Volunteer in Costa Rica - Join the thousands of volunteers who are making a meaningful difference with their lives.
- Feel what it’s like to know that someone else’s life has been made better because YOU were there
- Partner with others who know that a better world begins with changing a single life
- At $175, ours is the world’s most affordable volunteer program available
- Your safety is always our priority... every volunteer location has been thoroughly vetted
- Contribute in the way that is most meaningful to you... by volunteering in many life changing projects
Are you dreaming of volunteering in Costa Rica? Do you want to explore this beautiful country while helping people living in poverty?
Many tourists pick Costa Rica as their favorite place to visit. Costa Rica is an explorers dream come true offering stunning beaches, grand volcanoes, waterfalls galore, and mysterious jungles.
This dream destination has something for everyone.
Unfortunately, nestled in the communities of this diverse country are many locals living in poverty. Our volunteer programs in Costa Rica give you the gratifying chance to help these destitute people while enjoying your dream vacation.
![Alexandra Miller](../images/lps/rev1.png)
These last six weeks of volunteering have been a truly amazing and life-changing & very wonderful experience for me.
Alexandra Miller
- USA
![Leslie Slade](../images/lps/review-leslie.png)
I had an excellent time, better than I ever could have imagined. Other volunteers were so nice and willing to help.
Leslie Slade
- Vermont, USA
![Don Maddocks](../images/lps/review-don.png)
I had a wonderful experience. I had the opportunity to teach children of all different ages.I am sad to leave!
Don Maddocks
- USA
![Manko Blakely](../images/lps/review-manko.png)
My volunteer experience with IFRE has been unforgettable. It has opened my mind & heart. Staffs were very helpful.
Manko Blakely
- Germany
What volunteer opportunities are available in Costa Rica
Our Costa Rica volunteer opportunities give you the chance to help those in need. You can choose from helping the young or helping the elderly, teaching English, or any one of our exceptional medical programs.
Volunteer with orphanage Children program Costa Rica
There are many children that have been orphaned, abused, or left on the streets to fend for themselves.
Our Costa Rica orphanage volunteer program helps these children by providing caring volunteers to teach English, help with homework, and plan children’s games and activities.
Our volunteers get the heartwarming experience of sharing their love and compassion with these disadvantaged children.
Required Skills: The only required skill is compassion for helping poor and neglected children. Some knowledge of the Spanish language is helpful but not mandatory. We ask that orphanage volunteers understand these children have been abused, neglected, and abandoned and for volunteers to be compassionate and flexible.
Volunteer Chores: Volunteers in the orphanage in Costa Rica will be responsible for helping staff watch the children, teaching English, playing with them, and assisting with school work.
You may also help with chores around the orphanage like cleaning, washing clothes, or maintenance. You should be eager to help with any tasks needed by staff.
Teach English Volunteer Program Costa Rica
There are many poor rural schools that are lacking the funds and staff to teach these disadvantaged students. As a result, they are falling behind in their education. English, Art, and Physical Education are mandatory, but the schools have no one to teach these subjects.
Volunteers teaching English in Costa Rica will teach these children these forgotten subjects. These eager yet disadvantaged children desperately need you to help close the gap in the lack of education.
Skills Needed: Knowing a little Spanish will help you to communicate better with the children and make your experience more enjoyable. If you do not speak Spanish, we have classes you can take. No skills or experience is needed to volunteer teaching English in Costa Rica. We only request you be flexible and have a passion for helping children.
Volunteer Tasks: Volunteers in the schools of Costa Rica will help with classes by teaching English, French, Art, Math, or PE. Other subjects are available for volunteers trained in that topic.
Non-Medical Health Programs in San Jose
Many of the locals in rural and disadvantaged areas of Costa Rica do not have access to healthcare. A lot of these folks have diseases that can be prevented and treated.
This medical volunteer opportunity in Costa Rica is a fabulous opportunity for medical students or medical volunteers to expand their global and specialized skills while improving the health of disadvantaged people.
