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We have many diverse volunteer projects to choose
from throughout Costa Rica. Whether you want to help kids
through art therapy, taking 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
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.
Eligibility:
* At least 18 years old
* Eligible to receive a tourist visa to Costa Rica
* Flexible, in good health and have a desire to contribute
* No TEFL certificate required, though teaching experience
is helpful
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Location:
Spanish classes are in San Jose and volunteer projects can
be 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 Rica consulate for the most up to date visa information.
Language Classes:
Optional language classes are available in Buenos
Aires. 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 AAG coordinator.
We do our best to accommodate all requests.
Working with Children
From working with at-risk children in an orphanage, to working
at the San Jose Children’s Museum.
Teachers’ Assistant
Teaching English to primary school,
high school, and college students.
Paramedic Assistant
Work with a paramedic company that
saves lives. The requirements are the same as all other programs
listed here. You will need to sign a letter of relief and understand
that you may be exposed to emotionally unpleasant or graphic scenes.
Health Projects
Take care of patients, make beds,
check blood pressure, distribute food and medicine, weigh
babies, and help with other first aid procedures.
Ecological Projects
Volunteering at an ecological project and contribution to
the Costa Rican environment through cleanup, development of
eco-tourism, and environmental education.
Working with Animals
Work in a zoo helping with daily
tasks such as preparing food, feeding animals, cleaning cages,
and much more. Volunteers may also have the opportunity to
work with horses in Monte Verde, or help educate others by
working with the Animal Protection Association, or even may
work with an organization that rehabilitates spider monkeys
that were captured as domestic pets or were used as tourist
attractions at hotels, to release them back into the wild.
Another option available to volunteers is to work at a Marine
Rescue Center that rescues and rehabilitates wounded sea turtles,
sea gulls, pelicans, sea snakes, crocodiles and even dolphins.
The Marina Rescue Center has a staff of several marine biologists
and one veterinarian; volunteers may work side by side with
the marine biologists to feed and care for the animals, and
may also help with providing tours to visitors and participate
in other daily activities at the Center.
Organic Farm
Help with the day to day workings of
the farm, planting, weeding, harvesting, and possibly serve as a
guide to tourists learning about their methods.
Museum and Artistic Opportunities
Prepare art exhibitions, help with
international fundraising, archiving, and teach children.
Elderly Care Center
Lead residents at an elderly care center
in various activities, help them cook, distribute food, teach English,
and help them garden.
*** 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$ 1,300
3 Weeks: USD$
1,485
4 Weeks: USD$
1,595
5 Weeks: USD$
1,630
6 Weeks: USD$
1,760
7 Weeks: USD$
1,980
8 Weeks: USD$
2,090
9 Weeks: USD$
2,345
10 Weeks: USD$
2,595
11 Weeks: USD$
2,840
12 Weeks: USD$
3,080
13 Weeks: USD$
3,330
Each additional week: USD$ 250
Language Class
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
* Chat
with us live
You might also consider
volunteering in: Ecuador
• Peru • Thailand
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