Gender Equlity and Women's Empowerment in Costa Rica

  Costa Rica

• North Western Region: 
Heredia,  San Isidro de Heredia

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Ongoing

Description: Volunteer with women's empowerment programs in Costa Rica. Women in Costa Rica have made many advancements in the workplace, politics, and legally in the past few decades, but many women still suffer from discrimination, disenchantment, subservience, or worse. Volunteers with this program will help to coordinate or support a women's self help group aimed at empowering the members through education, emotional support, and camaraderie. This program requires advanced to fluent Spanish proficiency, and volunteers must be creative and self motivated in their approach to this project. The day to day activities of a volunteer will vary depending on the needs of the organization as well as the specific interests and skills of the volunteer. International volunteers are out to make a difference, and it is important to keep perspective on your ability and the big picture. Volunteers provide steps toward larger goals. Sometimes in can be difficult to keep that in mind when you see how much work needs to be done. Don't be overwhelmed, the impression that you leave behind is immeasurable. The most successful volunteers are flexible and able to adapt the daily activities to the given day--remember each day is different!

Highlights: Costa Rica has something for almost every traveler, from surfing and scuba diving, to hiking and exploring the interior. The terrain and eco-systems are incredibly varied and home to 6% of the Earth's biodiversity. Mountains rise from the Pacific ocean and Caribbean Sea to form the spine of Costa Rica and define hundreds of microclimates. Over 25% of the country is protected in an extensive national park and preserve system. 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.

Qualifications: Participants in this program should have at least a high intermediate to advanced level of Spanish proficiency in order to communicate effectively with the women's groups.

Cost in US$: starting at $905 for 2 weeks

Airport Pickup: Volunteers are met at the airport in San Jose and provided with transportation to their host family.

In-country Orientation: Each volunteer program starts with a two to three day orientation which covers important topics on the logistics of living and working in Costa Rica.

In-country Staff Support: ELI's Costa Rica coordinator has years of experience working with visitors to Costa Rica. He is very resourceful and on call 24/7 in case of emergency.

Accommodations: Volunteers will stay with a local host family where they will be provided with a room and breakfast and dinner each day. By living with a family, volunteers will learn about the day to day rhythms of Costa Rican life first hand as well as sample traditional meals not usually available in restaurants.

Spanish Instruction: Participants will receive one week (20 hours) of Spanish instruction at a local Spanish language school. Participants wanting more Spanish instruction can enroll in additional classes.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: There is no typical ELI volunteer. We work with people from all over the world and a variety of backgrounds. ELI has placed volunteers ranging in age from 18-81. Successful volunteers are flexible, upbeat, energetic, and inquisitive.

Age Range: Volunteers Must be at Least 18 years old

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

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume
• Written Application

ELI-Experiential Learning International's Mission Statement: ELI's full name, Experiential Learning International, reflects our philosophy. We believe that the most compelling life lessons come through experience, and that international experiences are among the most profound influences on our sense of self and our view of the world. ELI facilitates flexible international learning programs for independent travelers by partnering with local organizations to give participants the opportunity to experience and contribute to sustainable ongoing local projects throughout the world.

Year Founded: 2001