Summer Volunteer Program Costa Rica

Project Summary

US $2,599 for 4 weeks including 5-day, guided tourr

View detail itinerary

Volunteer in Costa Rica , Central America 's jewel. While smaller than the state of West Virginia , Costa Rica offers fascinating opportunities at every turn. Whatever your interests– eco-tourism, bird watching, adventure, rafting, golf or just relaxing on the white sands of an unspoiled tropical beach – you'll find thrilling pastimes in this tropical and secure paradise. Playful monkeys, sleepy sloths, crocodiles, countless lizards, poison-dart frogs and a mind-boggling assortment of exotic birds and insects make Costa Rica a travel wonder of the world. IFRE invites you to join our summer youth volunteer program and explore the beauty of this wonderful country by spending four weeks in San Jose.

The capital city of San Jose is located on high plateau in the Central Valley at an elevation of 1200 m (3,700 ft). Lush green mountains and valleys surround the city. The population of the capital probably represents half of the entire country. While the city's architectural achievements are not notable, the local mountains provide many free time activities ranging from small treks to overnight treks. Excursions to butterfly and coffee farms are enjoyable options. Canopy tours are thrilling, as is volcano exploration. There are delicious restaurants and museums as well. San Jose provides a well-balanced travel experience, heavy on excitement and natural adventure!

Welcome to San Jose, Costa Rica!

You will be greeted by a local IFRE representative at the San Jose airport. After a short orientation, you be transported to your accommodations and settle in with your host family. The second day begins with your "regular" routine including Spanish lessons and your volunteer experience. Over the next three weeks, you will work as a volunteer and acquire a comfortable, useful level of Spanish fluency – enriching your adventure abroad.

Work in Community Service Projects (22 Days)

For three weeks, volunteers assist in teaching in a school to help the local children advance in their studies. Volunteers will be divided in several small groups. IFRE will place 2-5 volunteers in each project depending on the needs of the project and the size of the summer group.

As a volunteer in the underfunded rural school projects, you will assist with classes at a kindergarten, elementary or high school level. Options to teach English, French, Art, Math, Physical Education or other areas of interest can be pursued if the volunteer has training or experience in the subject matter

Note: Remember that you will have your volunteer experience and receive Spanish concurrently during these three weeks. .

Costa Rica Exploration (5 Days)

It is time for cruising and hiking, beaches and butterflies. After serving with the communities and children of Costa Rica , immersing into the local culture of San Jose and learning Spanish for three weeks, it is time for incredible travels through the Costa Rica tropical splendor.

Enjoy an exhilarating cruise on a sea-faring catamaran and a leisurely, wildlife-viewing boat ride on the Sarapiqui River . Trek to Paos Volcano National Park and sip authentic cups of Costa Rican coffee. Gaze in amazement at Botos Lagoon and then play in the La Paz Waterfall Gardens . Whisper quietly as you are surrounded by soft butterfly wings at the Magia Blanca Falls – the largest enclosed butterfly observatory in the world. Simply lounge on a pristine beach with warm soft sands. The possibilities for adventure and exploration in Costa Rica are endless.

Summer volunteer and adventure program fee includes housing; meals; transportation to each of the sites; entrance to various sites and parks; and free time to enjoy on your own.

Not included in the summer volunteer and adventure program fee: horseback riding, visit to the wildlife rescue center, souvenir shopping, visit to a cheese and ice cream factory, nightclub cover charges, and internet access, nor is the frog house, snake houses and butterfly farms entrance fees included.

This program itinerary is merely a proposed sample and may be altered to meet the needs of the volunteers and changes in field conditions. This proposed itinerary will be finalized during orientation program.