Costa Rica Volunteer- Discover Costa Rica's National Parks

  Costa Rica

• North Western Region: 
Heredia
• 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

Description: Discover the raw beauty of the tropical rainforests while maintaining the natural ecosystems in which local Costa Ricans live! Sustainable Horizon works with four National Parks to help support their initiatives to improve and restore the natural resources that are so unique to each community. Many rare species of plants and animals are found in these parks and protecting these areas is becoming extremely important as eco-tourism and conservation efforts become more prevalent.

Some of the duties may include cleaning and repairing trails, creating and installing signage and patrolling and reforesting the area. This project is ideal for any amateur or full-fledged naturalist!

Filled with fascinating rainforests, expansive mountains and untamed winding rivers Costa Rica's diversity in flora and fauna will take even the most experienced traveler's breath away! This cultural Mecca is wedged between the Pacific and Caribbean Oceans and has several sun-kissed beaches and swaying palm trees amidst active volcanoes, sultry hot springs and bustling city centers. This tropical country is a Latin American oasis that is politically neutral and a supreme model of efficient environmental conservation and eco- tourism.

From program inception to completion, a Sustainable Horizon representative works closely with participants to develop and execute a customized international volunteer experience striving to meet and exceed all goals and expectations. A Sustainable Horizon representative will also be present in-country for volunteer support and assistance for the duration of the program. In providing personalized programs, our volunteers are ensured a successful, challenging, meaningful and memorable experience abroad.

Highlights: 1. Customized Programs & Personalized Program Development
Before traveling with Sustainable Horizon, one of our experienced team members will work with you and/or your group one-on-one to create a customized program that parallels your specific goals and interests.

2. Choose your own travel dates!
We cater our programs around you. Choose program dates that best suit your schedule. If you are a college student, you can build a program around your school's spring break, winter break or summer vacation. You can even create a graduation exploration with SH.

3. Program Variety
Whether you have an interest in the environment, public health, recreation and athletics, education, wildlife conservation, appropriate technology, arts & crafts, teaching, sustainable and community development, eco-tourism or even bringing your own brain child to fruition we have the ability to make it happen! Add our Spanish language classes to your program to enhance your immersion experience.

4. 24/7 In-country SH Representative
We provide you with assistance all day everyday. Any question or concern you may have, big or small, as an individual your SH in-country Representative is just a phone call away, and if you are traveling with a group your personal SH guide will be right by your side.

5. Be a SH Representative and receive a trip paid by us!
By application or simply upon the completion of your SH program, you are eligible to become involved in our mission to recruit others to get involved in international voluntourism. Become a representative in your community or on your campus and recruit your friends, family and colleagues to participate in a SH program. You will receive great benefits for your efforts! Build your own group trip and get your entire trip paid in full by SH! Contact us for more information.

6. Community Relations
Sustainable Horizon values the intimacy of our partnerships with each local community. We work closely with community leaders and members to recognize their specific set of objectives, goals and desires. We connect volunteers with meaningful placements ensuring the greatest benefit for both the community and volunteer.

7. Additional Highlights
* For every person recommended, a discount is rewarded toward your program.
* Volunteers have the option to gain college credit while traveling abroad.

Minimum Education: High School

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: A typical Sustainable Horizon volunteer continues to redefine the meaning of "Wanderlust" while maintaining a commitment to community service, sustainable development and voluntourism. Our participants welcome the challenge of the unknown and undiscovered and thrive on exploration and conservation.

Age Range: 18-35

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

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups of 2-15

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Job and Internship Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Sustainable Horizon's Mission Statement: To create authentic volunteer opportunities promoting sustainability through community service and environmental conservation. Participants act as catalysts for sustainable development and are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for those living in the present and the future. Sustainable Horizon provides participants with a global experience in which they will not only gain a sense of awareness and respect for the natural world and the different cultures that inhabit it, but also immerse themselves in those cultures and give a helping hand to those in need.

Year Founded: 2003