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Volunteer in Costa Rica

We have many diverse volunteer projects to choose from throughout Costa Rica. Whether you want to help kids through art therapy, take care of animals at the San Jose Zoo, or assist with conservation at the beach in Tarcoles, you are sure to have an amazing and memorable time in Costa Rica.

While on the program you will live with a Costa Rican host family. Sharing your daily life with them will provide you with experience and insight into the culture that you could never have had as a tourist. Soon you will become immersed in “Tico” life and live “pura vida.”

Positions and start dates are limited. To reserve your placement, click here.
Check our Group Program in Costa Rica here.

Eligibility:
* At least 18 years old
* Eligible to receive a tourist visa to Costa Rica
* Flexible and have a desire to contribute
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Location: Spanish classes are in San Jose, and volunteer projects are located throughout Costa Rica.
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Length of program: Most programs run from 2 – 12 weeks, though longer programs are always available. We also have programs over spring break and winter holidays.
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Start dates: 1st & 3rd Monday of each month
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What you get:

Accommodations: During your Spanish lessons and/or your volunteer project, you will live with a Costa Rican family. You will be provided with 2-3 meals a day, laundry service and an invaluable insight into the “real” Costa Rica. You may live in a host family by yourself or with a group of other volunteers. A handful of volunteer projects offer on-site living instead of homestay accommodations.

Visa Documentation: Most tourist visas are valid for up to 3 months. If you are interested in a longer program, we will assist you 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: Optional language classes are available. Language classes are a great way to be introduced to a new country and improve your Spanish skills. Classes are held prior to starting your volunteer work and are usually one-on-one sessions with a personal tutor. Classes are an additional USD$400/ week and include home-stay accommodations and meals.

Volunteer Projects:
We have volunteer projects throughout Costa Rica. Below is a brief sample of the kinds of projects and locations we offer. If you are interested in volunteering in an area you don’t see below, please consult your AIDE coordinator. We do our best to accommodate all requests.

Community Development

Working with Children

Our children's projects aim to help children living in poverty by giving them love, care, and education. As a volunteer in one of these projects, your skills and compassion will be utilized to help these children learn about the opportunities available to them, so that they may eventually become productive members of society.  There are several volunteer projects available for those who are interested in education and working with children.  You can assist in an orphanage, school, children’s hospital, or nutrition center. 

Athletic Coach

Due to lack of resources, many schools in Costa Rica do not offer organized sports programs.  AIDE works with several schools that are interested in having volunteers come to serve as coaches and athletic motivators for their students.  Any sport will be appreciated, but soccer is the most popular sport in Costa Rica and there is a great interest in soccer coaches.  Men and women are both encouraged to participate in this program. 

Teachers’ Assistant

Teaching English or any other specialized subject to primary school, high school, and college students.  Schools are interested in bringing guest teachers in to work with the children for music lessons, art classes, dance, or any other creative project.  

Ecology and Conservation

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.

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.

Health Care

Paramedical Assistant

Volunteers with this program work with a paramedical team in either San Jose or Heredia.  You will get first-hand experience with the medical teams by responding to emergency calls in the ambulance.  Volunteers will also receive some CPR and paramedical training.  This is not only a great opportunity to get medical experience, but also to work closely with Costa Ricans in the medical field.   

Children’s Hospital Assistant

Provide comfort and motivation for patients at a children’s hospital.  The women who work at the children’s hospital are very interested in having volunteers come and help with activities with the children.  Although this is not a medical placement with hands-on experience, it is an opportunity to observe doctor/patient relationships and to develop your bedside manner. 

Medical Intern

*** Please note that specific details, such as exact work hours and the type of work, can only be determined by expertise, skills, attitude, and Spanish fluency. Also, some programs do have special requirements that are needed to be accepted.

Summary:
* 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)
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Price:
AIDE is a non-profit organization. Donations contributed in excess of the fair market value of services you receive from AIDE may be tax deductible. Please consult your tax adviser.

2 Weeks: USD$ 1,700
Additional Week(s): USD$ 275

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

Prices are subject to changes. Prices do not include airfare, visa fees and personal expenses.
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Any questions?
* Request more info
* Call our toll free: 1 866 6ABROAD ext. 137
* Chat with us live

You might also consider volunteering in: Ecuador • Peru • South Africa • Argentina • Guatemala • India

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