Volunteer Work in Costa Rica: Living in a Self-Sustaining Community

Program VL/CR-CP100

In this volunteer project in Costa Rica, you will live in an isolated self-sustaining community. The nearest city is Buenos Aires (careful, not in Argentina, but the one in Costa Rica), which is only reachable by a 18 km (11 mile) long dirt road. Since the community chose a very remote and hard to reach location as part of their mission, you can enjoy the completely untouched nature of the Costa Rican cloud forest. The community is located at an altitude of 1,600 meters (5,905 feet) above sea level in the southwest region of the country. The community was created with the main purpose of preventing further environmental destruction. In order to build the community, a large mountainous territory was purchased, and 30 people live there today. In addition, 70 members of the community live there temporarily and support the project from abroad. The goal of the community is to create an independent life that is dependent on its own agricultural production. In recent years, ecotourism has also provided financial support for the community. Tourists that visit can even stay overnight and sleep in the comfortable guest houses. The community also offers the opportunity to participate in day excursions around the region.

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Volunteer Work in Costa Rica: Animal Care in a Wildlife Sanctuary

Program VL/CR-FF100

While volunteering in Costa Rica, you will work with an organization that runs a rescue center for native animals. If you are an animal lover and feel strongly about the protection of wildlife, then this program is the ideal volunteer project for you. At the center, animals that have been confiscated by the Costa Rican government or customs due to illegal possession will be taken in, cared for, rehabilitated, and supervised around the clock. If the rehabilitation process is successful and the animals don’t lose their natural instincts, then they will eventually be released into their natural habitat again. This process is very difficult, however, as the newly released animals often quickly fall victim to unauthorized hunters or natural enemies. Therefore, many of the animals end up staying in the center long-term. As a part of the facility, the animals live with other members of their fellow species and aid in environmental education programs, which are intended to further educate guests and promote the protection of wildlife and nature. In addition to helping animals, this project offers volunteers the opportunity to engage in an intercultural exchange with the locals. The collaboration between locals and volunteers from all over the world creates an international community that is mutually committed to taking care of animals and advocating for the protection of wildlife.

 

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Volunteer Work in a Costa Rican National Park

Program VL/CR-FF101

Costa Rica knows very well that its country contains many natural treasures and realized early on how important it is to invest in the country’s main income source, tourism. As a result of its desire to take care of its environment amidst a growing tourism sector, 25% of the entire country is now made up of national parks and natural reserves that have been declared conservation areas. In addition, the nation has a very advanced energy policy and is almost completely powered by renewable energy sources today. This makes Costa Rica a pioneer and example when it comes to sustainable environmental protection, not only to other countries in Latin America, but also worldwide.

Your volunteer project in Costa Rica will take you to the wonderful national parks where you have the opportunity to take part in nature and animal protection projects that contribute to the preservation of the biodiversity. The national parks are spread out throughout the whole country, next to sandy beaches, close to volcanos, in the mountains, in the rainforest, next to lagoons, or near rivers, lakes, or waterfalls. Every national park is unique and fascinating! This project allows you to see local wildlife up-close, such as jaguars, howler monkeys, capuchins, sloths, tapirs, marine turtles, coatis, deer, squirrels, and colorful butterflies. Take a chance to volunteer and make a positive impact on the natural environment in an amazing Costa Rican national park!

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Volunteer Work in Costa Rica: Sea Turtle Protection, Pacific Coast

Program VL/CR-FF102

Sea turtles are fascinating animals that have lived on the earth for approximately 250 million years. They are the oldest animal population and irresponsible human activity has placed them on the verge of extinction. Due to their beautiful shells, turtles are being hunted all over the world, and their meat (specifically their eggs) is being sold in local markets as pricey delicacies. Furthermore, the sea turtle’s natural habitat is threatened by excessive deep-sea fishing and the destruction of beaches. Due to these unfortunate circumstances, their natural nesting and breeding areas are disappearing. Numerous sea turtles are getting caught up in fishing nets or garbage and suffering painful, unnecessary deaths. In this sea turtle focused volunteer project in Costa Rica, you have the opportunity to observe these rare and fascinating creatures up close and support their protection. Devote yourself to endangered sea turtles in Costa Rica and protect these amazing animals from extinction by signing up for this volunteer project today!

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Volunteer Work in Costa Rica: Saving Sea Turtles in the Caribbean

Program VL/CR-FF103

During this volunteer work in Costa Rica, you can support the protection of sea turtles. The conservation area is located in the northeast region of the country, directly on the Atlantic coast near the border of Nicaragua. Established in the northern part of the city of Limon, the reservation is over 800 hectares (1,977 acres) of primary and secondary rainforests and has a nice, sandy beach that is 6 km (3.7 miles) long. Here, you will live a Caribbean lifestyle and the beautiful beaches will be your workplace.

