Volunteer in Costa Rica and take advantage of Global Crossroad Volunteer's affordable, meaningful and exciting programs! Picturesque and vibrant, Costa Rica has something for the adventurer in everyone. While smaller than West Virginia, Costa Rica offers fascinating opportunities and unique culture at every turn. The country is full of exotic nature including Pacific and Atlantic beaches, volcanoes, rainforests, cloud forests and mountains. Whether you're interested in eco-tourism, bird watching, outdoor adventures, rafting, golfing or just relaxing on unspoiled tropical beaches, you'll find thrilling pastimes in this tropical and secure paradise.
We need more volunteers now! Global Crossroad Volunteer's Costa Rica volunteering programs offers unique opportunities to explore this great country while working with children, poor communities, sustainable farms, conservation projects, local organizations and/or women's groups. Global Crossroad Volunteer invites you to join the Costa Rica volunteer program and experience a rich volunteer abroad program.
Write us an email now and begin an exotic and unforgettable experience in Costa Rica! We will send you more information to soon participate in a program you will not regret.
All volunteer programs start on the first and third Monday of each month.
If you are tired of expensive volunteer programs but want to make a positive contribution in the world, look no further! Global Crossroad is dedicated to offering high quality, well-organized and meaningful programs at the most affordable price in the United States. We work hard to keep costs as low as possible, focusing on the effectiveness of our projects, the safety of our volunteers and the quality of participant experiences. We currently offer the most competitive price possible in today's market including an application fee (of $299) AND a small weekly fee as follows:
| Duration | All Projects Ciudad Cortes (Includes 10 hours Group Spanish) | Medical/Health Projects Ciudad Cortes | Orphanage Project (Puntarenas) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Week | $260 | $360 | $260 |
| 2 Weeks | $445 | $545 | $445 |
| 3 Weeks | $630 | $730 | $630 |
| 4 Weeks | $815 | $915 | $815 |
| 5 Weeks | $1000 | $1125 | $1000 |
| 6 Weeks | $1185 | $1310 | $1185 |
| 7 Weeks | $1370 | $1495 | $1370 |
| 8 Weeks | $1555 | $1680 | $1555 |
| 9 Weeks | $1740 | $1890 | $1740 |
| 10 Weeks | $1925 | $2075 | $1925 |
| 11 Weeks | $2110 | $2260 | $2110 |
| 12 Weeks | $2295 | $2445 | $2295 |
Comprehensive Traveler Insurance $3.49/day (for all locations)
We will manage the following airport transfer services for you:
Option one: If you arrive in international Airport of Juan Santa Maria -SJO, Alajuela early in the morning (before 12 PM), you will be able to come to Ciudad Cortes in the same day by bus. In this case, it is possible to purchase the following pick up service package:
Osa/Pick Up (same day service- for one person): $50
Includes: airport picks up, transfer to the bus station, orientation and assistance and again to the bus station. The last time we recommend leaving from San Jose to Ciudad Cortes is on the bus at 2:30 PM (volunteer should land before 12:00 PM for this option)
Option two: If you arrive after 12 PM in Alajuela, you will stay one night in Hostel Dorm Room in San Jose, before transferring to Ciudad Cortes the next day.
Osa/Overnight Hostel Dorm Room with Transfer (for one person): $70
Includes: Transfer to a hostel from the airport, where you will spend the night. Dinner will be provided. Overnight stay will be in 10 people mixed gender hostel dorm room, and transfer to a bus station in the morning. The orientation and assistance will be at the bus station.
Option Three: If you arrive after 12 PM in Alajuela, you will stay one night in the family home (private room) in San Jose before transferring to Ciudad Cortes the next day.
