Volunteer in Costa Rica

Cross-Cultural Solutions: Volunteer Abroad for the Experience of a Lifetime!
Experience another culture like never before while making a real difference in people’s lives. You’ll gain perspectives and insights into the local culture and yourself. It’s an exciting and personally inspiring experience, and you’ll develop memories that will be with you forever. Program operates in Cartago, Puriscal and San Carlos, Costa Rica.

Dates Offered: Choose from start dates year-round and lengths-of-stay from 1-12 weeks.
Costs: The U.S. tax-deductible program fee for a two-week program is £1,408 with each additional week of stay only £162. The program fee for the one-week Insight Abroad program offered in Brazil, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Peru, and Russia is £922. Program fee includes: personalized Volunteer Placement, language instruction, cultural education, food, lodging, transportation to and from all Cross-Cultural Solutions’ placements and programs, pre-departure guidance from headquarters staff, 24-hour access to in-country staff, travel medical and emergency evacuation insurance, and more.
Contact: Cross-Cultural Solutions, 2 Clinton Place, New Rochelle, NY 10801;Tel: 800.380.4777 or 914.632.0022; in the UK call 0845 458 2781/2782; other countries call +44 (0) 1273 666392; Fax: 914.632.8494.
Email: info@crossculturalsolutions.org
Website: www.crossculturalsolutions.org

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Conservation Expedition in Costa Rica
As well as contributing to the long term conservation of endangered wildlife and unique habitats, this expedition allows participants the rare pleasure of visiting remote locations and communities that few get to see. Activities include; mammal research, bat and bird studies, turtle surveys, orchid identification, caiman research, recording bird song, GPS mapping and management of the trail system and environmental education programmes.

Dates Offered: All year round
Costs: From US $2,820
Contact: Global Vision International, 252 Newbury Street, Number 4, Boston, MA, 02116, USA. Call Toll free on 888-653-6028.
EMail: info@gviusa.com
Web Site: www.gviusa.com

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Global Vision International
Teach English in Costa Rica
Based in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica, volunteers will teach English to local businesses whilst receiving an introduction to TEFL, learning conversational Spanish and exploring one of the more diverse areas of the country.
Volunteers are based in Playas del Coco, a small coastal village. All the work, courses and lessons are undertaken in Coco.
Community and local business leaders have teamed up with GVI to develop English classes whereby volunteers will teach in the actual workplace with everyday local "Ticos". These will include the local Police force, local taxi service, the supermarket, the local school, medical centres and other tourist based businesses.
Outside of the work, volunteers also have surf lessons in Tamarindo, a rafting trip on the River Tenorio, trekking and canopy tour in the Rincon de la Vieja National Park, and a snorkelling trip included in the fee. Airport and bus pickups from Liberia and final airport drop-offs to San José are also included.

Dates: The first saturday of every month, all year round.
Costs: From US $2,435
Contact: Global Vision International, 252 Newbury Street, Number 4, Boston, MA, 02116, USA. Call Toll free on 888-653-6028.
Email: info@gviusa.com
Website: www.gviusa.com

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Costa Rica Environmental Group Quest - Summer 2008!
This is a terrific opportunity for high school students to work on an important environmental project related to Eco-tourism while experiencing first-hand the culture and beauty of Costa Rica! This group will be led by one of United Planet's experienced Group Leaders.
For more information on this quest, please visit: www.unitedplanet.org/quest/costaricaenvironmentgroup.html.

Cost: $1,995
Dates: Sunday July 27th – Sunday August 10th, 2008
Contact: United Planet, 11 Arlington St, Boston MA 02116, USA. Tel.: 617-267-7763.
Email: quest@unitedplanet.org
Website: www.unitedplanet.org

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Volunteer In Costa Rica with United Planet
With many opportunities for volunteering , helping local NGOs, care centers for elderly, schools, or even working in a zoo, you could bring your help to people in need, while discovering this incredible country of Central America. Costa Rica, Spanish for "Rich Coast" is seen as an example of political stability in the region.

