Volunteer in Costa Rica- Change the World By Volunteering in Cambodia…. And Enjoy the Adventure of a Lifetime.

Are you interested in a volunteer in Costa Rica program? Do you want to do something a little different in your next vacation? Does the idea of traveling, but also giving something back to the people of your host county, sound like the perfect way to spend a couple of weeks?

If so then Costa Rica is probably the ultimate in destinations.

Visitors are spoiled for choice by the natural wonders they can enjoy daily, and whether you favor waterfalls and mountains or volcanoes and rainforests, you will never be bored. Still, behind the lovely scenery and the warm welcomes from the residents lurks poverty, and the social and environmental issues which loom large in an uncertain world.

Our Costa Rica volunteers make a huge difference to the lives of those they work with, both in the short and the long term.

We would love to send you more information - just get in touch and ask, or if you already decided what you would like to do why not enroll on a program today?

What volunteer opportunities are available in Costa Rica

RCDP know what makes a meaningful volunteer experience, and we only support projects which aim to facilitate long term change, which is self sustainable by the communities involved. Our volunteer opportunities in Costa Rica are all very worthwhile, whether they focus on working with orphans, teaching, medical issues, senior care provision or turtle conservation.

Working with kids

As a Costa Rica orphanage volunteer you should expect to work with children who have lost both parents, and also with those who are there for their own safety, having been abused or neglected in their own homes.

The projects can be heart-wrenching and emotional, but they also allow you to make a huge difference in lives of young people who really need that care, love and attention.

Skills/Qualifications Needed: Although it is not 100% necessary we do recommend you have at least a basic understanding of Spanish to volunteer in Costa Rica with children. It is highly recommended that those with no background in Spanish join our short language course, as this will make the placement much more rewarding.

We don’t have any strict requirements in terms of volunteers needing qualifications or experience in this field; though as always that is a plus.

It is essential though that participants love being around children, and have nurturing, patient, supportive character traits.

Volunteer Responsibilities: You can expect to get involved with lots of different things when you volunteer in a Costa Rica orphanage.

Therefore your duties may include teaching English, general supervision, organizing creative activities, supporting students with homework, assisting with domestic chores such as laundry and gardening, playing games and so on.

Teaching Project

Most children in Costa Rica love to learn, and appreciate the importance of getting a good education to secure a good future with a decent job. Sadly not all of them have the chance to reach their full potential, as schools in rural areas have less cash than city schools to maintain buildings and employ enough qualified staff.

Consequently, even though subjects like English are supposed to be studied by all students this simply isn’t possible. In some schools the classes are taught by unqualified staff members who may not even understand the language themselves.

Due to the ripple effect students from such backgrounds are out of their depth by high school English classes roll around, and they tend to drop out in alarming numbers.

It is crucial that this cycle is broken, and RCDP are helping this to happen. If you choose to teach English in Costa Rica your effort and skills will be greatly appreciated.

Skills/Qualifications Needed: Ideally volunteers teaching English in Costa Rica have a basic or higher understanding of the Spanish language, but it is not compulsory.

There is the option of joining a Spanish language learning course which will definitely add something to your stay. You don’t need any teaching qualifications to join this valuable program, but a flexible, kind, hard working and understanding personality is essential. As a role model volunteers need to look tidy - dressed modestly and definitely no shorts, and not to have any large tattoos or lots of piercings visible

Volunteer Responsibilities: Costa Rica teaching English programs run with all age groups so you could be working with children from nursery school age through to high school, depending on your preferences and the projects which are available at the time you wish to volunteer.

Most people help on English teaching programs, but there are usually opportunities to teach extra classes if you have a special interest in and experience of another subject such as art, math or sport.

Health Care (non-medical) in San Jose

Access to health care in general is slowly improving in Costa Rica, but those living in isolated, rural areas or people who live in poverty still find it difficult to get decent quality treatment; some go without any at all. Inevitably this means conditions and diseases which are either preventable or treatable are still common among these groups.

RCDP support Costa Rica volunteer medical projects which exist to help solve this problem.

Programs run from hospitals and clinics in the areas where they are most needed, providing a much needed, highly appreciated service to those who visit, and boosting the health of entire communities.

Costa Rica medical volunteer opportunities are a great way for both newly qualified and experienced health care professionals to gain valuable practical experience in an unfamiliar international setting, along with the satisfaction of knowing you helped improve the lives of many deserving people.

Skills/Qualifications Needed: Places on our medical volunteer trips to Costa Rica are limited to people holding a relevant qualification or license in their field. Students training to be doctors, nurses, dentists and so on can use their school ID, while qualified staff can show their ID, license or certification.

A current copy of your resume containing information on previous work experience, education history and qualifications achieved will also be required.

A basic knowledge of Spanish is preferable as this makes the project more enjoyable for you, although it is not 100% essential. There is a Spanish language learning course available if you want to get the most out of your experience.