Osa/Overnight Family Home with Transfer (for one person): $90
Includes: Picks up from the airport and transfer to a private family home to spend the night. Dinner will be provided. Transfer to the bus station in the morning, and orientation and assistance at the bus station.
| Duration | Children, Teaching | Medical, Conservation, and Construction |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Week | $185 | $450 |
| 2 Weeks | $350 | $830 |
| 3 Weeks | $515 | $1,185 |
| 4 Weeks | $680 | $1,500 |
| 5 Weeks | $845 | $1,760 |
| 6 Weeks | $1,100 | $2,020 |
| 7 Weeks | $1,175 | $2,280 |
| 8 Weeks | $1,340 | $2,540 |
| 9 Weeks | $1,505 | $2,800 |
| 10 Weeks | $1,670 | $3,060 |
| 11 Weeks | $1,835 | $3,320 |
| 12 Weeks | $2,000 | $3,580 |
Comprehensive Traveler Insurance $3.49/day (for all locations)
| Duration | Osa Peninsula (Pacific) |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | $435 |
| 2 Weeks | $870 |
| 3 Weeks | $1305 |
| 4 Weeks | $1740 |
| 5 Weeks | $2175 |
| 6 Weeks | $2610 |
| 7 Weeks | $3045 |
| 8 Weeks | $3480 |
| 9 Weeks | $3915 |
| 10 Weeks | $4350 |
| 11 Weeks | $4785 |
| 12 Weeks | $5220 |
Mandatory comprehensive travel insurance $3.49 a day »
No Spanish Language Program with the Turtle Conservation Project
Osa Peninsula (Airport Pick up and Transportation) »
The Osa Turtle Conservation site is 100 miles from San Jose. Here are the details of the airport pick up and transfer fee.
| Duration | Wildlife Conservation |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | $210 |
| 2 Weeks | $420 |
| 3 Weeks | $630 |
| 4 Weeks | $840 |
| 5 Weeks | $1050 |
| 6 Weeks | $1260 |
| 7 Weeks | $1470 |
| 8 Weeks | $1680 |
| 9 Weeks | $1890 |
| 10 Weeks | $2100 |
| 11 Weeks | $2310 |
| 12 Weeks | $2520 |
Mandatory comprehensive travel insurance $3.49 a day
Wildlife Conservation Program - Transportation from Airport Juan Santamaria $80/one way
Volunteer in Costa Rica teaching English to improve educational environments and expand future opportunities for local children! Poor, rural children are falling behind because schools are too small, poorly constructed and there’s a lack of qualified teachers to provide students with well-rounded and high-quality educations. Global Crossroad Volunteer’s volunteer/travel teaching English project in Costa Rica offers volunteers with ample opportunity to explore the daily life of Costa Rica while helping young students improve their English skills. Volunteers working in the English-teaching project can make a meaningful contribution in the lives of rural children, helping them attain a better future as well as compete and participate in the global market.
The project is not available in December and January as school will remain closed in Costa Rica. During the 2 weeks holidays in July, the school will offer extra classes and other activities where our volunteers can participate.
Volunteers teaching English in Costa Rica will be based in San Miguel De Sarapiqu. As a volunteer in the teaching English in Costs Rica project, you will be assisting with classes at the kindergarten, elementary school or high school level. Volunteer duties may vary depending on individual skills and interests. Examples of activities may include:
There are no specific qualifications needed to volunteer teaching English in Costa Rica. While Spanish is preferred, it is not required. If your Spanish skills are poor, we suggest enrolling in our Spanish Language Program to make your experience more beneficial both for you and for those you help. All volunteers are encouraged to be flexible, patient and adaptive as well as possess a "can-do" attitude.
In Costa Rica , poverty is rampant and the Costa Rican government does not have the resources to provide sufficient support to local orphanages. Infants and children are abandoned by parents who cannot properly care for them or government officials have removed neglected children from their homes. Our volunteers work with local orphanages run by nuns to provide food, education and care for these poor children. Working in the orphanage project is a great way to improve the quality of life and give hope to orphans in Costa Rica. You will find the community to be very appreciative of your efforts to bring a better future for these children.
Working in orphanage in Costa Rica volunteers will work with the orphanage staff to give love, food and education to local orphans. Some of the projects there include assisting with supervision of the children, playing games, helping with homework and teaching English. Volunteers may be expected to help with daily chores such as laundry, cleaning and property maintenance. You may also be asked to help the orphanage with administrative duties including fundraising. This is a great project for volunteers who enjoy working with children.
There are no specific qualifications for this volunteer project. While knowing basic Spanish is helpful, it is not required. If you do not speak Spanish, you may enroll in our Spanish language course to make the most of your stay. As a volunteer, you must be flexible, patient and enjoy working with children.
