Volunteer Costa Rica
BUNAC believes that the best way to experience a county is to fully immerse yourself into the culture and community. Our volunteer programmes give you the perfect opportunity to do just that whilst contributing to a worthwhile project. You will be able to share your skills and knowledge with the local staff and get an invaluable insight into the lives of their community by living with a host family. Take time to share stories and life experiences, learn some of the local language and enjoy the home cooked food. It all adds up to provide you with a unique and memorable volunteer experience
About Costa Rica
Known as Central Americas’ hidden gem Costa Rica is a popular destination for travellers whether they are looking for adventure or relaxation. The country is renowned for its stunning diversity of landscapes. Take a zip wire through the rainforest, trek up a volcano, relax in the sulphur spring, learn to surf on the Pacific waves or just go with the flow on the Caribbean coast. The tropical climate allows for a biodiversity haven for flora, fauna and wildlife. With 25% of land protected in parks and reserves you will never be far from being at one with nature. Whatever your travelling style you will be sure to find what you are looking for in Costa Rica.
Volunteer Costa Rica includes:
- Comprehensive Orientation Interview on a one to one basis
- BUNAC Volunteer Costa Rica Handbook and Lonely Planet Guidebook
- Personal support and travel advice from knowledgeable staff
- Group or individual flight booking service
- 24/7 support from BUNAC and our local partner organisation for the duration of your programme
- Project placement based on your skills and local needs
- 2-day Orientation
- Education sessions about culture and customs; safety and accommodation and your placement
- Walking tour of San Jose
- Airport transfer
- 2 nights hostel accommodation
- Host family accommodation:
- Based in areas all over Costa Rica
- Private or twin share room with another volunteer
- Home cooked food included
Placement options
Your placement will be influenced by your skills, placement preferences and project availability. Projects are very flexible so it’s all about using your skills and initiative where you can. Projects are located all around Costa Rica. It is likely you will be working alongside one or two other volunteers from the UK or worldwide. Examples of opportunities are listed below.
| Teaching |
Childcare |
Working as a teacher’s assistant in a Pre-school, Primary or Secondary School helping to teach English and other subjects
Organising activities from arts and crafts, sports, dance and music to extra curricular activities |
Supervising in schools, day-care centres or orphanages
Helping with meal-times and play time
Assisting with basic education and the day-to-day running of a centre |
| Wildlife |
Environmental Conservation |
| Placements are available in animal sanctuaries, zoos and farms. Work is likely to be basic including preparing food, feeding and cleaning out the animals. You may also get the opportunity to assist vets, monitor species and educate visitors about the project |
Volunteer in a nature reserve or national park. Assist with clearing trails, monitoring flora and fauna and showing visitors around a project, helping out with environmental education schemes |
| Tourism |
Online TEFL |
| Helping to develop tourism in rural
villages and local communities
There are also some commercial
opportunities working in hotels,
museums and galleries |
Most volunteers will have the opportunity to teach whilst they are away (either structured or ad-hoc). Whether or not this is the focus of your trip a TEFL course will help you to communicate in a foreign language. Find out more about the On-Line TEFL.
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For further examples of project work, please check the Volunteer diaries