Boomers Abroad

Highlights

Work on the farm will include construction, feeding the animals, planting seeds, soil conservation, maintenance of medical plants, using and producing organic fertilizer, maintaining the spring-water wells, and harvesting crops. Each morning you will find a whiteboard with the day's tasks, which will be assigned by the project leader. The work is at times challenging, but volunteers have invariably found it stimulating and rewarding.

There are several projects which you can work on, including:

* Soil remediation. The pasture area on the farm is heavily degraded, with little natural vegetation and substantial areas of bare soil. Unwanted grass species currently there will need to be removed, the soil prepared for grass plugs (lots of digging), and then the plugs will need to be planted by hand. Volunteers also sow seeds in patches of soil where plants don't already grow.

* Medicinal herb plot. There is currently a medicinal herb plot with approximately 75 plants, for the production of natural shampoos, insect repellents, and herbal remedies. This is a labour-intensive job requiring grass removal from the new lot, soil preparation, and transplanting herbs by hand. In the future we plan to harvest, prune, fertilize and process the plants for local consumption. You can also help process plants for the production of tea leaves, using a wood mill constructed on the farm. Volunteers will also help with the construction of a solar dryer to gauge the ideal temperature to dry medicinal plants.

* Terrace construction and maintenance. The farm maintains a terrace system on the land in order to slow erosion and prevent soil loss. There is a need for more terraces to be built, as well as some renovation of the older terraces. You can also participate is the preservation of the terraces, from raking leaves to moving loose soil.

* Vegetable plot. You will learn how to plant and cultivate a variety of vegetables organically, including tomatoes, beans, lettuce, radishes, chilis, and cilantro. This part of the project will also tie in with compost production, for which the farm uses California Red Worms.

* Biogas production. The farm currently cooks using propane and wood as fuels. The energy source we favour the most, however, and the one that the farm is building towards, is natural biogas (methane). As you undertake this project, you will have a chance to learn about an alternative energy source and how it works.

* Frog pond. There is a worldwide decline in amphibians, one of the major causes of which is the decimation of wetland areas. As such, a frog pond, stocked with natural plants and native frog species, has recently been dug.

* Fish Pond. To get some protein on the menu, we are growing "Tilapia fish". The fish are also sold at the local market, adding extra income to the farm. Not to mention that the pond adds greatly to the beauty of the farm.

* Bio-intensive production. We are increasingly using an agricultural method called "Bio-intensive" production, in which holes are dug and filled with decomposing organic materials, in which crops (mainly fruit trees) are planted. The decomposing organic matter serves as a powerful fertilizer and is more easily penetrable by plant and tree roots, leading to maximized output.

* Cabins for volunteers and visitors. To accommodate for the growing number of visitors to the farm, plans are afoot to construct more wood cabins close to the neighboring forest, providing an ideal spot for volunteers and nature enthusiasts alike. You will therefore be involved in its construction, cutting wood, painting, mixing cement, digging and decorating.

* Butterfly Museum. We are currently in the early developmental stages of creating a butterfly museum. The butterfly house will educate visitors on the life cycle of butterflies while raising and nurturing these magnificent specimens on sight. This is an amazing educational tool for both kids and adults.

Other tasks may arise depending on the farm's needs. The schedule of work is very flexible; depending on the tasks being performed and weather conditions.

Qualifications

This placement is designed for those that are serious about learning more about sustainable farming techniques and sustainable development in general. It is specifically designed to help you further you career. Only serious, enthusiastic people need apply.

* Min age 18 - Max age 30 (flexible depending on physical ability)
* Able to work in hot jungle climate
* Good physical fitness
* Motivation to work with animals and plants
* Basic English or Spanish (lessons available)
* Full travel & medical insurance
* Necessary vaccinations
* Necessary flights and visas

Intern Types

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

30 USD Project Fee per day + 249 GBP Placement Fee

Cost Include Description:

Includes 3 meals and accommodation.

Credit Available

yes

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Age Range

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participant. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel to Costa Rica

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

Post Services Include

• Job and Internship Network

Global Nomadic Ltd's Mission Statement

Global Nomadic hosts a variety of projects and internships around the world, specially chosen for their ability to enhance career prospects in unique and diverse areas. We seek to specialise in serious placements, catering for those looking to get a foot in the door to the career they aspire to. We put you directly in touch with the project provider, offering a complete and ethical service.

Year Founded

2009