The ultimate choice of destination for budding conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts; Costa Rica, situated in Central America, is teeming with various species of rare flora and fauna, including exotic monkeys, turtles and toucans. Around 25% of the country’s land area falls in protected national parks, a testament to its unique natural beauty.
Best Volunteer Programs in Costa Rica
Sea Turtle Conservation in Costa Rica
• 2-12 weeks
• Price from £1,395
How You Can Help
These are some of the most popular projects to help:
• Wildlife conservation including helping sloths!
• Childcare and orphanage project
• Sea turtle and coastal conservation
• Helping at a kids hospital
• Teaching English or coaching sports
Conservation
Did you know that Costa Rican authorities have set aside one-third of the country as protected areas and national parks, this is the largest percentage of protected areas in the world? Costa Rica is home to a great variety of plants and animals, and some of the most breathtaking views in the world. Just look at some pictures, and your destination for a meaningful holiday is made.
Education
One of the more popular ways you can contribute to good local causes is through teaching and sports coaching. The level of English of children is mostly basic to lower intermediate so no teaching experience is required for most placements. If you are worried about lacking the skills to teach in Costa Rica, you could get TEFL certified.
Childcare
Volunteers can enjoy time working with kids, helping them improve their learning, feeding them, playing, singing, and taking them out to parks and day trips. Recreation and arts are very important if the volunteer has any additional skills.
Community Outreach
Community programs will give you a chance to make an important contribution to the people of Costa Rica, and to gain an in depth experience of the country and its culture that will stay with you the rest of your life! You can help in the food preparation and the cutting of vegetables and also join the delivery of the food to the poor in some areas. Volunteers at some projects prepare hundreds of meals per day and deliver them by hand to poor people around cities like San Jose.
Location of Projects
Projects are located throughout Costa Rica in places like San Jose and San Ramon.
Volunteering in Costa Rica FAQ
Accommodation
Volunteers can stay at a host family, residence or hotel. Host families are located in good residential neighbourhoods. Home stays have been picked and chosen after an application process to make sure they have everything participants need. Residences are located only a few minutes from main transportation systems and will have shared bedrooms, bathrooms with hot water, a common room, kitchen and a laundry room.
Requirements
No previous experience is needed for general non-skilled placements. The main requirements needed are flexibility, enthusiasm and a willingness to help. You can also use special skills that you might have such as art or music.