Volunteer in Costa Rica

Volunteer in Costa Rica

Before you volunteer in Costa Rica, you'll need to brush up on your Spanish. The language school is in the centre of San José, the capital of Costa Rica and the best starting point for excursions. You will spend your first 1 to 4 weeks here, taking Spanish classes. (The one-week language course is only offered to those who already have a good grasp of the Spanish language.)

The school is in a relatively quiet location, close to the city's most popular attractions. A relaxed atmosphere in the classroom allows students to develop a personal rapport with the teachers. You will have 20 lessons per week in a class with a maximum of six students.

High-Quality Language Courses

Language courses in Costa Rica are of extremely high quality; you could not wish for more intensive instruction! Lessons are offered for all levels of capability. If you don't speak any Spanish at all, we advise you to extend the Spanish lessons by one or more weeks before you start to volunteer in Costa Rica, for an additional payment of £ 245 (US$ 375 or 285 €) per week. This price includes your Spanish course, accommodation, and meals. Good Spanish skills are particularly important if you wish to volunteer abroad in Costa Rica in a social project. If you already have some knowledge of Spanish, the course will be adapted to your current language level.

The school regularly organises free activities for students. For example, you can discover the secrets of Costa Rican cooking or the joys of salsa dancing! The school provides computers, which you can use to check your e-mail, find information and book excursions. You can ask the school for almost any kind of help as you learn Spanish and volunteer abroad in Costa Rica.

Contact with Ticos

No ordinary vacation can bring you quite so close to Costa Rican culture as a trip with TravelWorks can. You will get an inside view of Costa Rican culture when you stay with a host family during the language course, and you may also stay with a host family as you work as a volunteer in Costa Rica. When you volunteer abroad in Costa Rica, you will discover Costa Rican culture by living it every day!

The inhabitants of Costa Rica, lovingly called “Ticos” or “Ticas”, are a very friendly and respectful people, interested in what you are doing. There is no doubt that you will have a splendid time here.

Volunteer abroad in Costa Rica

• Activities:
  In national parks: maintenance work, patrolling duties (for example, protecting sea turtle eggs), cleaning, providing visitor information, etc.
  Social projects: Volunteering in a children's day-care centre, a facility for people with disabilities, or in a home for the elderly.
• Time off: Normally at the weekend.
• Duration: 5 weeks to 90 days (possible to extend stay to 180 days on location, for an additional fee.)
• Application: At least 2-3 months before departure. We are happy to receive applications earlier than this. On request, it is sometimes possible to apply later.
• Starting Dates: Every Sunday. However, most social projects are closed in December and January, and some are also closed from June to August. The climate is pleasant all year. Flights are more expensive in the summer and December, and are quickly booked up.
• Practical experience: Not mandatory, but it would certainly make your stay easier (especially for social volunteer work). Several projects prefer helpers with experience (for example, experience caring for the elderly.)
• Other: Self-sufficiency, flexibility, initiative, and adaptability are vital.