Yet, you are dazzled by the natural beauty of Monteverde. You are proud to take a walk nearby Rio Celeste. You are enthralled with the colourful wildlife. Everything is just unique. Every morning, the hummingbirds ignite your zest for service. You are invigorated and look forward to what the day offers. You release a sigh of relief and say “Pura Vida”. But the question is: ” Why? Why volunteering in Costa Rica?” Well, you have the privilege to take part in nourishing activities. You can explore the rich culture and rainforest tours of Costa Rica. Sightseeing would be the most auspicious source of happiness. The diverse wildlife and the wonders of the terrain would leave you dumbfounded. Costa Rica has this inviting eco-friendliness that you would barely experience in the United States of America. Don’t you agree? Why don’t you give it a shot? Espouse the opportunity to grow mentally and emotionally. Allow Costa Rica to leave a permanent smile on your face and embrace a purposeful experience! As much as you are looking forward to this avid experience, it is only fair that you have some pressing questions such as:
Where can I volunteer in Costa Rica?Do I need a visa to volunteer in Costa Rica?How do I find volunteer opportunities in Costa Rica?
Where Can I Volunteer In Costa Rica?
See, San Jose is the country’s bustling capital city. You can volunteer in San Jose and get engrossed in education and healthcare programs. If you have this unquenchable thirst for adventure, you can volunteer in the Corcovado National Park or the Manuel Antonio National Park. So if you want to have a solid taste of the village life in Costa Rica, volunteer in Costa Rica with animals. If you are endlessly curious about the Costa Rican urban lifestyle, volunteer in San Jose.
Do I Need a Visa to Volunteer in Costa Rica?
Not exactly! As long as you are an American or Canadian citizen, you have nothing to worry about. You can simply get a 90 – day tourist stamp in the passport upon arrival to Costa Rica. All you have to do is to state ‘tourism’ as your reason for travelling. Immigration will stamp your passport. Then, you can safely resume your volunteering trip.
How do I find Volunteering Opportunities in Costa Rica?
When searching for a volunteering opportunity in Costa Rica, it would be wise that you initially identify the purpose of your volunteering. Picture the life-changing experience you want to attain in Costa Rica. Also, when finding volunteering opportunities, make a thorough research on the organizations and the volunteer programs they offer. Check the volunteering in Costa Rica reviews. Does the organization respect the local culture, environment and individuals? What level of support and help can the organization offer?
Top 10 Volunteering Opportunities in Costa Rica
Now here is a comprehensive list of the top 10 volunteering opportunities in Costa Rica. The following programs are offered by trustworthy organizations, namely Frontier, IFRE, Ubelong and Go Eco.
#1. WILDLIFE SANCTUARY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
The mission of this program is to save endangered and injured animals. In time, they will be restored to the status quo in protected areas. What you would do as a volunteer is to help take care of young animals like sloths, collect data and learn about the forest.
#2. TEACHING
In this volunteering program English, history, spelling and developmental skills are thoroughly taught. Volunteers here play a life-changing role as young children are gaining their primary education from them.
#3. TURTLE CONSERVATION VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
This program preserves the number of sea turtles in the world. Volunteers are team members of beach patrol groups. They are aiming at collecting data and releasing baby turtles in the wild. The vision of Frontier Gap is to safeguard the ecosystem’s integrity, biodiversity and build sustainable livelihoods.
#4. NURSING / ELDERLY
Elderly citizens who have been neglected or lack family support are in safe hands. Volunteers, like you, are given the chance to create an enabling environment. It would include peace of mind, good nutrition, medical care and shelter.
#5. MEDICAL PROGRAMS
Volunteers in the medical programs help those who are bereft of proper medical care. Volunteer doctors and nurses greet, attend to and comfort patients. They also collect data pertaining to the patients’ health status. IFRE Volunteers go way back to 2005 and they operate in 18 countries with 200 projects around the world. They offer a top-rated but very low-cost volunteering experience in Costa Rica.
#6. CONSTRUCTION
The two major functions that volunteers perform in this program is reconstruction and painting. Buildings and schools that need repair and funding are addressed by the volunteers of this program.
#7. CAREGIVING
In this program, children from abusive or poverty-stricken lives and senior citizens from disadvantaged backgrounds are of primary concern. As a volunteer, you can work seven hours straight in a day. Your job would be to assist in education, emotional support and skill development. Amazing, right?
#8. ENVIRONMENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
The aim of this program is to proffer solutions to environmental concerns, like deficient water systems. You will create awareness and preach healthy practices throughout the town and surrounding areas. Ubelong results from two founders. Cedric Hodgeman and Raul Roman. The Ubelong Volunteering Organization has been rated as one of the best inexpensive Costa Rican volunteering packages.
#9. SUSTAINABLE ORGANIC COFFEE FARMING
This eco-friendly agricultural program educates volunteers in harvesting and processing coffee beans. You will also be opportuned to lend a helping hand at a small local farm to support local families.
#10. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Volunteers here will enjoy a three – tier program. Community development in
Schools in rural areasEco tourismNature Conservation
You may be working with tourists and be a tour guide. You may educate tourists on the forest, teach in schools or participate in construction projects. Go Eco is a leading eco – tourism company that acts as a gateway to over 150 extraordinary community, wildlife and environmental initiatives. Their programs are 4 or 5 star rated.
Conclusion
At this juncture, we are confident that you have decided. You are going to Costa Rica. That would be an excellent choice. It’s a safe destination in Central America and it’s full of hidden gems. As an adventure seeker, activities like zip lining and water rafting will be suitable. Make good decisions on volunteering programs. Plan prudently and take that trip to Costa Rica. We wish you “Pura Vida”!
REFERENCES
Traveller’s Quest: https://www.travellersquest.com/articles/14-best-cheap-volunteer-opportunities-in-costa-rica-organizations-projects-programsGo Eco: https://www.goeco.org/area/volunteer-in-central-america/costa-rica/sustainable-organic-coffee-farmingVolunteering Solutions: https://www.volunteeringsolutions.com/blog/volunteer-work-in-costa-rica-a-comprehensive-guidebook/#visaGo abroad: https://www.goabroad.com/articles/volunteer-abroad/best-costa-rica-volunteer-programs
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