The goal of this sea turtle protection project is to save the endangered Baula and Lora turtles from extinction. Every year, numerous sea turtles come ashore on Caribbean beaches to lay their eggs. Your tasks as a volunteer will involve supporting the local team of biologists and volunteers to register and mark turtle nests, and if necessary, to scoop out eggs and place them in safe incubators. Shortly after the baby sea turtles hatch, you will help them find their way back into the ocean so they will not become victims of natural enemies right away. The volunteer work involved in this project is very exciting. During the project, volunteers will have unique and unforgettable experiences, such as observing a 700-kg (1,543 lb.) sea turtle and its beautiful shell from up-close.

During different seasons each year, marine biologists do investigations regarding the conditions of the climate and surroundings in the region. Gathering and analyzing data is crucial to recognize any changes early on and to learn more about the sensitive ecosystem. In addition to marine turtles, there are also different mammals, reptiles, and about 200 bird species that are observed in this protected territory.
Transportation for this project is usually by boats, which float through the on-site canals and river systems.

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Volunteer Work in Costa Rica: Sea Turtle Protection

Program VL/CR-FF104

During this volunteer project in Costa Rica, you have the opportunity to rescue sea turtles and work in a conservation area on the beautiful peninsula of Nicoya. This project is very important and in need of support because sea turtles are threatened with extinction. Since the year 1994, this territory has been declared a natural reserve, and its beach is one of the most common locations for sea turtles to lay eggs in Costa Rica. In addition to fascinating sea turtles, there are also plenty of other animal and plant species to observe.

Together with other volunteers and biologists, you will observe the sea turtles and gather essential data in the conservation area that will be used analyze the climate and environmental conditions. Contribute to this great volunteer project and become part of an international community that is devoted to the preservation of sea turtles by signing up today!

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Volunteer Work in Costa Rica: Working on a Natural and Wildlife Reserve

Program VL/CR-FF109

On this natural reserve, reforestation began 20 years ago. After many years of intensive work, the area was finally cleared to support wildlife again. The total area of reforestation is 400 hectares (988 acres), and is located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Many tourists are attracted to this revived reserve where they can observe a variety of local animal and plant species in their natural habitat. An animal rescue center is also part of the conservation area, which cares for local wildlife that have been injured, rescued from captivity, or have lost their natural hunting instincts. The center aims to release the animals back into the wild after 6 months, but sadly, this is not always possible because they become accustomed to human care and lose their natural hunting and survival instincts.

If you want to be a part of a unique nature protection project abroad and have a positive impact on wildlife, then this is project that focuses on animal protection is for you!

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Volunteer Work in Costa Rica: Rescue Center for Wild Animals

Program VL/CR-FF110

Have you ever dreamed of living in the rainforest and working with exotic animals? If so, we can help make that dream come true! During this volunteer project, you will work at an animal rescue center for exotic animals in Costa Rica, supporting the preservation of biodiversity and the protection of animals. This highly regarded project devotes itself to the protection various animals, including monkeys, tapirs, sloths, wild cats, reptiles, and birds that can no longer live in their natural habitat for various reasons. The animal rescue center has a total area of 11 hectares (27 acres) and about 500 fascinating animals, which you can care for and observe up-close. This unique volunteer project will be a life changing experience!
 
 
 
 

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Volunteer Work in Costa Rica: Parrot Protection

Program VL/CR-FF111

Macaws (parrot species) are majestic, colorful birds that call Costa Rica home. Through volunteering at a parrot center in Costa Rica, you will support the preservation of these wonderful birds. The macaw population is endangered due to deforestation, advanced colonization, poaching, and introduced illnesses. These factors have damaged the living environment of the birds and have caused the population to decline. The macaw sanctuary, where you will volunteer, works closely with the National Nature Conservation Authority (SINAC), which is made up of national volunteers that are passionate about protecting the local wildlife. The parrot protection center offers both rehabilitation and veterinarian treatments to help nurse injured animals back to health. Releasing the parrots back into the wild does not happen often, and many of parrots end up staying in the center. The center is also a safe haven for other animals who need cared for, such as jaguars, apes, turtles, sloths, and ocelots, all of which live in the authentic enclosures as well. The parrot center is also made accessible visitors. In addition to being an important source of income for the center, visitors are also informed about the protection of both wildlife and the natural environment when they visit. Volunteers who have acquired sufficient knowledge will have the opportunity lead visitors through the center and educate them about wildlife conservation.

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Volunteer Work in Costa Rica: Field Studies on a Wildlife Reserve

Program VL/CR-FF108

For this project, volunteers are able to contribute to the preservation of wildlife on 60-hectare (148-acre) wildlife reserve near the city of Heredia, which is filled with diverse species of trees, orchids, birds, and exotic animals. If you follow the self-guided circular path on the reserve, you can observe different local animal species in the lush rainforest. Together with local schools, the reservation hosts environmental education programs, which educate children about the environment and the importance of protecting it. During the program, children observe the biodiversity of their country through a new lens and realize how important it is to respect and protect the natural environment. The program contains different workshops that cover topics such as garbage disposal, species diversity, and ecosystems. The rainforest itself serves as a large, outdoor classroom.

