Work with Turtles in Costa Rica

  Costa Rica

• North Western Region: 
Tamarindo
• Central Pacific Coast: 
Puntarenas,  Quepos

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: 20/07/2005

Description: The Global Volunteer Network currently has opportunities to work in turtle rescue projects along Costa Rica's Pacific coast. There are two different programs working with two species of turtle; between them these programs run year round. These programs will give you a chance to make an important contribution to Costa Rica, while gaining first-hand knowledge about the country and its culture

This program is run by a biologist, and volunteers are supervised by trained personnel, who will give training to volunteers on site. The work is very "hands on" and involves close contact with the turtles. Volunteers are not required to have particular biological knowledge, and so the project is both rewarding and educational. Volunteers are often required to work at night, when turtles lay their eggs, and demanding work during the day under the heat is also needed. Accommodation is very basic, and the facilities are built only for the turtle season.

Highlights: Volunteer roles include beach patrolling, clearing the beach of obstacles, preparing nests, relocation of nests, handling eggs, helping to release baby turtles in season, counting and recording eggs, taking temperatures in nests, repairing protection around nests, and recording the number of turtles arriving. Volunteers will work night and day on a rota basis. This means that each person will work shifts of 4 hours and then rest, and will work 6 to 8 hours a day in total with one free day per week. Days off are negotiable with the director of the project.

Qualifications: As a volunteer in Costa Rica you must:
* be at least 18 years of age, and not older than 60 years of age
* know basic Spanish - this is essential because the park rangers do not speak English.
* have no health problems

Cost in US$: See Website

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18 - 60

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European and Kiwi Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Other

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Global Volunteer Network's Mission Statement: The Global Volunteer Network (GVN) is a private, Non Government Organization (NGO) based in Wellington, New Zealand. Our incorporation number is WN/1194442. Our vision is to support the work of local community organizations in developing countries through the placement of international volunteers. We believe that local communities are in the best position to determine their needs, and we provide volunteers to help them achieve their goals.

Year Founded: 2000