The Impact of Volunteering in Costa Rica
Here at Costa Rican Vacations, we concentrate on creating vacations for our clients, crafting the best itineraries for travelers seeking to discover the best of Costa Rica. It's a great way to make a living. That said, we're fully aware there's another way to experience this beautiful country. And that's by volunteering.
As a company, we know something about volunteering in Costa Rica. Many of our non-Costa Rican staff arrived here in the first place on some volunteer program or another. Over the years, we've also seen clients come here on vacation, fall in love with the country, and then return to volunteer. We've also seen the flip side of that—former volunteers in Costa Rica returning years later on vacation to reconnect with the country and show their families where they used to live. So tourism and volunteering do share some form of connection with each other, at least to us.
Volunteering is a great way to experience Costa Rica's culture and natural beauty while doing some good and making a positive impact. In this article, we'll look at Costa Rica’s volunteering landscape to give you an idea if it's something you feel like pursuing further or not. Let's get started.
Why Volunteer in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is no stranger to the concept of volunteerism. As a developing country in Central America, it's been a destination for foreign volunteers for far longer than it's been a tourism hub. In fact, the Peace Corps has been operating in Costa Rica since 1963.
Founded by President Kennedy in 1961, the Peace Corps is a U.S. government agency that sends volunteers to developing countries for community work. Since 1963, the Peace Corps has sent almost 4,000 volunteers to Costa Rica, where they've lived with host families while working in fields such as agriculture, environmental education, English-language learning, local economic development, and more. While the Peace Corps isn't the only volunteer organization that's been operating in Costa Rica for so long, it's certainly a main forerunner of what was to come in later years.
There are many reasons why you might decide to volunteer in Costa Rica. We already highlighted one earlier, when we mentioned clients of ours who came here on vacation and fell in love with the country. Other reasons include a desire to learn and develop new skills, to experience life in another country, to give back, or simply to satisfy a wanderlust. The reasons for coming are as numerous and as diverse as the volunteers themselves, and so is the range of opportunities available, which include the following:
- Environmental conservation. These volunteers help protect Costa Rica's rich biodiversity by working in rainforest conservation, sea turtle protection, or reforestation projects. Another form of this type of work, popular with volunteers, is animal welfare (both domestic and wild). Rescue centers, wildlife sanctuaries, and vet clinics all receive valuable assistance from volunteers.
- Education/community development. Many volunteers come to teach English to children or adults (mostly in deprived or rural areas). They also participate in other education initiatives, healthcare programs, and infrastructure development projects. The idea is to work with local communities to improve their lives.
- Sustainable Agriculture and Eco-Tourism. Volunteer programs often offer placements for those seeking to participate in organic farming practices, help build eco-friendly lodges or trails, and promote sustainable tourism initiatives.
These are the main three fields, painted with an extremely broad brush, of volunteerism in Costa Rica. If you decide to volunteer in the country, chances are you'll be lending your time and efforts to one of these fields. In return, you'll receive a life-changing, transformative experience that will positively impact your life far beyond the time you spend in Costa Rica.
Best Volunteer Programs in Costa Rica
Have we sold you on the benefits of volunteering in Costa Rica yet? Would you like some personal growth while contributing to a worthy cause? Does living abroad and getting to experience real Costa Rican life appeal to you? If so, then you'll need to know the next steps.
While it's possible to get on a plane and just show up, it's not something we recommend. There are plenty of volunteer programs out there whose purpose is to connect you with the right type of work. They'll also take care of your visa, look after your accommodations, and ensure your time in Costa Rica goes as smoothly as possible.
We already mentioned the Peace Corps as one such volunteer program, and if you're a U.S. citizen hoping to give back in some way, maybe that's the route for you, especially if you're a qualified professional with certain skills in community economic development or education. But the Peace Corps certainly isn't the only game in town. Below, we'll highlight some of the better and more recommended volunteer programs in Costa Rica, grouped into the various fields we mentioned above.
Top-Rated Volunteer Opportunities and Projects
It's worth starting by mentioning the big players, the main volunteer program companies operating around the world. The reason for that is that most of the more reputable international volunteer organizations out there, whether they're from the United States, Europe, or somewhere else, offer projects in Costa Rica. And the best part is, most of them don't operate in simply one field of expertise. They work with projects across all main fields (environmental, education/social development, sustainability). That makes them an excellent one-stop shop to find the program that suits you.
So before anything else, if you're looking for some of the best Costa Rica volunteering opportunities in 2024, check out the following orgs:
- GoEco. The projects offered by GoEco emphasize sustainable living and range from rainforest conservation and organic farming to sea turtle protection and community development. Founded in the United States in 2006, they have a real commitment to responsible tourism and cultural immersion.
- International Volunteer HQ. A popular and affordable option with programs in over 40 countries, IVHQ offers projects in healthcare, child care, teaching, construction, animal care, and sea turtle conservation. This is a great option for those seeking short-term volunteering projects rather than long-term ones.
- Maximo Nivel. Maximo Nivel was originally an English-as-a-second-language program, but now offers volunteer opportunities in a range of fields. You can still teach English in Costa Rica with Maximo Nivel, plus volunteer in conservation, construction, medical projects, and more.