With our medical volunteer opportunities in Costa Rica, you will be placed in a local clinic or hospital. Volunteers make a constructive impact on these people leaving them optimistic about a better future. Be that person to make a positive impact and volunteer today.
Needed Requirements If you are considering volunteering with the medical volunteer program in Costa Rica, you should have some type of medical background such as being a medical student, paramedic, nurse, or doctor.
Volunteers without proper identification will not be accepted. Being able to speak some Spanish will help you have a more enjoyable volunteer experience. If not, we have classes that you can take.
Volunteer Tasks Costa Rica health volunteers will help local medical staff and doctors with a multitude of tasks. You could work in physical therapy, labs, retirement centers, dental clinics, and much, much more.
You may be able to help with patient exams or calling on patients in their homes. As a volunteer with the medical volunteer program, you will follow local doctors where you will gain valuable knowledge. Due to liability, you will not assist with surgeries or major procedures.
Nursing Home Volunteer Program
Many elderly folks are mistreated, abused, or abandoned and have been placed in nursing homes. These nursing homes provide safe and loving homes for these poor abused elders.
Our program to volunteer in Costa Rica in elderly care is aimed at helping these elderly folks with hygiene, nutrition, and social desires. You are urgently needed to help these elderly folks maintain their dignity in a happy loving home.
Required Skills As a volunteer in Costa Rica with the elderly care program, you do not need any specific training. Patience, an open mind, and compassion for helping the elderly are all we request.
Being able to communicate even a little in Spanish is beneficial but not mandatory. It will enhance your experience to be able to talk and listen to this wise generation with all of their stories but again, it is not required.
Volunteer Tasks Volunteers working with the elderly will be responsible for their daily needs. This program is very hands on; some patients require total care and physical assistance with bathing, dressing, and eating. This is a wonderful chance for students to experience working in nursing homes providing care.
Turtle Conservation Project (Osa Peninsula)
Masses of sea turtles go home to the Costa Rica beaches each year to nest. Because there are so many different types of sea turtles and the nesting season differs with each species, there is volunteer work all year long.
Costa Rica turtle volunteers will help protect the sea turtles by watching their nesting sites for poachers. As a volunteer, you will also collect important research data.
This amazing project gives you the chance to experience working with these exotic turtles, be a part of saving them from extinction, and relax on the renowned, stunning, white beaches of Costa Rica.
Skills Needed In order to join our volunteer opportunities in Costa Rica with turtles, you must be physically fit, able to swim, and able to comprehend basic Spanish. If you are under 18, you will need your parent with you or their signed permission for you to go.
We do not allow drinking or illegal drug use. If you smoke, you must dispose of properly. You are also required to have personal insurance. Experience working with turtles is not needed.
Volunteer Chores As a volunteer working with sea turtles in Costa Rica, you will work with Hawksbill and Black Sea Turtles in the Gulf of Dulce. You will help study their behaviors, guard the nesting areas, and help out in the rescue center.
Turtle Conservation (Caribbean Coast)
Turtles return every year to the beaches of Costa Rica to nest causing a large amounts of nesting sites along the beaches.
This is a poacher’s dream come true. Sea turtle volunteers in Costa Rica will protect these endangered turtles as well as help with vital turtle research.
Required Skills Education or past experience is not required to volunteer with the sea turtles. You must be able to swim, walk long distances, boat, collect eggs, speak basic Spanish, and live in a rural, hot, and wet environment.
It is mandatory to be 18 years of age or have a parent accompany your or documented permission from your parents Drinking and illegal drugs are not permitted. If you smoke, you, must dispose of cigarette butts in appropriate areas. You will be required to have your own insurance in order to volunteer.
Volunteer Jobs As a volunteer with sea turtles, you will work with 3 different kinds of endangered turtles, leatherback, hawksbill, and green sea turtles.