Volunteer Responsibilities: This is a project where you get to assist local healthcare staff with their daily tasks. Placements are usually available in various specialized departments, such as dentistry, general nursing, health clinics and physical therapy/rehab, so of course tasks will vary at times depending where you are working. Although it s not possible, for insurance purposes, for Costa Rica health volunteers to directly treat patients there are plenty of things you can assist a qualified local person with.

Elderly Nursing Home Project in Puntarenas/Guanacaste

RCDP are proud to offer this rare and extremely rewarding volunteer in Costa Rica in elderly care opportunity. As all of the residents have previously been abused, abandoned or neglected in their previous nursing homes this project is a space which is purposefully nurturing, loving and supportive to its residents.

Residents can get their physical care needs met, along with being offered therapy to deal with their emotional scars, and social situations to nurture new friendships and communication between residents.

Skills/Qualifications Needed: Volunteers who have some Spanish language ability will definitely get more from the project, although it is not compulsory that you have this. A learning program is available to join should you want to learn enough to get by when on site.

No formal qualifications or experience are needed to sign up, but this is a program best suited to people with kind, caring, nurturing and patient personalities, and an interest in spending time with seniors. It is also perfect for anyone looking to get experience in the nursing and social care field of work.

Volunteer Responsibilities: All aspects of elderly care, both social and physical, may be assigned to you on this program which means every day will be varied and interesting. From helping people move and dress to organizing fun activities or simply having a chat with someone, this is a responsible but very rewarding volunteer position with the elderly.

Turtle Conservation Project (Osa Peninsula)

being able to swim, aged over 18 and at least basic Spanish skills. This is a tough program so if you are not fit, or able to cope with humidity this may not be for you. Personal insurance is compulsory to join these trips.

Volunteer Responsibilities: Your key duties as a Costa Rica turtle conservation volunteer focus on a mixture of research work, conservation work and basic security tasks.

Research is crucial to monitor and understand how their behavior is adapting or changing over time, and to keep records of health issues. You may also get to catch and measure turtles, before tagging and releasing them again; help to clean garbage from the beaches to avoid it hurting the turtles, and you could even join a project which plant news trees to help redress the balance of give and take in nature.

Hands on work with the turtles is possible too, as there is a special center where injured or ill turtles go for treatment and nursing care. Beach patrolling takes place a couple of times a week, often during the night, and this is the crucial time when poachers may be found and chased away.

Turtle Conservation (Caribbean Coast)

The beaches of Costa Rica are a popular destination for many millions of sea turtles making their yearly pilgrimage to nest, and prepare to rear the next generation.

RCDP support turtle conservation volunteer projects in these areas, which operate all year as the turtles nest at different times depending on their species.

Costa Rica sea turtle volunteers largely work with species which are endangered, such as Hawksbill and Leatherback turtles. On this worthwhile and important program your duties could include conducting research, monitoring the nesting areas and helping to keep these lovely sea creatures and their eggs safe from people who want to hurt them, like poachers. If you care deeply about protecting sea turtles from danger and extinction enroll today, or contact us now for more information.

Skills/Qualifications Needed: There are several requirements you must meet to become a Costa Rica sea turtle conservation volunteer with RCDP. Although no previous animal conservation experience is necessary, you must be able to swim, have an understanding of Spanish – even if that is basic, be 18 years or over (or have your parents’ written permission), be physically fit and able to walk for long distances in conditions which are generally hot and humid, and neither drink nor take illegal substances while on the program.

Volunteer Responsibilities: Sea turtle Costa Rica volunteers may be assigned a number of tasks. In general these include; patrolling beaches for four hour shifts during the night, gathering eggs and checking the turtles; helping out in the hatchery in six hour stretches; cleaning the beaches and nursing sick and injured turtles in the rescue center.

Volunteer Program Fees & Dates

RCDP Costa Rica Program starts every 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month.

Every year hundreds of volunteers arrive in Costa Rica to volunteer from UK and USA based organizations and end up paying up to $2500 to volunteer for 2 weeks. Unfortunately, only a small portion of that money actually goes to host projects and host families. The local host projects (orphanages, school, and local NGOs) in Costa Rica are poor and need external supports to run their programs. In our program, you will pay your fee directly to host families and projects upon arrival in Costa Rica. When you join our program, we will make sure that all of your money goes to the projects and host families. Part of your fees also helps us to cover our expenses. The program fee is divided in as registration fee ($269) and weekly fee for room, food, coordination, and project donation.

In Costa Rica, weekly fee is divided between coordination (services of local staffs), host family (room/3 local foods a day), and project donation. Costa Rica is expensive tourist destination; therefore, nearly 90% of your weekly fee goes to covering your food, room, and coordination. While 10% of your fee goes to project as a material donation (not cash).