Volunteer in Costa Rica and teach a variety of subjects such as math, science and physical education to improve educational opportunities for local children! Volunteers help poor, rural children receive the well-rounded and high quality education they deserve. Many schools lack qualified teachers and educational resources. Global Crossroad Volunteer’s volunteer/travel teaching project in Costa Rica offers volunteers a chance to gain teaching experience, help others and explore the beautiful Costa Rica. As volunteers enhance educational environments and improve the quality of classes, students will have greater opportunities and brighter futures.
Volunteers teaching math, science and physical education in Costa Rica work in San Miguel De Sarapiqu. As a volunteer teaching English in Costs Rica, you will be assisting with classes at the kindergarten, elementary school or high school level. Volunteer duties may vary depending on individual skills and interests. Examples of activities may include:
There are no specific qualifications needed to join this volunteer project. While Spanish is preferred, it is not required. If your Spanish skills are poor, we suggest enrolling in our Spanish Language Program to make your experience more beneficial both for you and for those you help. All volunteers are encouraged to be flexible, patient and adaptive as well as possess a "can-do" attitude.
Despite being a tiny country with only a quarter of a percent of the world's landmass, Costa Rica actually has 5 percent of the world's bio-diversity. Nearly a quarter of that includes protected national parks, so needless to say, Costa Rica is a flora and fauna lover's dream. Our volunteers work with local park authorities to provide care and protection of the valuable marine life in Costa Rica, to keep this Latin American country a center of biological diversity. Working at the Marine Life Project is a great opportunity to help the environment, as well as a chance to interact directly with marine life such as sharks, crocodiles, turtles, pelicans and more.
Marine Life in Costa Rica volunteers will provide care and protection to a wide variety of marine life species. You can choose from several popular tracks within the Marine Life program:
This is a great project for volunteers who enjoy being outside and working with animals.
There are no specific qualifications for this volunteer project. While knowing basic Spanish is helpful, it is not required. As a volunteer, you must also be patient, resourceful and always respect the local culture and customs. These are traits of a very good volunteer.
European-inspired architecture and beautiful nature reserves are what draw tourists Costa Rica. But these visitors do not see the other side of life there - the poor communities that struggle to make it. People who live in these communities live in rundown shacks that barely offer protection from the elements. Our volunteers work with professional foremen, architects and engineers to give these communities homes, schools and orphanages. Working at the Construction Project is a great way to give back to the Costa Rican people. You will find the local citizens to be very appreciative and thrilled by your positive effect on their lives.
Construction in Costa Rica volunteers will work to build, mix, clean, paint, cut and install to improve homes, schools and orphanages. The people living there are poor and would benefit greatly from having this type of help. You can provide support to the local community in a fun and active way.
Besides repairing and building new homes and schools for orphaned children or for rural villages, you will participate in other construction projects. Some include digging, removing dirt, carrying bricks, mixing cement, plastering, painting, cleaning and various other needs related to construction. This is a great project for volunteers who enjoy being outside.
There are no specific qualifications for this volunteer project, but the work is very physically demanding. While knowing basic Spanish is helpful, it is not required. As a volunteer, you must also exhibit initiative, be resourceful and always respect the local culture and customs. These are traits of a very good volunteer.
The city of Puntarenas was hit with a large earthquake recently, and the main hospital there was destroyed. In a country that already had many citizens with no access to healthcare, this is a critical problem. Many Costa Ricans already suffer from both treatable and preventable diseases, so the earthquake was a devastating blow to the community. Our volunteers work with local doctors and healthcare facilities to provide medical treatments to local citizens. Working at the Medical Project in Costa Rica is a great way to give back to the people of Puntarenas and allow them to be healthy enough to rebuild their community. The people there are very appreciative of our volunteers and they will be very warm and welcoming.
Medical in Costa Rica volunteers will assist local doctors and clinics with a wide variety of duties, depending on their own medical backgrounds and experience. Some projects may include working in physical therapy, with the mentally disabled, in laboratories, dental practices, retirement homes, ambulatory services and public daycares. Some volunteers will help the Red Cross, shadow nurses or help ministry health groups with projects like dengue prevention. There are very few available healthcare resources there, and local doctors and nurses cannot handle all the additional work from the earthquake.
You can provide support to the local community in a truly helpful way. If you have basic Spanish skills and a medical background, you may participate in home visits to rural areas or conduct general patient examinations. This is a great project for volunteers with medical backgrounds or interest.