You will have a variety of responsibilities including patrolling the beach for egg poachers, working in the hatchery, cleaning trash and debris from the beach, or working in the rescue center. This sea turtle volunteer opportunity is a wonderful way to experience and learn all aspects of working with sea turtles.
Volunteer Program Fees & Dates:
Start Dates: Our programs start every Monday, although we allow for flexibility due to travel constraints.
IFRE is a 501(c) 3 organization, so your program fee will be tax deductible. IFRE Volunteers is proud to offer the world’s best fee. Our programs are now more affordable than ever. We are proud to focus on the humanitarian aspect of our business, not on profit.
We work very hard and smart to keep our costs down, especially for the volunteers because we know the value of your donated time and efforts. We remain devoted to maintaining both the quality of the program and the safety of all volunteers involved. Below is a brief summary of the program fee and services that IFRE Volunteers offers.
IFRE fees comprise of two separate fees. An application fee of $299 USD (covers advertising, staff/office expenses, etc.) and a nominal weekly program fee (covers room/board, project donation, field support, etc).
You will pay your fee directly to host families and projects (via country coordinator). In this way, what you pay will go for you or people who deserve it (not for profit).
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 |
+ 10 hours group Spanish is not available in Puntarenas, Orphanage Project
- 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.
Program fees cover:
- Accommodation (volunteer house or host family)
- Food (local food 3 times a day)
- In-country support
- Program Orientation
- Personalized project
- Pre-departure information
- Certificate of completion
- Fundraising ideas and letters
- Discount for returning volunteers
Program fees dont cover:
- Visas
- Airfare
- Personal expenses on soft drinks and foods
- Daily transportation
- Airport return transfer
San Jose | |||
---|---|---|---|
Duration | Children, teaching | Medical, Conservation, and Construction | |
1 Week | $370 | $435 | |
2 Weeks | $645 | $710 | |
3 Weeks | $920 | $985 | |
4 Weeks | $1,130 | $1,195 | |
5 Weeks | $1,315 | $1,380 | |
6 Weeks | $1,500 | $1,565 | |
7 Weeks | $1,685 | $1,750 | |
8 Weeks | $1,870 | $1,935 | |
9 Weeks | $2,055 | $2,120 | |
10 Weeks | $2,240 | $2,305 | |
11 Weeks | $2,425 | $2,490 | |
12 Weeks | $2,610 | $2,675 |
- Comprehensive Traveler Insurance $3.49/day (for all locations)
Program fees cover:
- Housing in shared rooms
- Breakfast and dinner (2 meals) 7 days/week.
- Airport pick-up
- Orientation
- Project management
- Weekly salsa lessons
- Free Tandem Conversation Program.
Program fees dont cover:
- Visas
- Airfare
- Personal expenses on soft drinks and foods
- Daily transportation
- Airport return transfer
Turtle Conservation Program Fees | |||
---|---|---|---|
Duration | Osa Peninsula (Pacific) | ||
1 Week | $385 | ||
2 Weeks | $770 | ||
3 Weeks | $1155 | ||
4 Weeks | $1540 | ||
5 Weeks | $1925 | ||
6 Weeks | $2310 | ||
7 Weeks | $2695 | ||
8 Weeks | $3080 | ||
9 Weeks | $3465 | ||
10 Weeks | $3850 | ||
11 Weeks | $4235 | ||
12 Weeks | $4620 |
- Mandatory comprehensive travel insurance $3.49 a day »
- No Spanish Language Program with the Turtle Conservation Project
Matapolo (Airport Pick Up and Transportation) »
Matapalo- Pacific (airport pick up and transportation)
Matapalo Turtle Conservation site is 120 miles from San Jose. There are two options for you to choose from.
Option one- organized by IFRE Volunteers
- Airport Pick, spend the first night in a hotel in San Jose $45
(If you arrive before 2 p.m. you can go directly to the project by taxi, without staying in a hotel)
- Travel from San Jose to Matapalo in a private taxi $150
Option two- travel by yourself to the project (total cost $42)
If you flight arrives early in the morning, or before 9 a.m. you can choose to go directly to the project by public bus.