Cost: 6 months $4695, 1 year $7195.
Dates: Starts in August or January.
Contact: United Planet, 11 Arlington St, Boston MA 02116, USA. Tel.: 617-267-7763.
Email: quest@unitedplanet.org
Website: www.unitedplanet.org

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Protect the Lush Wildlife of Costa Rica
Even though Costa Rica has only 0.1% of the world's land mass, the flora and fauna sitting there accounts for 5% of the world's biodiversity. We need you to help keep it there. Join United Planet in spreading environmental awareness, protect endangered bird species, volunteer with local NGOs, and many more opportunities in the environmental field (1-12 weeks).

Cost: Varies with duration of your stay.
Dates: Ongoing; begins on the first and third Monday of each month.
Contact: United Planet, 11 Arlington St, Boston MA 02116, USA. Tel.: 617-267-7763.
Email: quest@unitedplanet.org
Website: www.unitedplanet.org

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Globe Aware
The Road Less Traveled Village Experience: Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a cultural and natural paradise, but most travelers see only the large, touristy resorts. This Road Less Traveled program, however, offers a unique opportunity in the middle of a secluded natural rainforest to help an untouched community create a sustainable future. While helping the community to help themselves, volunteers will be treated to enormous cultural learning and spectacular contact with the lush rainforest. A decade ago, the government set aside a national forest reserve for the spectacular Carara Rainforest, which borders the village. The villagers love their nature paradise and appreciated the action. However, since then, the tiny village has struggled for sources of income, as their crops are being eaten by protected wildlife. As a first step toward creating sustainable eco-tourism, the community needs help clearing paths, marking trails, learning English, etc. No special skills are required.

Contact: info@globeaware.org, www.globeaware.org.

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WorldTeach
Volunteer in Costa Rica
WorldTeach offers opportunities for volunteers to make a meaningful contribution to international education by living and teaching in developing countries. All programs include: full-time in-country coordinator; intensive in-country orientation including language and TESOL training; room and board with host families/apartments. Requires: native level of English fluency; BA or equivalent for year-long programs. Fee covers program costs, including health insurance, airfare, housing, teaching placement, and in-country support.

Dates and locations: Year-long program departures depend on local school calendars; summer programs: June-Aug (9-10 weeks).
Cost: $4,990. Summer: $3,990.
Contact: info@worldteach.org, www.worldteach.org

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Volunteer Costa Rica
GeoVisions offers a number of exciting and rewarding programs in numerous areas throughout the country. Volunteers can work in the education sector teaching English to children or helping people in underprivileged situations. Volunteers can also help with land and animal conservation getting a chance to experience Costa Rica’s incredible environment in-depth. With projects ranging from working in National Parks to orphanages, GeoVisions has the specific program to meet your interests and goals.

Dates: Any Sunday to Thursday throughout the year, except for some holidays.
Cost: $1,280 for four weeks, $3,360 for six months. Prices may change so please see our website for more information.
Contact: GeoVisions, 101 Sage Hollow Road, Guilford, CT 06437.
Tel: 203-457-4257. Toll Free. 877-949-9998. Fax: 203-738-1024.
Email: programs@geovisions.org
Website: www.geovisions.org

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All Languages Abroad: 50 Countries 30 Languages 1 Adventure!
We offer a variety of language courses for all ages & budgets. Immerse yourself in the local culture, pick your accommodation type (host family or apartment) and enjoy many cultural activities with international students from around the world. We also offer the chance to volunteer in selected locations around the world helping the local community. These volunteer programs are not just fun and interesting but very rewarding and meaningful for the local people you are helping.

Visit www.languagesabroad.com/volunteer.html for more information.

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Volunteer Abroad Placements Available in Costa Rica through Working Abroad
Choose from social and community programs in Costa Rica. Volunteer programs include placement, housing, meals, project related transportation, training and social and cultural activities. Over 35 years experience arranging cultural exchange programs.

Cost: $895 and up
Dates: Year-Round
Contact: InterExchange Working Abroad, 161 Sixth Avenue, New York, NY 10013, 212-924-0446, toll-free 1-800-597-3675
Email: workabroad@interexchange.org
Website: www.workingabroad.org

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i-to-i Meaningful Travel
Volunteer with Costa Rica Sea Turtle Conservation
You could be working on 1 of 2 specialised marine turtle conservation projects, involved in the day to day preservation on the endangered leatherback turtle species. You could be helping out with the preparation of hatcheries, beach clearance and night patrols. The Leatherback turtles are considered critically endangered, i.e over 80% of the population lost in the last 10 years! You will receive training on the subject of marine turtles and therefore will be able help with research and data collection.

