly, fun-loving, and welcoming to foreigners.
Despite its natural beauty and wonderful people, Costa Rica experiences problems affecting many Latin American countries. Many nonprofit organizations working to improve conditions in local Costa Rican communities lack funding and volunteer support. With eco-tourism ranking as Costa Rica’s main industry, education and environmental conservation are essential to ensuring a bright future for the Costa Rican people.
ABOUT ATENAS
World Endeavors volunteers live in Atenas, a small, relatively prosperous farming town in the central highlands of Costa Rica where coffee, sugarcane, and fruit are grown. Life here revolves around family and community, and the nightlife consists mostly of family gatherings, barbecues, and shared meals. Local residents can often be found browsing the colorful farmer’s market for fresh produce, enjoying a cup of local coffee at a café, or strolling in the park at the center of the city. Atenas is renowned for its climate, which keeps the city warm in the daytime and cool at night. Public pools and hiking trails make Atenas an appealing destination for those who wish to spend time outdoors, and the town’s location, less than an hour from the capital of San José and the international airport, makes it easily accessible for arriving volunteers.
Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older, though exceptions to this age requirement may be made on a case-by-case basis. Successful volunteers are hardworking, flexible, and open to truly immersing themselves in the culture. Keep in mind that all countries have different visa restrictions for varying types of passports.
Tara is from Houston, Texas and volunteered in Costa Rica. As a volunteer, Tara had the opportunity to work in a school and teach local children.
“This is a once in a life time opportunity, really very few people get to immerse themselves in another culture like this. Eat new foods, dance new dances, embrace Tico time, greet everyone with a kiss, get to know your families, your coworkers, the kids, and you’ll have such a fulfilling experience. Time flies so enjoy every minute!”
- Kari, Volunteer in Costa Rica
World Endeavors volunteers in Costa Rica can contribute to the following projects:
World Endeavors Childcare Assistance volunteer program helps Costa Rican children to overcome challenges and build a positive future.
World Endeavors Community Development volunteers in Costa Rica work to strengthen their host community by addressing some of its most pressing needs and sharing their skills and compassion with the people they meet
World Endeavors Eldercare volunteers help in care facilities and other locations including senior centers, spending time with residents and assisting staff.
Volunteers work with nonprofit organizations on a variety of initiatives that focus on conservation and sustainable development.
This project has additional fees.
World Endeavors Healthcare volunteers in Costa Rica help at health clinics or residential care facilities serving the local community. Opportunities to gain experience in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy are also available.
This project has additional fees.
World Endeavors Special Education volunteers in Costa Rica make a difference in the lives of children and adults with mental disabilities.
World Endeavors Sustainable Agriculture volunteers in Costa Rica help at a local, award-winning coffee cooperative located in one of the most beautiful mountain regions of Central America.
Teaching volunteers often begin their volunteer placements as classroom assistants in English classes, helping local teachers with lessons and assisting students with assignments.
World Endeavors Wildlife Conservation volunteers assist with a variety of projects including sea turtle and land turtle
conservation projects.
This project has additional fees.
World Endeavors interns in Costa Rica live with local host families in Atenas in either single or shared rooms with shared bathrooms. They enjoy home-cooked Costa Rican food with their host families. Interns in certain fields, such as environmental conservation, may live in shared accommodations or lodges onsite at their project depending on location.
The World Endeavors Volunteer in Costa Rica program is flexible in duration and can be tailored to last between 1 to 12 weeks. If you have the time, we recommend a stay of at least 4 weeks. Admissions are rolling, and World Endeavors volunteers can choose when they would like to start their program. Due to holidays, traditional vacation schedules, and seasonal work availability, there might be better times than others to volunteer at a specific location or in a specific project.
When you are ready to start planning your volunteer trip to Costa Rica, contact us. Our experienced advisors will help you sort through any timing considerations unique to your destination or your volunteer project.
Please wait until after you are accepted into the program and you have received the confirmed arrival and departure dates before you book your flight.
| Program Name | First Week | Each Additional Week |
|---|---|---|
| Volunteer In Costa Rica | $2,085 | $300 |
INCLUDED FEATURES
- Program Advisor: dedicated, experienced, and accessible for one-on-one guidance
- Local Onsite Coordinator with 24/7 availability; pre and post arrival orientation
- Visa guidance and support
- Comprehensive travel medical insurance
- Travel Protection with 24/7 Emergency Travel Assistance
- Re-entry Support
- Airport reception
- Home stay accommodations with 3 meals per day
OTHER BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS
- Round-trip transportation to Costa Rica
- Visa expenses
- Optional trips and excursions
- Personal expenses
Congratulations on your decision to embark on a life-changing experience abroad! We look forward to working with you to make your trip a memorable, meaningful one. We can accommodate applications received 4 weeks prior to the intended start date up to a year in advance. If your intended start date is less than 4 weeks away, contact World Endeavors for more information.