Bus Departure time from San Jose to Matapalo: 6:30 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 10 AM
Here are the directions to get to the project from San Jose
- Take the bus from Gran Terminal del Caribe of San José to Matapalo de Quepos. $15
- When you get off in Matapalo de Quepos take a taxi to the project $5
Gran Terminal del Caribe of San Jose: Map
*you will pay your airport pick up/transfer fee directly to staff in Costa Rica
Osa Peninsula (Airport Pick up and Transportation) »
Osa - Pacific (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.
- Airport Pick, first night at a hotel in San Jose $45
- Sanjose to Punterenas by bus $8
- Punterenas to Osa by bus $6
*You will pay your airport pick up/transfer cost directly to staff in Costa Rica
Pacuare (Airport Pick Up and Transportation) »
Pacuare (airport pick up and transportation)
Pacuare Turtle Conservation site is 80 miles from San Jose. There are two options for you to choose from.
Option one- organized by IFRE Volunteers
- Airport Pick, spend the first night in a hotel in San Jose $45
(If you arrive before 2 p.m. you can go directly to the project by taxi without staying in a hotel.)
- San Jose to Pecaure in a private taxi $150
- The boat transportation cost is 35$
Option two- travel by yourself to the project
If your flight arrives early in the morning, or before 10 a.m., you can choose to go to the project directly by public bus
- San Jose to Siquirres $6
- Siquirres to Las Vegas de Imperio $3
- The boat transportation cost is 35$
Bus Departure time from San Jose: 11 a.m.
Directions - traveling to your project
1. From the Gran Terminal del Caribe of San José, take the 11:00 a.m. bus to Siquirres. You will arrive at Siquirres around 1:15 p.m.
2. From the terminal at Siquirres walk to La Estación Intercantonal, also called Parada de los Calvos, (300m). (If you are not sure, just ask people where you can get on a bus to Las Vegas de Imperio).
3. Take the 2:30 p.m. bus to Las Vegas de Imperio, getting off at the last stop.
4. A staff member will be waiting for you there. The boat transportation cost is 35$ per person, both trips.
Links
Gran Terminal del Caribe of San Jose: Map
*You will pay your airport pick up/transfer fee directly to staff in Costa Rica: Map
Program fees cover:
- Accommodation (volunteer house or host family)
- Food (local food 3 times a day)
- In-country support
- Personalized project
- Pre-departure information
- Certificate of completion
- Fundraising ideas and letters
- Discount for returning volunteers
Program fees dont cover:
- Visas
- Airfare
- Personal expenses on soft drinks and foods
- Daily transportation
- Airport return transfer
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
Program fees cover:
- Accommodation (volunteer house or host family)
- Food (local food 3 times a day)
- In-country support
- Personalized project
- Pre-departure information
- Certificate of completion
- Fundraising ideas and letters
- Discount for returning volunteers
Program fees dont cover:
- Visas
- Airfare
- Personal expenses on soft drinks and foods
- Daily transportation
- Airport return transfer
The volunteering overseas in Costa Rica program fees will cover expenses that will begin on the first day of the program (usually the first or third Monday of the month) to the last day of the program. If you arrive before the first day of the program or you decide you stay beyond your program’s last day, you will be responsible for the additional expenses, which would typically be around $30 a day for room and meals at a hostel.
Lodging/Meals/ Support
Volunteer programs in Costa Rica provide you with a hotel or host family for lodging. All of our accommodations are safe and secure.
Host families will provide you with a private or shared room, shared kitchen and bathroom, three meals a day, and a place to wash your clothes (you can pay a small fee to have your clothes washed). Be aware, most host families do not have hot water.
Our local staff is available 24 hours a day and will stay in contact with you during your entire stay.