Cost: $1165.
Dates: Please call for exact start dates.
Contact: Director of i-to-i North America, 190 East 9th Ave, Ste 350, Denver, CO 80203. Tel. (303) 991-5402
Website: i-to-i.com

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Environmental Volunteer Project in Costa Rica
The project is located on a private reserve in the rainforests of north central Costa Rica, on the border of the Children's Eternal rainforest and within 30 minutes of the famous Arenal Volcano. Volunteers assist with a wild animal rescue center and/or help with English teaching in local rural schools. Homestay with warm and welcoming Costa Rican families is provided. The staff of the reserve are friendly and welcoming.

Dates: Flexible, year round rolling admissions.
Cost: Cost starts at $850 for one week program including homestay with three meals daily, insurance, and full support. Programs of 1 month or more include excursions to local points of interest.
Contact: Center for Cultural Interchange, 746 N. Lasalle Dr., Chicago, IL 60610.
Tel: 1.312.944.2544 or direct 312.264.1601.
Email: info@cci-exchange.com
Website: www.cci-exchange.com

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Volunteer in Costa Rica with Volunteer Adventures!
Volunteer Adventures gives you the opportunity to live and volunteer on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. You will work in a sea turtle hatchery on the beach, helping collect eggs from nesting mother turtles and releasing hatchlings into the ocean. You will be directly involved in the protection of the wildlife in our two locations, defending animals from illegal poachers and promoting conservation awareness.

Contact: volunteer@volunteeradventures.com, www.volunteeradventures.com.

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ICADS Intensive Spanish Immersion Program - Costa Rica
The Institute for Central American Development Studies (ICADS) offers 30-day programs of Intensive Spanish Language - 4 1/2 hours daily, five days a week. Small classes (4 students or fewer) geared to individual needs. Extra lectures, activities and volunteer opportunities emphasize environmental and social justice issues. Supportive, informal learning environment. Award winning programs. 25 years of excellence in teaching.

Dates: Courses begin at the beginning of every month. Please see the website for exact dates.
Cost: $1,800
Contact: Institute for Central American Development Studies c/o ICADS, Dept. 826, P.O. Box 025216, Miami, Florida 33102-5216.
Email: info@icads.org
Website: www.icads.org

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Cactus Language
TEFL Course and TEFL Jobs in Costa Rica

Dates: All year round; first Monday of every month
Website: Teaching TEFL in Costa Rica

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Alliance Abroad Group
Volunteer and Learn Spanish in Costa Rica
Our unique program in Costa Rica enables you to combine Spanish language study with volunteer work. We have placements in over 25 national parks in various regions. You can choose to work near the beach in the rain forest, or in a park that has a little of both! As a volunteer in Costa Rica, you will gain insight into environmental problems facing the country and help contribute to their solutions, while at the same time gaining valuable educational and professional experience. You are strongly encouraged to take our intensive language classes before you start your volunteer placement if you are a beginner. After your language courses, you can volunteer for 2 weeks to 1 year. We find a customized placement for you based upon your background and interests.

Contact: 1221 South Mopac Expressway, Suite 250 Austin, Texas 78745; 512-457-8062 or 888-6-ABROAD; info@allianceabroad.com, www.allianceabroad.com.

Amigos de las Américas (AMIGOS)
Volunteer in Costa Rica
Amigos de las Américas is an international, volunteer-based nonprofit organization which provides youth volunteers with leadership development opportunities during training and while serving in community development projects such as mural painting, garden planting, forming youth groups, etc. in Latin America. Since 1965, more than 20,000 AMIGOS volunteers have lived with families and worked in Latin American and Caribbean countries.

Contact: Amigos de las Américas, 5618 Star Ln., Houston, TX 77057-7112; Tel. 713) 782-5290 or (800) 231-7796; fax 713-782-9267; info@amigoslink.org, www.amigoslink.org.

Amistad Institute S.A.
Volunteer Programs in Costa Rica
About 40 different projects in 5 different areas from which to chose. Volunteer work available with Children at Risk, Health, Ecology, as Teachers' Assistants, and with the local Community.

