Volunteer Health Programs in Costa Rica

  Costa Rica

• North Western Region: 
Heredia

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Ongoing

Description: Our health programs focus on public health efforts to address the physical, mental and environmental concerns of Costa Rica. The health projects can provide wonderful opportunities for doctors, nurses, medical and pre-med students, who wish to become familiar with the medical issues and challenges facing the Costa Rica health care system. The specific tasks assigned to volunteers greatly vary depending on the language skills, medical qualifications and experience of the participant. Tasks are assigned to volunteers at the discretion of the organizations staff according to Costa Ricas medical regulations. Volunteers may be asked to help with different health programs such as basic prevention, sanitation, and nutrition programs organized through hospitals, local clinics, and small community clinics (EBAIS). Participants with an appropriate background may be involved with more hands-on work such as checking blood pressure, distributing meds, weighing babies, and helping with first aid procedures. The most successful volunteers are flexible and able to adapt the daily activities to the given day--remember each day is different!

Highlights: Costa Rica has something for almost every traveler, from surfing and scuba diving, to hiking and exploring the interior. The terrain and eco-systems are incredibly varied and home to 6% of the Earth's biodiversity. Mountains rise from the Pacific ocean and Caribbean Sea to form the spine of Costa Rica and define hundreds of microclimates. Over 25% of the country is protected in an extensive national park and preserve system. The military was outlawed after the civil war in 1948. The absence of a military over the past 60 years has created a pacifist attitude which carries over into almost all aspects of life. Ticos (Costa Ricans) are known for being friendly, polite almost to a fault, and warm.

Qualifications: Volunteers with this program must be qualified health professionals such as doctors, nurses, physicians assistants, physical therapists, or nursing assistants. Students in graduate health programs or medical school are also welcome.

Minimum Education: Bachelor of Science

Cost in US$: USD 905 for two weeks

Airport Pickup: Volunteers are met at the airport in San Jose and provided with transportation to their host family.

In-country Orientation: Each volunteer program starts with a two to three day orientation which covers important topics on the logistics of living and working in Costa Rica.

In-country Staff Support: ELI's Costa Rica coordinator has years of experience working with visitors to Costa Rica. He is very resourceful and on call 24/7 in case of emergency.

Accommodations: Volunteers will stay with a local host family where they will be provided with a room and breakfast and dinner each day. By living with a family, volunteers will learn about the day to day rhythms of Costa Rican life first hand as well as sample traditional meals not usually available in restaurants.

Spanish Instruction: Participants will receive one week (20 hours) of Spanish instruction at a local Spanish language school. Participants wanting more Spanish instruction can enroll in additional classes.

Experience Required: yes

Volunteers should have experience working in health care fields.

Typical Volunteer: There is no typical ELI volunteer. We work with people from all over the world and a variety of backgrounds. ELI has placed volunteers ranging in age from 18-81. Successful volunteers are flexible, upbeat, energetic, and inquisitive.

Age Range: Volunteers must be at least 18 years old

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:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume
• Written Application

ELI-Experiential Learning International's Mission Statement: ELI's full name, Experiential Learning International, reflects our philosophy. We believe that the most compelling life lessons come through experience, and that international experiences are among the most profound influences on our sense of self and our view of the world. ELI facilitates flexible international learning programs for independent travelers by partnering with local organizations to give participants the opportunity to experience and contribute to sustainable ongoing local projects throughout the world.

Year Founded: 2001