Volunteer Experiences in Costa Rica

  Costa Rica

• San Jose: 
San Jose

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Ongoing

Description: Read about the experiences of our volunteers in Costa Rica.

These journals are written by volunteers of the Global Volunteer Network who are volunteering in one of our many volunteer programs.

Through these journal entries prospective volunteers are able to grasp an idea of what their volunteer experience maybe like, although, without fail, every volunteer experience is unique.

The Global Volunteer Network currently has opportunities to work in turtle rescue projects along Costa Rica's stunning Pacific and Caribbean coasts. There are two different programs working with two species of turtle; between them these programs run year round.

These programs will give you a chance to make an important contribution to Costa Rica's endangered wildlife, while gaining first-hand knowledge about the country and its culture.

Volunteers will work with Leatherback turtles between January and July and Olive Ridley Turtles between August and December.

The Leatherback turtle is the biggest marine turtle in the world, weighing as much as 1,900 pounds and reaching nine feet in length. Their name is indicative of their backs, which are actually not a shell but a pliable thick leather-like skin.

The Olive Ridley, 'Lora' or Carpintera is the smallest of its species, weighing in at 75 pounds and measuring only 2 feet. Both species' populations are in sharp decline due to over harvesting of eggs, beach development, fishing, pollution, and being killed for their meat and leather.

Highlights:
- Make an important contribution to the preservation of the Leatherback and Olive Ridley turtle species.
- The work is very "hands on" and involves close contact with the turtles.
- Volunteer in the jewel of Central America. Home to million-year-old undisturbed rainforests, sunbathed pacific beaches, volcanoes and misty mountain ranges.

Experience Required: no

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 in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Global Volunteer Network's Mission Statement: The Global Volunteer Network (GVN) is a private, Non Government Organization (NGO) based in Wellington, New Zealand. Our incorporation number is WN/1194442. Our vision is to support the work of local community organizations in developing countries through the placement of international volunteers. We believe that local communities are in the best position to determine their needs, and we provide volunteers to help them achieve their goals.

Year Founded: 2000