Contact: info@amistadinstitute.net, www.amistadinstitute.net

Costa Rica Conservation Trust (CRCT)
Volunteer in Costa Rica Program
Leave a positive footprint while visiting Costa Rica by supporting local and grassroots community groups in their efforts to protect and recover endangered species and ecosystems, raise cultural and ecological awareness, and promote sustainable living practices. Year-round volunteer/travel experiences available for families, individuals, students, and youth groups. Lodging options include home stays with Costa Rican families, providing you with a rich and rewarding cultural and language immersion adventure! Make your time in Costa Rica meaningful, memorable, and life-enhancing!

Contact: volunteer@conservecostarica.org, www.conservecostarica.org

EcoSur
Volunteer Program
Volunteers participate in a 1-2 week cultural immersion in the small town of el Sur Costa Rica. Each day is a balance of volunteer work, cultural activites, and recreation. This experience truly allows the volunteers to make a meaningful connection to the small community they are serving. Please see our webpage and email us for more information.
Extended Volunteer Program
Come visit el Sur for a period of more than 3 weeks. Volunteers normally teach english to the people of el Sur as well as in the elementary school where there is currently no english teacher assigned. Volunteers also have the option of boarding with one of the families in the village. See our webpage, www.elsurcostarica.com, for more information.

ELI-Experiential Learning International
Volunteer in Costa Rica
ELI partners with organizations in Heredia to offer volunteer opportunities that benefit the locals while giving participants a unique cultural learning experience. Participants should be able to speak at least basic Spanish. One week of Spanish Language instruction is included in the program. Volunteers can teach, work with at-risk youth, teach English, help with community development projects, assist with ongoing income generation projects, assist with women’s empowerment projects, help with conservation projects, or work in a charity clinic.

Contact: info@eliabroad.org, www.eliabroad.org

Global Crossroad
The volunteer Costa Rica Program offers you amazing opportunities to experience one of the most exotic and undiscovered vacation destinations in the world, while volunteering in unique conservation and social projects. Global Crossroad invites you to consider this Peace Corps alternative, where you can help the children, teach indigenous peoples, and put your skills to work in grass-roots level development and conservation efforts. During your free time, explore towering and fiery volcanoes, pristine beaches, raging rivers, and virgin rain forests. Observe the abundant wildlife, or get to know the warm and hospitable people of Costa Rica.

Contact: www.globalcrossroad.com/costarica

Global Volunteers
Serve on village development projects in Costa Rica! "Pura Vida" -- Costa Ricans' traditional greeting meaning "pure life" -- speaks of walking lightly and giving back to the earth.

Contact: www.globalvolunteers.org/costarica

Green Valley Retreat
Offers lodging, volunteer opportunities, tours, and Spanish language lessons in Costa Rica.

Contact: info@greenvalleyretreat.com, www.greenvalleyretreat.com

Inter Cultural Youth Exchange
Volunteer to Save Sea Turtles in Costa Rica
We offer a range of ecological projects in Costa Rica, working particularly with sea turtles. Volunteers are involved in activities such as developing coastal wildlife refuges, working in breeding centres or eco-tourism lodges. Projects last from 3 weeks to 3 months. No specific experience necessary, just enthusiasm and a positive attitude.

Contact: info@icye.org.uk, www.icye.org.uk

PRETOMA (Programa Restauracion de Tortugas Marinas)
Sea Turtle Conservation Program in Costa Rica
Two biologist research coordinators work with volunteers from around the world and locals to monitor beaches at night for endangered nesting sea turtles. Turtles are tagged, measured and the eggs are placed in a project hatchery where they are protected until they hatch, then hatchlings are released into the sea.

Contact: Apdo. 1203-1100, San Jose, +(506) 241-5227, info@tortugamarina.org, www.tortugamarina.org.

Projects Abroad
Volunteer Care Work in Costa Rica
Work with Orphans in Liberia, Costa Rica.
Volunteer Conservation Work in Costa Rica
Located at a wildlife research station on Playa Ostional, three and a half hours south of our main base in Liberia, volunteers work alongside scientists at the camp to assist with the protection of sea turtles.
Volunteer Sports Coaching in Costa Rica
You will join one of the many teams competing in the Little League after school program in Liberia (a district in the north west of the country), as part of our soccer project in Costa Rica. There are over 400 children aged between 5 and 11 years old who mainly come from low income families.
Volunteer Teaching in Costa Rica
Teach English to school children in Liberia, Costa Rica.

