Sustainable Tourism through Environmental Education in Costa Rica

  Costa Rica

• Central Pacific Coast: 
Osa Peninsula

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Flexibility Year Round

Description: Volunteer on the southwest coast of Costa Rica with an organization founded by a group of women living in the community of Los Planes. The women wanted to become self-sufficient while also living in harmony with nature. Today the organization has 12 acres of protected forest filled with beautiful nature trails and their own eco-lodge. By leading environmental education programs for the community and engaging in sustainable tourism, the women have been working hard to conserve the natural resources around them thus contributing to a better planet for all.

Volunteers are needed to help with trail maintenance and signage, assisting visitors and with general duties at the eco-lodge, teaching English, leading group workshops on customer service, helping with cooking classes, and occasionally tutoring in the local school.

The project is located in the rural town of Los Planes, near Corcovado National Park. Travel time is 8 hours by bus from San Jose.

Highlights:
- Volunteers can choose to stay on site in the eco-lodge or with a carefully screened host family in the community
- Three meals daily.
- Support of friendly, experienced staff in the US and in Costa Rica.
- Comprehensive accident and medical insurance
- 24 hour emergency support

Qualifications: Spanish skills are very desirable and helpful but not necessary. Volunteers must be prepared to work outside and engage in hands on conservation work.

Cost in US$: Starting at USD1,150

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Greenheart Travel volunteers are flexible and caring people who are interested in an authentic exchange experience.

Age Range: 18 + up

This Program is open to American and Canadian Participants.

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Greenheart Travel's Mission Statement: Greenheart Travel is a division of the Center for Cultural Interchange. Founded in 1985, the Center for Cultural Interchange (CCI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of cultural understanding, academic development and world peace. Greenheart is CCI's way of promoting the health and welfare of the earth and its people through cultural exchange, ethical travel, responsible consumerism, and community service.

Year Founded: 1985