- Raleigh International. The UK-based Raleigh International is a youth organization that puts together volunteering "expeditions" at set dates throughout the year. Their Costa Rica expeditions focus on conservation projects, community resilience, and adventure leadership.
- Volunteer World. Founded in 2006, Volunteer World is another international organization working in over 70 countries around the world, including Costa Rica. Their projects include wildlife conservation, community development, education, and marine conservation.
This is just a small selection of volunteer orgs offering placements in Costa Rica. There are plenty of other reputable organizations to check out. Below, we'll look at some more, specifically by field. Remember though, that whatever of the below fields you wish to volunteer in, you can certainly find something with any of the international organizations listed above.
Wildlife and Environmental Projects
One of the main reasons tourists visit Costa Rica is for this tiny country's nature and range of biodiversity. It should, therefore, be of no surprise that these attributes also attract volunteers. They come to Costa Rica to protect nesting turtles, participate in reforestation projects, assist with wildlife monitoring, help safeguard endangered species, monitor fish populations, advocate for sustainable fishing practices, work with wildlife sanctuaries and veterinary clinics, and so much more.
Other options include ecotourism education and development, sustainable farming, renewable energy, and environmental education. If you're interested in giving your time to any of these projects, then Costa Rica is for you. Below are a few organizations to check out:
- COPROT. COPROT (Comunidad Protectora de Tortugas de Osa, which translates to Protector Community of Osa Turtles) does exactly what it says on the tin. They protect nesting sea turtles on the Osa Peninsula and they're always looking for people to help.
- Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary. Located near Dominical, a beach and surf community on the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Alturas rescues and rehabilitates injured, sick, and orphaned animals.
- Selva Bananito. Selva Bananito is a remote eco-lodge in the remote Talamanca Mountains on the Caribbean slope of Costa Rica. Travelers seeking ecotourism volunteer opportunities working on a private rainforest reserve should consider these guys.
- Toucan Rescue Ranch. Located in the Central Valley, near the city of Heredia, the Toucan Rescue Ranch rescues injured/orphaned wildlife, then rehabilitates and releases them.
- MCCR. The MCCR (Marine Conservation Costa Rica) is based in Quepos, near Manuel Antonio on the Central Pacific coast. PADI-qualified diving enthusiasts might find their volunteer programs appealing, although they also offer on-land opportunities.
- SINAC. SINAC (Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación Costa Rica, which translates to National System of Conservation Areas Costa Rica) is a government-run agency that maintains and protects conservation areas around the country. They offer a variety of volunteer programs for groups and individuals.
- Macaw Recovery Network. With its main offices in San José, the Macaw Recovery Network offers volunteer opportunities in the rainforests of Sarapiqui in northern Costa Rica or at Punta Islita on the Nicoya Peninsula. Their mission is, as per their name, to protect and conserve endangered parrot species in Costa Rica.
Social Impact Projects
The Costa Rican economy has come on leaps and bounds in recent years. The country joined the OECD (the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) in 2021 and has benefitted from a growth in tourism because of it, making it more affluent than ever before. But it's still a developing country and there is still real poverty and lack of opportunity for many. This means that programs focusing on helping local communities always need volunteer assistance. If you're interested in volunteering in this field, here are some options:
- Abriendo Mentes. Their name translates into English as "Opening Minds" and volunteering with them in Guanacaste will certainly open yours! Here, you'll work with disadvantaged communities in a range of activities that suit your skillset.
- Asociación CREAR. Located in the beach community of Sámara on the Nicoya Peninsula, CREAR (an acronym for Creativity, Art, and Social Responsibility) offers a number of community-based volunteer programs for individuals and groups alike.
- Tacos4Ticos. In the interests of objectivity, Tacos4Ticos is our own organization, founded by us in 2014. It works with underprivileged kids in some of the poorer areas of San José, coaching soccer classes to encourage community building and teamwork while also offering English tuition to help them academically. Tacos4Ticos is always looking for volunteers to help them out, especially if they already live in Costa Rica, so contact us if you’re interested.
Educational and Teaching Opportunities
If community development programs and working with nature aren't your bag, and you still want to volunteer in Costa Rica, then the next-best option for you is to teach. There are so many programs out there for anyone looking to work in education, whether that's teaching adults English, teaching kids English, assisting in schools, or any form of youth development. The following orgs can help you if you're interested:
- First Hand. First Hand is a Costa Rican organization that brings volunteers to work in a Montessori school near Nosara on the Nicoya Peninsula. They also offer placements for musicians to teach their instruments in the town of Nicoya.
- The Cloud Forest School. Feel like helping out at a bilingual school in the cool cloud forests of Monteverde? The Cloud Forest School always needs help and is happy to tailor a volunteer program that works for you.
What To Know Before Volunteering Abroad
When volunteering abroad, the first thing to do is vet who you're volunteering with. While the organizations we've mentioned above all have good reputations, don't simply take our word for it. Go online and see what other people have said about them, both good and bad. You need to know who you're paying your money to when you volunteer. Because, yes, volunteering does cost money. These organizations often pay for your accommodations, food, transport, and other necessities.