For this project, you must have a healthcare certification, such as a medical student ID, EMT or Paramedic certification, or nursing or physician's credentials. The Costa Rican hospital will require your valid documentation before your arrival to the project. While knowing basic Spanish is helpful, it is not required. As a volunteer, you must also exhibit initiative, be resourceful and always respect the local culture and customs. These are traits of a very good volunteer.
The natural habitat of turtles in Costa Rica is in danger and Global Crossroad Volunteer needs your help to protect it! Urban sprawl and farming is taking over land that used to belong to turtles, leaving the species threatened. Conservation efforts focus on strengthening turtle populations by protecting them, supporting their breeding efforts and conducting research on their health, migration pattern and recording their behavior.
The Sea Turtle Conservation project also aims to protect the nests from human poachers and from threats created by recent beach erosion. Volunteers also might work with the local community associations to implement turtle management strategies imposed by Costa Rica's Environment Ministry. Volunteers will learn about the ecology and conservation of sea turtles. They experience the life of a volunteer field worker, taking an active role in cleaning the beach, helping to collect data, as well as rehabilitating the sick and injured turtles. Located in Osa Peninsula, the project is close to Corcovado National Park, one of the few remaining sizeable areas of lowland rainforest in the world. The Park also has plenty of wild animals.
Volunteers will have 3 types of responsibilities which they will do depending on the time of the day and the season.
Your beach patrol work will include:
Your work in the rescue center will include:
Twice a week volunteers will also comb the beach looking for debris dumped from Pacaure River and other garbage left by humans. A clean, pollution free beach will attract lots of turtles to lay eggs on the beach.
You must be 18 or above and must understand basic Spanish to volunteer. The project accepts underage volunteers if you produce written permission from your parents. You must also have insurance.
The project is outdoors and located in a rural area. Volunteers must be in physically fit, must tolerate heat and wet weather and must not mind mosquitoes and other creatures. The project won’t tolerate any consumption of illegal drugs or alcohol. We prefer non-smokers but you can volunteer if you promise to smoke only in open areas and not while working.
Global Crossroad Volunteer arranges volunteer meals, accommodations and strong field support for the duration of projects and optional travel packages. In Costa Rica, volunteers generally stay with host families and accommodations are in simple and clean homes in safe neighborhoods. Volunteers usually have a private bedroom, but occasionally rooms will be shared with a same-gender volunteer. Our host families are well screened and are respected members of their communities who live in affluent neighborhoods. Most of our host families have experience with hosting international volunteers. A host family stay is a great way for volunteers to improve their Spanish skills. The experience provides a unique chance for cultural immersion and exchange.
Volunteers receive three local meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner). We can provide vegetarian meal options, but needs must be detailed in the volunteer's application. Snacks and beverages outside of mealtimes are not provided; however, there are local restaurants and grocery stores near the residences in which we place volunteers.
Global Crossroad offers unparalleled field support to volunteers to ensure a safe and rewarding experience. Once in Costa Rica, there are many layers of support for volunteers. The most important support comes from our country coordinator/field staff. The secondary support comes from the host project staff and members of host families. Volunteers will have access to our country coordinator's mobile number and they are available 24/7. Throughout the volunteer project, our local staff stays in contact with volunteers either with face-to-face visits or via email/telephone. Our field staff will visit regularly (every 2-4 weeks) to make sure things are going well and as planned. However, if placement is far from our local offices, staff members will stay in touch via email/ phone. Volunteers are also welcome to stop in the offices at any time.
Specific details regarding accommodations, food and contact details for our local coordinator will be provided in personalized volunteer placement documentation prior to arrival.
Please read Global Crossroad Volunteer's 5-step application
Arrival Point: Juan Santa Maria International Airport , San Jose
Airport Pick-up Upon receipt of your flight information, our in-country coordinator or other project staff will greet the volunteers in the airport and take you to your project site. The address and telephone number of the local contact hotel will be given before departure in case volunteers miss our representative in the airport. Please make sure to e-mail your flight information to both the USA office and the local in-country coordinator's office.
Departure Point: Juan Santa Maria International Airport , San Jose
Airport Drop: Available upon request. Most are very familiar and comfortable with their stay and have great ease taking their own taxi or bus back to the airport.
