Program Photos

Conservation and Environmental Volunteer Projects in Costa Rica

Location: Costa Rica: Heredia

Program Duration: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks

Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks

Dates: Throughout the year

International Volunteers

http://www.internationalvolunteers.org

IntVol - 2828 N. Speer Blvd. Suite 230 Denver, CO 80211 United States

Call Us

Phone: 303-282-4815

Fax: 303-857-5445

Download the Application Form
Description

Volunteer abroad in Costa Rica. Volunteer with Environmental projects in Costa Rica and contribute to sustaining Costa Rica's natural wonders. With over 25% of the country's total land area set aside in national parks and preserves and a booming low-impact tourism industry, Costa Rica Stands as as a beacon for others to follow, but the work is not over. There are still many environmental issues that the nation is wrestling with: endangered species, corridor preservation and restoration, rare ecosystem conservation, and others. Many communities have begun to understand the potential for economic development that comes with carefully planned conservation projects. Volunteers working with these projects can complete a wide variety of projects in collaboration with Costa Rica's national park system, eco-communities or ongoing sea turtle preservation projects. Volunteers may help with tasks such as trail maintenance, wildlife monitoring, educational campaigns, clean up efforts and more. The day to day activities of a volunteer will vary depending on the needs of the organization as well as the specific interests and skills of the volunteer. International volunteers are out to make a difference, and it is important to keep perspective on your ability and the big picture. Volunteers provide steps toward larger goals. Sometimes in can be difficult to keep that in mind when you see how much work needs to be done. Don't be overwhelmed, the impression that you leave behind is immeasurable. The most successful volunteers are flexible and able to adapt the daily activities to the given day--remember each day is different!

Highlights

Costa Rica has something for almost every traveler, from surfing and scuba diving, to hiking and exploring the interior. The terrain and ecosystems are incredibly varied and home to 6% of the Earth's biodiversity. Mountains rise from the Pacific ocean and Caribbean Sea to form the spine of Costa Rica and define hundreds of microclimates. Over 25% of the country is protected in an extensive national park and preserve system. The military was outlawed after the civil war in 1948. The absence of a military over the past 60 years has created a pacifist attitude which carries over into almost all aspects of life. Ticos (Costa Ricans) are known for being friendly, polite almost to a fault and warm.

Qualifications

These programs require a minimum 4 week time commitment. Since these programs are located away from our partner agency, all volunteers will spend the first week in Barrio Jesus, where they will take Spanish classes and get to know our in-country coordinator and staff. After the first week, volunteers go to their assigned placement.

Languages
  • English

Cost in US$:

Varies by duration. Contact us for details.

Cost Include Description:

* Pre-departure Support: International Volunteers staff is very knowledgeable and happy to help volunteers to prepare for their travels.

* Airport Pickup: Volunteers are met at the airport in San Jose and provided with transportation to their host family.

* In-country Orientation: Each volunteer program starts with a two to three day orientation which covers important topics on the logistics of living and working in Costa Rica.

* In-country Staff Support: International Volunteers Costa Rica coordinator has years of experience working with visitors to Costa Rica. He is very resourceful and on call 24/7 in case of emergency.

* Accommodations: Volunteers will stay with a local host family where they will be provided with a room and breakfast and dinner each day. By living with a family, volunteers will learn about the day to day rhythms of Costa Rican life first hand as well as sample traditional meals not usually available in restaurants.

* Spanish Instruction: Participants will receive one week (20 hours) of Spanish instruction at a local Spanish language school. Participants wanting more Spanish instruction can enroll in additional classes.

Credit Available

no

Volunteer Types
  • Animal Welfare
  • Biological Research
  • Community Organizing
  • Consciousness-raising
  • Conservation
  • Eco-tourism
  • Education
  • Environment
  • Global Warming
  • Grassroots Organization
  • Ground Patrol
  • Natural Resources
  • Parks
  • Pastoral Work
  • Planting
  • Popular Education
  • Reforestation
  • Marine Conservation
  • Tree Planting
  • Wildlife Surveying
Typical Volunteer
There is no typical international volunteer. We work with people from all over the world and a variety of backgrounds. ELI has placed volunteers ranging in age from 18-81. Successful volunteers are flexible, upbeat, energetic and inquisitive.
Age Range
18 and up
This Program is open to

Worldwide Participant.

Typical Living Arrangements
  • Apartment/Flat
  • Home-stays

Participants Travel to Costa Rica

Independently

Application Process Involves
  • Online Application plus Application Assessment
  • Resume
  • Written Application
International Volunteers's Mission Statement

International Volunteers is the volunteer branch of ELI Abroad, a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization, founded in 2001, that partners with organizations from around the world making a difference in their communities. We work closely with these groups to ensure that our volunteers get meaningful experiences at reasonable prices. We have something for everyone: whether you want to teach in Ghana, work in an orphanage in Nepal, animal rescue in the rainforest of Ecuador, medical clinic in South India, or study in a university in Buenos Aires.

Year Founded

2001

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