International Student Volunteers in Costa Rica

  Costa Rica

Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks

Description: The Standard ISV Costa Rica Program is four weeks in length and consists of a two-week Volunteer Work Project and a two-week Adventure Tour within Costa Rica.

Participants traveling to Costa Rica may also choose a Customized ISV Program and select an additional Volunteer Work Project within Costa Rica, extending their Program to a total of six weeks.

Spanish lessons: ISV is pleased to provide participants with a wonderful opportunity to enhance their experience in Costa Rica with Spanish language and Latin dance lessons while living with a local host family prior to the beginning of their ISV program.

Conservation or Community Development Volunteer Work Projects

A) Conservation Volunteer Work Project:

Each project runs for two weeks and is operated in partnership with well-established local organizations including non profit and private groups, government departments and local grassroots groups or researchers. Projects are based in various locations throughout the country. Each volunteer work project team will be supervised and directed by professional staff from the host organization and an ISV project leader. The volunteer work team will consist of around 8 - 15 participants, depending on the project. *Please note that certain projects only operate on specific program dates.*

No prior experience or expertise in environmentally-related fields of study is required in order to participate. Accommodations vary with projects, ranging from National Park huts, dormitory style accommodations or home-stays with local families. Meals (3 per day) will be provided during the volunteer work project and will reflect the local cuisine.

B) Community Development Volunteer Work Project:

Each project runs for two weeks and is operated in partnership with well-established local organizations including non profit and private groups, and local grassroots groups. Projects are based in various locations throughout the country. Each volunteer work project team will be supervised and directed by professional staff from the host organization and an ISV project leader. The volunteer work team will consist of around 8 - 15 participants, depending on the project. *Please note that certain projects only operate on specific program dates.*

Participants involved in community development volunteer work projects in Costa Rica will generally undertake a variety of tasks and activities including light to moderate construction and painting, gardening, some basic English teaching, and general assistance with the livelihoods of the community members (depending on project location and specific community). No prior experience or expertise in community development is needed in order to participate.

Accommodations during these projects will usually be home-stays with local families. Meals (3 per day) are provided during the two week volunteer work project and reflect the local cuisine. Participants do not need to be able to speak fluent Spanish, but some Spanish is helpful, as several host family's members speak little English.

Highlights: Participants will travel throughout Costa Rica. Their adventure will include such optional activities as:

- Snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean
- White water rafting on the Pacuare River
- Treks through several ecological reserves, including the cloud forests of Monteverde
- Jungle kayaking in the canals of Tortuguero National Park
- Horseback riding through an organic coffee farm
- Zip-lining in cloud forests
- Observing one of Costa Rica's many volcanoes
- Rappelling in La Fortuna
- Exploring the local nightlife in Heredia

Cost in US$: Please visit our website for more information

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad

International Student Volunteers's Mission Statement: To create an environment that combines conservation, education and recreation into the ultimate adventure travel program for students who desire to make a difference by volunteering in local communities abroad.

Year Founded: 1981