Volunteer or Intern Abroad - Costa Rica

  Costa Rica

• North Western Region: 
San Carlos
• Central Pacific Coast: 
Cartago,  Puriscal

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Trimester, Winter 
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: Beginning at various dates year-round

Description: Volunteering abroad is the opportunity of a lifetime, and our flexible short-term programs let you design your ideal experience overseas. Volunteer from 1 week to 3 months in Costa Rica, in meaningful projects that will let you work side-by-side with local people and experience the Costa Rican culture like never before.

As an international volunteer with Cross-Cultural Solutions, you're making a positive contribution, by sharing in the goals of a Costa Rican community that warmly welcomes you. You'll gain new perspectives and insight into Costa Rica's culture and yourself. It's an exciting and personally inspiring experience, and you'll develop memories that will stay with you forever.

Cross-Cultural Solutions first began accepting volunteers in Costa Rica in the summer of 2002 in rural town of San Carlos, and in Winter 2004 expanded to Cartago, the nation's former capital and third largest city. With well over 2,000 inspired and enthusiastic Costa Rica volunteers spreading the word, CCS opened a new program site in the Spring of 2007 in Puriscal, a small town in the west coast of the country.

Volunteers and interns in San Carlos and Puriscal are involved with caring for infants and children, teaching children, teaching English, assisting teachers, sharing their professional skills/experience, caring for the elderly, caring for people with disabilities, and assisting teachers of special education. Volunteer work in Cartago centers around education and social services. Many volunteer placements are with children, in local schools or orphanages, though there are some placements with the elderly as well.

Cross-Cultural Solutions is a recognized leader in the field of international volunteering, with more than 4,000 volunteers each year. Founded in 1995, we are an international not-for-profit organization with no political or religious affiliations. CCS has a worldwide staff of more than 300 people, and operates in 12 countries, with administrative offices also located in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. We are in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations, and have been profiled in more than 500 news outlets.

Highlights: In 1948, Costa Rica abolished its military in favor of working toward social improvement, a decision that made the country a pillar of stability in Central America. Along with its history and geography, it is this sense of progressive thought for which Ticos (the people of Costa Rica) have great pride. With the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other, Costa Rica is known throughout the world for its stunning beaches and lush green rainforests.

In Costa Rica, the beautiful geography and fabulous weather is overshadowed only by the beauty and warmth of its people -- the emphasis on community and family is truly awe-inspiring.

Costa Rican culture is unique in Latin America mainly because of the accessibility and openness of the people who live there. This is due in large part to the country's peaceful and prosperous history in a region that historically has been subject to turmoil and poverty. Ticos exhibit a profound sense of pride in their country's peaceful history and respectful culture. Your Tico neighbors will be curious about you, eager to share their culture with you, and ready to embrace your friendship.

Cross-Cultural Solutions offers a wide variety of programs and experiences, but all of our volunteers come away with the same benefits:

- Personal Growth
- Having a Purpose
- Gaining Independence and Confidence
- Connecting with Others
- Seeing a Country from the Inside-Out

* The CCS Home-Base

CCS offers volunteers unprecedented support, and our entire infrastructure is designed around volunteer safety. Each of our programs is located close to a CCS Home-Base, your "home away from home" while volunteering abroad. Each Home-Base is exclusively for CCS volunteers, and designed for your safety and comfort. Here, you can connect with other volunteers and CCS staff, reflect on your experiences, enjoy meals together, read, and relax.

The CCS experience also includes cultural and learning activities so that you can learn about the local culture. These include an in-depth orientation, language training, guest speakers and more. Volunteers also have plenty of free time to relax, reflect, or explore the community and country.

Qualifications: No special skills or experience required. Costa Rican culture is conservative and traditional, where respect and reputation are of high importance. Because we strive to integrate with the community, volunteers in this program tend to dress professionally and should take a serious approach to volunteering.

Cost in US$: Visit our website for program fees.

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: While other volunteer programs may require certain skills or degrees, Cross-Cultural Solutions' programs are open to everyone. No matter what you believe your skill level to be, you have something meaningful and helpful to offer. We are dedicated to providing a meaningful placement for anyone willing to volunteer and believe that the only skills required for international volunteering are a willingness to learn and an open mind.

Age Range: 18 and older, younger volunteers accepted with application

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

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Other

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Cross-Cultural Solutions's Mission Statement: Our mission is to operate volunteer programs around the world in partnership with sustainable community initiatives, bringing people together to work side-by-side while sharing perspectives and fostering cultural understanding. We are an international not-for-profit organization with no political or religious affiliations.

Year Founded: 1995