Transportation: Global Crossroad Volunteer manages one-way transportation to project. Volunteers will be responsible for their own personal and return travel. We do not cover daily transportation from host family/hotel to the project. Our program is designed to save you as a volunteer as much as possible.
Start Dates: 1st and 3rd Monday of each month
Start Date: Global Crossroad Volunteers/Travelers coming to Costa Rica are advised to arrive one day before their program start date. If you arrive more than one day early or stay after the program, you will be responsible for your room and food expenses.
Working Hours: 30- 40 hours per week
Global Crossroad strongly suggest that all volunteers apply for a tourist visa in a timely manner before departing for Costa Rica. Please call our office or contact the local Costa Rica embassy to learn more about visa, visa fees and visa extensions. Getting your tourist visa is your responsibility.
Being informed is your first defense against disease and safety risks. We recommend visiting some of the following websites for health and safety information:
WHO website for international travelers (http://www.who.int/csr/ihr/en/)
General Health Tips to volunteer in Costa Rica
We recommend all volunteer/participants visit the Center for Disease Control's website (www.cdc.gov) for traveler's health recommendations. Your travel doctor will be knowledgeable about current epidemics and should be consulted.
Recommended Vaccinations and Preventive Medications
The following vaccines may be recommended for your travel to Brazil. Discuss your travel plans and personal health with a health-care provider to determine which vaccines you will need.
The best prevention of mosquito born diseases is long-sleeves and pants (especially in the early evening), in addition to using insect repellants. This area of Costa Rica has no malaria, but there are other mosquito-carried/transmitted diseases, such as dengue, that are just as bad and there is no vaccine, just prevention through clothing and repellent.
What is the exchange rate? Where should I change my dollars? Can I use a debit card or credit card? Should I bring travelers checks?
Dollars can be changed at the exchange houses in the airport. Many businesses accept dollars at the current exchange rate. ATM machines are widely available and they usually offer the option of dispensing dollars or colones.
Do not come without any cash as ATM machines can be down or not accept your card. It is wise to check with your bank ahead of time to confirm that your card will work overseas. Debit cards and credit cards are becoming more acceptable at major stores; however, they are still not accepted as widely as in the States. Credit card fraud is a big issue in Costa Rica. Do not use your cards at any smaller or non-reputable locations. Travelers' checks will have to be exchanged in the banks as most locations will not accept them directly. Debit card is the best way of getting money. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted in some of the large stores and hotels in larger cities, but may not be widely accepted in smaller cities and not at all in the villages.
Find the Exchange Rate for Costa Rican Colones (CRC) at http://www.xe.com/ucc/
How much money you bring depends on your personal spending habits. Thrifty people can get by on less than $10/day. Your budget should also include money to explore Costa Rica in free time as well as for your personal use.
How does Global Crossroad Volunteer help me when I am in the field? How can I maintain communication? Does Global Crossroad Volunteer visit volunteers?
Once the volunteer program starts, our local staff members stay in touch with volunteers. We visit our volunteers every 2 weeks (if possible) and you are always welcome at the office. We recommend that the volunteers stop by the office once a week if they are in the local area just to let us know how they are doing with their home stay and project. Many minor issues can be overcome through a little communication long before they become major issues - ensuring that your trip is exactly what you had hoped for. Your project will have local staff members as well, though not our own. If your project is very far, then our local staff maintains communication by either email and/or phone. We are available to you at the office, by email, and by phone for your entire trip. It is our job to make sure that you are safe and healthy.
How do I communicate with my family? Global Crossroad Volunteer staff? Is there internet?
There are many internet cafes in town which run around $1/hour. There are also international phone cards available to make international calls. Also, please use local phone cards for local calls, as every minute of local or international use is billed to the families. If you need to contact the Global Crossroad Volunteer staff locally, the families will generally allow you to use the phone for short periods.
Tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands.
What gifts should I bring for my project and/or host family?
It is a common courtesy to bring a small gift for the staff that will be hosting you. You are not required to do so, but if you choose to bring something it can be pretty simple. We suggest a box of chocolates, a t-shirt with a hometown/country logo, or pictures of your family and local post cards.
If you want to bring gifts for your project and if you are working for an orphanage or a school, please bring pencils, pens and paper, art supplies like markers and construction paper pads, as well as games for the children to enjoy. Remember that every child will need these items so you may wish to bring enough for a number of children.
