Volunteer in Costa Rica

  Costa Rica

• North Western Region: 
Atenas

Term: Fall, Spring, Summer, Trimester, Winter 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: (Throughout the year) Two Weeks, One month, Two months, or Three months (Longer Placements Available)

Description: Volunteers will be located in the community of Atenas, a picturesque town situated in the central highlands of Costa Rica, roughly 45 minutes from San Jose. This small town is made up of many surrounding communities that base their livelihood on agricultural pursuits such as coffee, oranges, mangos, and sugarcane. The friendly demeanor of the locals and the surrounding beauty of the area make this an ideal location for volunteering and Spanish study. Volunteer placements options include: Community Development, Non-Profit Organizations, Conservation, Childrens Homes, National Parks, Social Work, Teach English, Agriculture, Nutrition, Orphanages, and Wildlife Reserves.

Costa Rica or rich coast, boasts a warm climate, pristine beaches, as well as tropical forests and mountains. Sometimes referred to as the Switzerland of the Americas it is well known and respected for its natural beauty and political stability. In addition the people of Costa Rica, commonly known as Ticos, are regarded as warm and hospitable.

Highlights:
* Flexible dates to volunteer
* Take part in meaningful community development
* Live with a Costa Rican family
* Study conversational Spanish
* Explore beautiful beaches and rainforests in Costa Rica in your free time
* Cooking and Dance classes
* In-country intern support services

"The country of Costa Rica and its people are beautiful. The people are easy to befriend. When you walk down the street you are always greeted with a smile and salutation. I love Costa Rica and the wonderful people that live there." - Robyn Glaser

Qualifications: Interns and Volunteers on this program should have a desire to help the people and communities of Costa Rica, flexibility, self-motivation, openness to a new culture and a willingness to learn. Participants should also be willing to live in conditions that may differ from US arrangements.

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: $1,575 (2 weeks), $1,975 (1 month), $2,875 (2 months), $3,750 (3 months)

Salary / Pay: This is a non-paid internship or volunteer placement.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: A typical volunteer in Costa Rica will assist community leaders, educators, and citizens in the fields of education (at public and private schools), social work, community service, and conservation. Volunteers and Interns will live with local families during their stay.

Age Range: 16+ years old

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of different sizes

Scholarships are Available.

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

International Education Programs's Mission Statement: International Education Programs (IEP) at Jacksonville University promotes global experiences by engaging students and faculty in study, internship and volunteer programs that will expose them to other countries, cultures, languages and people. International Education Programs (IEP) promotes cultural immersion through challenging study programs, relevant internship placements, and life-changing service learning opportunities in 19 different countries around the world. Our number one priority is to consistently offer the support services and resources that enable participants to immerse in the local culture, contribute to the local community, and learn more about themselves and the world through their travel experiences. IEP programs cater to individual needs based on desired length of stay, language competency, location, and academic discipline.

Year Founded: 2000