Animal Conservation and Rescue Volunteer Projects 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: Throughout the year, every 1st or 3rd Monday of each month.

Description: Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation
The goal of these animal sanctuaries is to re-introduce endangered species to their natural habitat. The facilities provide rehabilitation for injured and abandoned animals, as well as cultivate trees and native plants through reforestation projects. Volunteers can help feed and socialize the animals, assist veterinarians with medical procedures, build and repair cages and enclosures, and work with the sanctuary on any other ongoing project. Some animals you will find in the sanctuaries are monkeys, sloths, porcupines, kinkajous, raccoons, anteaters, alligators, turtles, and many types of exotic birds.   

Organic Farm
This project seeks sustainable development through each of its activities in the fields of agriculture, reforestation and education. The staff has established a farm /school with the goal of demonstrating and teaching conservation practices to local Costa Rican farmers and foreign visitors. AIDE volunteers participate in farming activities during the mornings. This may include botanical gardening, preparing food for and feeding the animals, working with medicinal plants, composting, or construction. Volunteers stay on the farm in cabins. Three organic meals a day are cooked on-site from local ingredients and are served in an open-air kitchen.

Sea Turtle Conservation
Costa Rican beaches serve as a nesting ground for several endangered species of turtles. Volunteers work with a local turtle rescue program to patrol the beaches, rescue and incubate eggs, track turtle movements, develop the hatchery, and assist with community education about the importance of animal preservation. This project is located on the beach and there is an option to add surf lessons to your volunteer experience.

Highlights: Accommodations:
During their volunteer projects, participants will live with a Costa Rican family either by themselves or with a group of other volunteers. Participants will be provided with 2-3 meals a day and laundry service. Living with a host family will give participants invaluable insight into Costa Rican life.

** A handful of volunteer projects offer on-site living instead of home stay accommodations.

Visa Documentation:
Most tourist visas are valid for up to 3 months. If participants are interested in a longer program, AIDE will assist them in applying for a visa extension. We recommend checking with your local Costa Rican consulate for the most up-to-date visa information.

Language Classes:
For those who need them, optional language classes are available. These classes are held prior to starting the volunteer work and participants will be placed in a small group to receive lessons. Lessons cost an additional USD400/ week and include home stay accommodations and meals. Classes are a great way to be introduced to a new country and improve participants proficiency with the Spanish language.

*** Please note that specific details, such as exact work hours and the type of work, will be determined by expertise, skills, attitude, and Spanish language ability.

Qualifications:
* Participants must be at least 18 years of age
* Participants must be eligible to receive a tourist visa to Costa Rica
* Participants must be flexible and have a desire to contribute

Language Classes Fees
1 week: USD 400
2 weeks: USD 800
3 weeks: USD 1,200

Also Included:
* Pre-departure orientation
* Guaranteed Volunteer Placement
* Visa assistance (if needed)
* Travel/Medical insurance
* Airport pick-up
* Transfer to your accommodations
* Arrival orientation
* One way transportation to the city of your project
* Accommodations and meals
* Full-time local representative in Costa Rica
* 24/7 personal support
* Certificate of completion (upon request)

AIDE is a non-profit organization. Donations contributed in excess of the fair market value of the services you receive from AIDE may be tax deductible. Please consult your tax adviser for more information.

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

AIDE 's Mission Statement: Through education and the exchange of ideas and people across borders, AIDE will build a worldwide community of global citizens who will be part of an ongoing intercultural conversation. AIDE will be a catalyst for change in the world by building bridges between individuals from diverse cultures.

Year Founded: 1992