Boomers Abroad

Highlights

Volunteering Abroad in Escazu, Costa Rica: The Central Valley of Costa Rica is considered the heart of the country. It is here, in the green highlands, where almost 60% of the country's population live. In the surrounding suburbs, immersed in the mountains are neighborhoods of the original colonial villages.

Escazu is a suburban area on the west side of the national capital city of San Jose. The name "Escazú" derives from the indigenous word "Izt-kat-zu", which means "resting stone". Escazu's climate is tropical, averaging about 75-80º F year-round.

Escazu is a quiet, mountain side setting and a colonial town located in the mountains. The town is spread out over looking San Jose and Heredia, and is made up of joining neighborhoods; San Antonio de Escazu, Escazu Centro and San Rafael de Escazu. Many of our programs are located in the village towns and rural areas surrounding the town of Escazu.

Escazu still retains its local flavor and small town feel. You can feel the laid back Tico lifestyle at the Escazu Centro and see its small narrow streets, and tight knit community where the locals are generous and easy going. Within close proximity to the host families are small shops, banks and eateries and local transport (bus or taxi) to downtown San Jose.

The wonderful climate and the hospitable people make Costa Rica a wonderful place to live and volunteer. Our programs provide you the chance to discover the wonders of the Central America, while doing meaningful and rewarding community service work. This is a great opportunity to explore life in Costa Rica, live and work amongst the locals and realize one person can make a difference.

We offer the following programs in Costa Rica:

Program Length: From 1 to 12 weeks
Program Date: Specified below
Work Schedule: 6-8 hour per day, local transportation required. (not included)
Accommodations: Host family
Meals: Yes, 3 meals a day
Requirements: 18 years or older, basic conversational Spanish

* To be successful volunteering with a local NGO you need to be able to motivate yourself. Regardless of the country and program, to get the most out of your time abroad you need to quickly get to know the placement.

Find out where you can be of the most help and jump right in. Sometimes you might be the only person working on your particular project. You will have to decide what to do and how to do it. While our ABV Directors and local staff are a great resource for getting ideas and talking about your plans, you shouldn't be surprised when they leave the big decisions up to you. Successful ABV Volunteers all have one thing in common: they take advantage of this freedom to design really excellent projects or manage existing ones and are capable of working hard without a great deal of supervision.

Qualifications

* Proactive - Jump in and maintain a positive attitude.
* Patient - Life in your host country moves slower than one might be used to. Relax and enjoy the slow pace. Remember, not everything is as organized and predictable as life in the US or UK.
* Flexible - Plans change, roads get flooded, and electricity goes out. Realize that not everything goes as planned, but good intention is always there.
* Considerate - Respect those around you and be a reliable worker at the program site. Tell your host family if you will be late. Advise the Project Coordinator if you are sick and can not work.
* Respectful - Remember that the local people you are working with, side by side, do so with little or no salary. They do this work because they believe in it. There are times when you may not agree with or understand the organizations decisions or direction. Although your suggestions are always welcome, your faith, respect and consideration for their long term work and commitment is appreciated.
* Friendly - In order to truly help someone you must get to know them. Do not be afraid to make friends with the local people. Smile, wave and see how fast you are welcomed into the community.
* Tolerant - The food, the culture, the smells and the sounds will be unfamiliar to you at first. We recommend that you dive in and experience life head-on. You will be surprised at how quickly you will adapt.

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

925 - Check Website for updates

Cost Include Description:

- Pre-departure Orientation Guide. Includes detailed travel, safety and cultural information and many tips that will make your trip planning easier.
- Detailed Fundraising Guide that will help you raise the funds needed to travel, as well as provide donations to the project. Ask us about a Widget
- Accommodations: Home stay, shared volunteer residence, guesthouses. Safe, clean, comfortable local housing, inspected by our local coordinators.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Special meals at request.
- Airport meet and greet by our ABV project coordinator (At any time, any day!)
- First night hotel accommodation *some programs
- Guidance and support of a local project coordinator, 24/7 in case of emergency
- Orientation/city briefing on arrival by our ABV project coordinator.
- Placement in a quality project, allowing you to maximize your time and efforts in a good cause.
- Transportation to project site with our ABV project coordinator. Includes introduction to local staff and community members with whom you will be working with.
- Volunteer Program: Half day (4 hours only) Spanish refresher Lesson. Part of volunteer orientation on arrival. (*Some countries)
- Departure transfer by our ABV project coordinator.
- A Feedback page on our ABV website with pictures of your trip.
- The Presidents Volunteer Service Award lapel pin (Bronze, Silver or Gold)
- Personalized Presidents Volunteer Service Award certificate of achievement.
- Letter of completion from A Broader View Volunteers Corp -- By request, A Letter of Recommendation provided by the local organization detailing the activities developed by the volunteer during his or her stay.
- Language and Immersion Programs: include 20 hours a week of Spanish Lessons. Refer to the specific country/city page for more details and cost (this is not included in the general volunteer program). Make sure we offer this program in that country.

Credit Available

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

This Program is open to

American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi Participant.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel to Costa Rica

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Resume

Typically The Application Process Time is

A Broader View Volunteers Corp's Mission Statement

Decided to create an affordable, safe and worthy program so that anyone who wished to travel and volunteer - could easily afford to do so.

Year Founded

2007