Contact: info@projects-abroad.org, www.projects-abroad.org.

Proyecto Asis Volunteer Work and Spanish Institute
Spanish language courses, learn in ecological reserve in rain forest, near volcano Arenal, small groups. Asis Job Volunteer: Ecological work in different areas

Contact: info@institutoasis.com, www.institutoasis.com

Proyecto Carey
Hawksbill Sea Turtle Population Monitoring at Cahuta National Park, Costa Rica
Improve the knowledge about the biology, ecology and conservation of the Eretmochelys imbricata in the Southeastern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, to give guidelines for a better conservation actions. Conduct an assessment of the sea turtle population trends based on: a) sampling of sea turtles in foraging grounds to include individuals, not encountered on the nesting beach; b) monitoring of the seasonal beach activity of adult females.

Contact: carey.cahuita@gmail.com.

Rancho Leona
Explore, Experience, Learn in Costa Rica
Learn Spanish, volunteer and experience Costa Rican culture at a beautiful relaxed lodge setting on the Sarapiqui river.

Contact: feslick@sbcglobal.net, www.rancholeona.com.

Reto Juvenil Internacional
Internship Volunteer Program
Directed to young professionals and college and university students, who want to donate their time and expertise in the planning, execution, and monitoring or community development programs, with an average stay period of 4 months. These programs can be well-suited for the development of field research projects and theses.

Contact: info@retojuvenilcr.org, www.retojuvenilcr.org.

Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center
Volunteer to Teach English in the Rain Forest
The Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to linking the community with conservation. We are looking for an ESL Coordinator to begin asap and commit until December 12, 2008. You will teach English to adults and teens. In exchange for your volunteer work, you will be provided with free room and board. Preferred applicants have an ESL certificate or experience in teaching ESL.

Contact: info@learningcentercostarica.org, www.learningcentercostarica.org

Tropical Adventures
Costa Rica Volunteer Adventure
Tropical Adventures provides volunteer adventure tours in Costa Rica, as well as Spanish lessons. Volunteer opportunities include working with children, the indigenous community, the environment and animal protection. It's a great way to explore Costa Rica, help others and make new friends for life.

Contact: info@tropicaladventures.com, www.tropicaladventures.com

Volunteer and Spanish Special Package, Amistad
Special program that covers both Volunteer and Spanish courses.

Contact: info@amistadinstitute.net, www.amistadinstitute.net.

Volunteer in Latin America
Sea Turtle Conservation Volunteers
Volunteer Latin America is currently recruiting volunteers who can commit from a week up to several months of their time participating in one of two sea turtle conservation projects in Costa Rica.sustainable projects.

Contact: info@volunteerlatinamerica.com, www.volunteerlatinamerica.com

Volunteer Visions
Affordable Volunteer Programs in Costa Rica Starting at $550 for 2 Weeks
Volunteer Visions was founded with a simple idea in mind; that volunteering should be affordable and available to everyone. We offer affordable programs in community development, environmental conservation, building homes and teaching English. Packages start at $550 and includes food, accommodation, arrival pick-up, pre-departure information, orientation and 24/7 emergency support. Whatever your motive for volunteering may be, we can help you find a placement that suits your needs.

Contact: 330-871-4511 (USA); info@volunteervisions.org; www.volunteervisions.org.

WLS International
Volunteer in Wonderful Costa Rica
In Costa Rica you can volunteer in San Jose where you can work with children,elderly people,or disabled children. You can also volunteer in conservation projects at various National Parks across Costa Rica.

Contact: info@www.worldwidelanguagestudy.com, www.worldwidelanguagestudy.com

Youth Challenge International
Teams of volunteers aged 18-30 carry out community development projects lasting 5, 6, 8, or 10 weeks in Costa Rica and Guyana. Sample costs $2,900 for 5 weeks, $3,600 for 8 weeks excluding airfares.

Contact: 20 Maud St., Ste. 305, Toronto, Ontario M5V 2M5, Canada, 416-504-3370; www.yci.org.