Rainforest and Wildlife Expedition in Costa Rica

  Costa Rica

• Eastern Lowlands: 
Tortuguero

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks

Description: Be an active member of GVI's research team in the beautiful and rich habitats of a Costa Rican Rainforest. Work on a variety of long term terrestrial, marine conservation and community education projects. Activities include turtle population surveys, jaguar predation surveys, mammal research, bird and amphibian studies, recording bird song, English teaching and environmental education. Expedition members receive continuous hands-on training on all aspects of the rainforest and coastline. Accommodation is rustic but comfortable at the Cano Palma biological research station near the Caribbean coast in Tortuguero. The expedition is run in conjunction with COTERC (Canadian Organisation for Tropical Education and Rainforest Education), Toronto Zoo, Costa Rican National Parks Board, various universities in Costa Rica and independent researchers, and aims to develop and sustain long term conservation of the area. Expedition members are needed for 5, 10 and 15 weeks, internships are also available.

Highlights: Explore the beautiful and rich habitats of a Costa Rican Rainforest on the Atlantic Coast and be an active member of a research team working on conservation initiatives. Receive comprehensive training covering; conservation, survival techniques, photo trapping, monitoring techniques, bird, bird call and mammal identification, amphibian and reptile studies and basic Rainforest first aid. Excellent training, food and accommodation, introduction to TEFL and First Aid course included in the price. By participating for 10 weeks or more you will qualify for a FREE internship placement.

Qualifications: Spanish is not essential for this expedition but a little Spanish would be of benefit as this would allow you to interact with the community members far more freely. All expedition members should be physically fit as the environment is demanding. You should also be enthusiastic, adventurous and have a good sense of humor. It is important to be self-starting throughout the project.

Cost in US$: From $2820 for 5 weeks

- Full Color Expedition Briefings via email
- Our Site keeps changing so keep logged on for up-to-date project information. You can see pictures and videos of your expedition / project and view personal bios of the staff
- Field Reps: GVI has a great team of ex-Volunteers who are only to happy to talk about their personal experiences
- Open Days: Held regularly in London these offer a great opportunity to meet the GVI team and ex Volunteers
- Expedition / Project Field Manual
- Fundraising advice and support
- International Travel Assistance and Advice through our partnership with STA Travel
- Fully comprehensive and professional insurance services
- Discounted travel guidebooks
- Discounted Outdoor Equipment
- Discounted Medical Equipment and Services
- A variety of pre-departure training opportunities including free online wildlife courses and weekend teaching courses, all exclusively developed for GVI's projects and expeditions

In the Field:

- Pick up from the airport
- Welcome and Orientation session
- Food and Accommodation
- In country coordinators for every country where GVI operates
- 24 hour emergency phone line in the UK
- Fully comprehensive on site training, often including language classes
- Training materials
- The EKNO International Phone Card. Save up to 85% on telephone calls, get an email account and stay in touch when you are on the road

You will always have the full support of the GVI team at home and in the host country.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: There is no typical volunteer! All expedition members must be enthusiastic, interested in conservation and prepared to work in a team.

Age Range: 18 - 65

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of Max 16

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Global Vision International's Mission Statement: 2008 marks a decade of commitment from GVI to all volunteers and partners. Global Vision International aims to promote the advancement of sustainable development through the creation of partnerships, promotion of local and global education, opportunities and via direct financial support. GVI remains committed to its local partners by ensuring they receive full credit for any research undertaken or achievements reached.

Year Founded: 1998