 

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Volunteer Work in Costa Rica: Volunteer Work in an Elementary School

Program VL/CR-TS100

This volunteer project in an elementary school lets you become part of a community in the beautiful and fascinating country of Costa Rica. As a volunteer, you will help and teach at an elementary school where your language and computer expertise is greatly needed. Since the main goal of the school is to prepare children for life in a globalized world, English and computer skills are essential to have. Furthermore, Costa Rica is a very touristic country and adequate English skills will improve the children’s chances of landing a good future job. Your assistance is also needed with other subjects as well, such as art, physical education, and recreational activities. In addition to allowing you to invest in the lives of children, this volunteer project is also sure to offer you a unique and exciting Costa Rican adventure.
 
 
 
 

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Volunteer Work in Costa Rica: Volunteer Work in a Kindergarten

Program VL/CR-TS101

Do you love children and can’t imagine anything better than spending time with them? Do you love to make children happy and see their cute smiles? Then this volunteer project in a public kindergarten or daycare center in Costa Rica is exactly the thing for you!

As a volunteer, you will help with the supervision of the children between the ages of 1 ½-5. Depending on the facility, there may be anywhere from 50 to 150 children at the kindergarten. The children are divided by age into different groups, and in each group, there will be age-appropriate games and activities to enrich the children’s education. Together with the educators, you will be responsible for supervising and entertaining the children on a daily basis. You will have numerous tasks to engage in as a volunteer, and the children will be very grateful for your time and attention.

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Volunteer Work in Costa Rica: Work in a School for Disabled Children

Program VL/CR-TS102

This volunteer project takes place in a school that specializes in educating children who cannot attend a standard school due to physical, mental, and/or emotional constraints. It is well-equipped to meet the various needs of the children, and enables them to learn according to their own pace, maturity, and skill level. The school focuses on the education and development of the children while also considering and respecting the capabilities of each individual child. The school caters to a variety of children with special needs, including those with hearing impairments, learning disorders, autism, and down-syndrome. Since the school is a public institution, it lacks a sufficient amount of professional staff. Due to this, volunteers are always necessary and greatly appreciated. Help educate, supervise, and invest in children with disabilities in Costa Rica by signing up for this project today!
 

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Volunteer Work in Costa Rica: Volunteer Work in a Daycare Center

Program VL/CR-TS103

In order to bring in enough family income, it is common in Costa Rican families for both parents to work fulltime. Daycare centers help working and single parents by taking care of their children during the day. Many, but not all, children come from very low social classes in Costa Rica. The daycare centers offer a safe place for children between the age of 6 months and 12 years to go while their parents are working, where they are far from drugs, alcohol, and prostitution. In addition to supervising the children, daycare centers also supplement the children’s education with some teaching. They also provide well-balanced meals in order to counteract the prevailing problem of malnutrition. If you are someone that loves working with children and being a positive influence in their lives, then this project is for you!
 
 
 
 

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Volunteer Work in Costa Rica: Volunteer Work in an Orphanage

Program VL/CR-TS104

This volunteer work takes place in orphanages, which are either supported by the government or dependent on private donations. In either case, the help of international volunteers is always appreciated because the orphanages often lack a sufficient number of educators and supervisors throughout the year. Local care-takers, mostly women, often live with the children in the orphanages. Depending on the facility, anywhere from 10 to 20 children between the ages of 1-9 live together in a house. The children receive both psychological and medical support, as they often come from dysfunctional families.

If you want to help create a safe haven for children where they can feel at home and grow up in an enriching environment, then sign up today to volunteer at an orphanage in Costa Rica.

 

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Volunteer Work in Costa Rica: Community Work

Program VL/CR-TS106

This volunteer project takes place within an agricultural community in Costa Rica. The community is comprised of approximately 30 families, which make a living primarily by producing palm oil. Members of the community strive to lead an independent lifestyle by producing the majority of their food themselves. The community is located on spacious land, and is also home to dairy cows, chickens, pigs, horses, dogs, and other small animals. In addition, there are also cultivation areas for vegetables and fruits and a small school within the village. As a volunteer, you will support the families with their work on the palm oil plantation and other agricultural tasks. Furthermore, you will also have the opportunity to assist the teachers in the school and kindergarten by teaching English, preparing material, and planning leisure activities.

Aside from being a self-sustainable community, the location is also a popular destination for tourists, who can stay in the community’s guest houses or hike the trails of the pure natural soundings while relaxing among the breathtaking landscapes.

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