Costa Rica Conservation - Las Orquideas Argo-Ecotourism Project

  Costa Rica

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Year round; montly departures

Description: ASVO is a non-profit NGO which places volunteers in Costa Rica's national parks and protected areas. ASVO's objective is to improve the conditions and amount of volunteer work performed at a national and international level, without age, sex or professional distinction. ASVO places volunteers in national parks and other areas protected by the Ministry of Environment and Energy all over the country.

Volunteers are needed to contribute to the continued development of the Zapotal community. Community members are an integral part of this innovative self-sustaining project, but are not able to keep up with all of the work involved in the project. If you want to help in the conservation efforts of Costa Rica as well as work side by side with local residents helping to develop a self-sustaining environmentally friendly community, this project is for you.

Highlights: Volunteers will participate in many activites, including, but not limited to:

1. Maintenance of the infrastructure of the cabins (eg. painting)
2. Working with production of cheese, such as cleaning the facility and utensils used.
3. Repairing and maintenance of trails (approx. 5km of trails)
4. Working with organic agriculture.
5. Working with members of the community on infrastructure projects.
6. Teaching English in the school and to the members of the community.
7. Working in the butterfly garden.
8. Milking the cows.

Qualifications: The volunteer should have the desire to work in a national park and enjoy physical work. They should enjoy working in this type of natural environment and also enjoy working with people. Patience, motivation, dedication are important qualities to have if you are working on this project. People who do not enjoy physically demanding work may have difficulty with this project.

Cost in US$: $1850 for 4 weeks; $165 for each additional week

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: We believe everyone can contribute by volunteering. Recent graduates from high school, college or university, professionals taking a career break, recent retirees, individuals or groups who are interested in a change and the chance to enrich their own life and the lives of others. If you are 18 years or older you can apply for any of the placements available. If you are from 16-18 years old you may apply for placements near our Volunteer Abroad Office and Residence, so that we are able to give you more support. Both students and professionals are needed for placements in all our countries.

Age Range: 18+

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 Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Resume
• Written Application

Volunteer Abroad's Mission Statement: We believe international volunteering promotes cross-cultural learning that helps create global awareness, understanding between cultures and provides the platform for positive change. Our volunteers have taught in schools, provided disaster relief support for the International Red Cross, conducted essential research to improve the management strategies of threatened environments, built homes for impoverished people, provided vocational training and programs for street kids and have worked in co-operation with hundreds of local organizations to distribute aid and improve the quality of life for people throughout Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Year Founded: 1998