Once you're sure a volunteer org is legit, you need to consider the type of program you want. You'll want a program that aligns with your skills, interests, and experience. Do you need special qualifications for what you want to do? Do you have specific training? While training and qualifications aren't needed for many programs, be aware that others certainly require them.
Decide how much time you have and how much you can afford to pay. Volunteering programs range from short-term projects of a week or two to commitments lasting months or even years. Costs vary depending on program duration, type of accommodation, and food arrangements. Most accommodations are with host families, but that's not always the case. Sometimes you might find yourself in a dorm situation, other times, you might have to rent your own place. Find out exactly how all this works before you commit to anything.
Consider where you want to be, especially if you're taking on a long-term volunteer placement. Do you want to be in the capital city or somewhere remote? How's your Spanish? Volunteering is always easier if you speak some of the language. Does your program include Spanish classes, as many do? How's your overall fitness? You might be doing physical work or standing up all day. Can you handle that?
These are just some of the things to think about before you commit to any sort of volunteer program in Costa Rica. Visa considerations are also something to think about, although most reputable organizations will handle all this for you as part of the cost, and it's really only applicable if you're volunteering for six months or more. But still something to think about and ask your program about.
The bottom line is, as we've already said, volunteering in Costa Rica can transform you. It can make you grow into the person you always meant to be and help you in so many ways, as you help others. But do your research beforehand. Choose a program that resonates with you, and enjoy the adventure of your life!
What the Volunteer Life Looks Like
Living as a volunteer in Costa Rica is a far cry from living as a tourist. As a volunteer, you have the same sort of responsibilities as you do in the workplace. Responsibilities to do your best, be punctual, and create a good impression. If you treat your volunteer experience as nothing more than an extended vacation, you're not getting the best out of the experience yourself, and, more importantly, you're not offering those you agreed to help the best service you can. So the first thing to know as a volunteer is that you're not on vacation and you're not a tourist.
You'll realize this very quickly when you see your accommodations. Most volunteer programs put you up with local families. Oftentimes these local families are in deprived or rural areas, because these are the areas where you're most likely working. You'll have a comfortable (if basic) room and you'll receive three meals per day. You'll be treated with courtesy and respect, but don't expect luxury.
Homestays like this are one of the main benefits of volunteer life in Costa Rica. Many volunteers love getting to know their host families, practicing their Spanish, helping them out with English or other languages. They often become friends for life with their host families and learn more about real Costa Rican life than any tourist in a hotel ever will.
Other accommodation options include staying in dorms or something similar. This is often the case in remote eco-projects in the middle of nowhere. You'll experience a more communal vibe this way with your fellow volunteers and, again, have the chance to make long-time friends and connections.
The work itself varies from project to project. Most of the time, though, you won't work full days. Volunteering is often a half-day thing, starting in the morning and being done by lunch. Then you might get the chance to take Spanish classes or explore. You'll generally get weekends off to travel the country and check out new places. If you're volunteering on a turtle-nesting beach, you might well find yourself pulling night shifts to patrol the beaches during darkness.
Life as a volunteer in Costa Rica is pretty straightforward and simple. Sooner or later, like everything else in life, it becomes routine, part of your norm while you're involved. It's only later, after your time is done and you're back home, that you'll realize how special the experience was.
A Firsthand Experience
As we said at the top of this article, many of us here at Costa Rican Vacations began our lives here as volunteers.
Adam came here from the UK with his sister in 2006. He was on a three-month placement with the Cloud Forest School, an organization we mentioned above, during his post-university gap year. They stayed with a host family during their time in Monteverde, an experience Adam describes as a "wonderful time where I got to know cultural life and live like the locals do."
After three months, they signed up to do another three months at the school, and then, while his sister left, Adam stayed on, working on another project at Monteverde's Frog Pond (a local tourist attraction).
"Had it not been for the volunteering programs, I would have gone back to the UK," says Adam. "But instead, these programs enabled me to get a foot in the door of tourism and end up staying here."
Today, Adam is married here in Costa Rica, has a child with his wife and a career with us. He never went back to live in the UK and it all started with volunteering.
"It changed the course of my life," he says.
We have a few stories like this at Costa Rican Vacations, and Adam isn't the only one. It just goes to show how deciding to donate your time like this can drastically alter your life's path. Are you ready for something similar?
In Search of Meaning and Lifelong Memories
These are some volunteer organizations working in Costa Rica we wanted to highlight while discussing how to go about volunteering here, and what to expect. Above all, we wanted you to see the real benefits of volunteering and of giving back.
It's not all one-way traffic, though. While volunteering is great for your own personal growth and well-being, it's also great for communities. Call it a mutually beneficial exchange. Volunteering pushes you out of your comfort zone and teaches you all manner of skills while communities receive your assistance and, crucially, your presence as a member of "the outside world". Your very presence brings diversity and new perspectives to a community, which helps to connect us all. Experiences like this one don’t come often, so don't underestimate your power for good as a volunteer—dive right in and you won't regret it!
