Volunteer in Costa Rica

  Costa Rica

• San Jose: 
San Jose
• North Western Region: 
Quesada,  Alajuela,  Heredia,  Atenas,  San Isidro de Heredia,  San Joaquin de Flores,  Santa Clara
• Central Pacific Coast: 
Puntarenas,  Cartago,  Manuel Antonio,  Santa Ana

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Throughout the year, every 1st and 3rd Monday of each month

Description: This volunteer program offers projects that allow participants to educate local school children, help environmental and wildlife conservation efforts, or provide medical care and attention to local communities. Program participants will also have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in Tico culture and pura vida, the relaxing way of life that has made Costa Rica famous.

Highlights:
Accommodations:
During their volunteer projects, participants will live with a Costa Rican family either by themselves or with a group of other volunteers. Participants will be provided with 2-3 meals a day and laundry service. Living with a host family will give participants an invaluable insight into the real Costa Rica that they would never have experienced as a tourist.

** A handful of volunteer projects offer on-site living instead of home stay accommodations.

Language Classes
To those who need them, optional language classes are available. These classes are held prior to starting the volunteer work and are usually one-on-one sessions with a personal tutor. They cost an additional USD400/ week and include home-stay accommodations and meals. Classes are a great way to be introduced to a new country and improve participants Spanish skills.

Volunteer Projects
We have volunteer projects throughout Costa Rica. Below is a brief list of the kinds of projects and locations we offer. To see the complete list with explanations of each project, please visit our website.

If participants are interested in volunteering in an area they dont see below, they are welcome to consult with an AIDE coordinator. We do our best to accommodate all requests.We do our best to accommodate all requests.

Community Development
* Working with Children
* Athletic Coach
* Teachers Assistant

Ecology and Conservation
* Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation
* Organic Farm
* Sea Turtle Conservation

Health Care
* Paramedical Assistant
* Childrens Hospital Assistant
* Medical Intern

*** Please note that specific details, such as exact work hours and the type of work, can only be determined by expertise, skills, attitude, and Spanish fluency. Also, some programs do have special requirements that are needed to be accepted.

Also Included
* Pre-departure orientation
* Guaranteed Volunteer Placement
* Visa assistance (if needed)
* Travel/Medical insurance
* Airport pick-up
* Transfer to your accommodations
* Arrival orientation
* One way transportation to the city of your project
* Accommodations and meals
* Full-time local representative in Costa Rica
* 24/7 personal support
* Certificate of completion (upon request)

Qualifications:
* Participants must be at least 18 years of age
* Participants must be eligible to receive a tourist visa to Costa Rica
* Participants must be flexible and have a desire to contribute

Language Classes Fees
1 week: USD400
2 weeks: USD800
3 weeks: USD1,200

AIDE is a non-profit organization. Donations contributed in excess of the fair market value of the services you receive from AIDE may be tax deductible. Please consult your tax adviser for more information.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: As a volunteer in Costa Rica, participants gain insight into problems facing the country and help contribute to their solutions, while at the same time gaining valuable educational and professional experience. These volunteer programs are in turn enhanced by the abilities, energy and goodwill that volunteers like you bring to each project.

Age Range: Minimum age is 18

This Program is open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 5-8

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

AIDE 's Mission Statement: Through education and the exchange of ideas and people across borders, AIDE will build a worldwide community of global citizens who will be part of an ongoing intercultural conversation. AIDE will be a catalyst for change in the world by building bridges between individuals from diverse cultures.

Year Founded: 1992