Costa Rica
This gem of a country has something for almost every traveller, from surfing and scuba diving, to hiking and exploring. The terrain and eco-systems are incredibly varied and home to 6% of earth's biodiversity. Mountains rise from the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea to form the spine of Costa Rica and define hundreds of micro climates. Over 25% of the country is protected in an extensive national park and conservation area.
The military was outlawed after the civil war in 1948. The absence of a military over the past 60 years has created a pacifist attitude which carries over into almost all aspects of life. Ticos (Costa Ricans) are known for being friendly, polite almost to a fault, and warm. Even though Ticos enjoy a higher standard of living than most other Central Americans, their country still has economic issues. Around 23% of Costa Ricans live under the poverty line. The Costa Rican economy's main sectors are tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Working in partnership with local organisations in northern Costa Rica this is a rewarding volunteer experience, cultural immersion, and Spanish language programmes that gives participants a richer experience of Costa Rica.
Projects
Your volunteer service can last 2-10 months (or more) depending on your selection and type of project. For your volunteer assignment you will be placed with a local family.
INLEX has contacts with a large number of Costa Rican NGOs working in development programmes. Therefore, they are able to accommodate a very wide range of interests. After agreeing the volunteer's area of work, INLEX will locate organisations where the volunteer can be placed. This will be agreed with the volunteer before arrival in Costa Rica.
Available host projects reflect changing needs and priorities and may vary from those described below. A brief description of sample organisations is provided for different areas of interest.
Education
There are many organisations working in areas where the educational opportunities are low, such as in rural populations. Providing education to this sector of Costa Rican society will help them achieve their dreams for a better future. 32% of the Costa Rica population is made up of young people between the ages of 12 and 20 years old. Rural young people face the challenges of lack of jobs, little incentives, and limited opportunities in their communities.
Liceo Quebrada Grande is a rural high school, located 30 minutes from the city of Liberia (north of Costa Rica). It is located in a poor rural village. They need volunteers to support their educational programmes.
Volunteers could provide training on small business, life skills ("planning my
life"), computer training, self-esteem workshops, English teaching.
Women’s office at the municipality of Liberia. The municipality of Liberia, through the 'oficina de la mujer', implements different projects to improve living conditions of women in Liberia and neighbouring villages. Projects include:
- Training workshops on handicrafts, clothing, cooking, nutrition, ceramics, etc.
- Business training
- Presentations and forums on domestic violence, leadership, women's rights, and citizen participation
- Health journeys, medical consultations, health talks, job search and community diagnosis on women's conditions
Volunteers can collaborate on any of these projects
Social and Welfare services
Organisations that cater to the most disadvantaged in society are always in need of volunteers. Placements are available in projects such as day-care centres for children of single mothers and respite centres for the disabled. Volunteers must be patient, caring and able to cope with difficult or distressing situations.
Hogar Jardin Madre Marcelina is a daycare centre managed by the Catholic Church for poor families. It is located in Los Angeles of Tilaran, 3 hours north from the capital. It is very important that volunteers are able to take initiative, to be creative and organise games/educational activities for the children. Volunteers can also help with the chores of the house, cleaning, cooking, bathing the children, etc.
Environment
Conservation projects have been established to slow down environmental degradation in protected areas, municipal nature reserves, and other areas where natural resources are particularly threatened (especially rainforests and cloud-forests). Volunteers who are physically fit and enjoy the outdoors are needed to assist in many of these conservation projects.
Centro de Rescate las Pumas is a Conservation centre located in Cañas, 2 hours northwest from San José. Their aim is to protect and rescue wildlife in danger. Volunteers can help care for the animals, supporting the environmental education project, organising educational activities for young people in the area, preparing promotional/educational materials.
Small Business
23 % of the Costa Rica population lives in poverty, especially in rural areas. Unemployment in these areas is high, particularly for women and young people. Volunteers can bring a new perspective and knowledge to the beneficiaries of these programmes.
Microenterprise NGOs/Cooperatives in this sector provide micro credits, training and business advice to small entrepreneurs to better manage their businesses. Volunteers with a background in economics, marketing or business administration can help the strengthening of their services
Health
Volunteers with a medical background are particularly needed but non trained volunteers can assist on a range of daily duties. The public hospital of Tilaran (2 hours northwest from San José) is a possible assignment in the health area. Volunteers can also work with rural health posts from the Ministry of Health.
Other possible projects include: Agricultural cooperatives, Municipal development, Organic gardening,
Programme details
ARRIVAL AND ORIENTATION
Upon arrival of your flight in San Jose, you will be met and welcomed at the airport by an INLEX representative. From the airport, you are transported to San Ramón for orientation regarding:
- The country (geography, people, traditions/customs, services, currency, etc)
- Health and security measures
- Transportation system
- Staff to contact in case of emergencies
- Procedures regarding classes and volunteer work
- Home stay
You will also receive an orientation packet covering the points discussed and other useful information. Later on during the first days at your Spanish school you will have a more specific orientation to your town and language programme.
If you are coming from Guatemala on the combined Central America Programme, you will be met and welcomed by an INLEX representative at the bus terminal in San José
LIVING WITH YOUR HOST FAMILY
INLEX will arrange for you to live with a Costa Rica family throughout your language training and your service and they will have been given a short biography on you. The goals of living with local families are: 1) to help your understanding of the culture of Costa Rica; and 2) to strengthen your Spanish language skills.
Your home stay family has been asked to provide you with two meals per day. All families receive a stipend to help cover food and living expenses.
VOLUNTEER SERVICE
Following language training, you will join your host project to begin your volunteer service in different parts of the country according to your assignment.
PROGRAMME FEES 2012
| Duration | Cost |
|---|---|
| 2 months | US$ 1975 |
| 3 months | US$ 2300 |
| 4 months | US$ 2625 |
| 5 months | US$ 2950 |
| 6 months | US$ 3275 |
Other options are available.
In the environmental programmes, lodging might be at the project. If that’s the case, volunteers might be charged an additional US$100 per month.
Please note, due to fluctuations in the exchange rate, prices are quoted in US$. A price in £ sterling will be quoted on application.
Spanish Language Training
- 20 hours (1 week, 4 hours per day) US$ 275
- 40 hours (2 weeks, 4 hours per day) US$ 550
- 60 hours (3 weeks, 4 hours per day) US$ 825
- 80 hours (4 weeks, 4 hours per day) US$ 1100
What is included in the cost of the programme
- Accommodations with a host family with two meals per day
- Participation in cultural activities
- On call support throughout the service
- Coordination with the host country organisation of volunteer service
- Transportation to language school and volunteer project site
- Orientation to volunteer work
- Welcome at airport
What is not included in the cost of the programme
- Transportation to and from Costa Rica, passport and visa fees
- Transportation back from the project at the end of the programme
- Airport/exit taxes
- Health & accident insurance
- Personal expenses including international phone calls
Combined Central America option (minimum length of stay 6 months) (Guatemala/Costa Rica): 3 months in each country, Spanish training in Guatemala (80 hours). It includes bus transportation from Guatemala to Costa Rica.
Fee: $ 2725
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