Costa Rica Volunteering

Feel like saving the world this week? Volunteering can be a powerful and fulfilling experience, especially when combined with the thrill of traveling in a new place. Costa Rica faces a variety of issues—ethical, structural, financial, and bureaucratic—in its ongoing quest to develop a tourist industry while preserving its cultural integrity and biological diversity. Playing another role beside that of tourist and consumer in this industry can be a unique and exciting experience. The vast majority of volunteer work in Costa Rica involves conservation efforts in the rainforests, in the mountains, and on both coasts. They almost always involve working directly with the animals and plant life that make Costa Rica so unique. There are also several opportunities to work in communities teaching English, developing the ecotourism industry, and working with orphans and immigrants.

Most people who volunteer in Costa Rica do so on a short-term basis at organizations that make use of drop-in or once-a-week volunteers. The best way to find opportunities that match your interests and schedule may be to check with local or national volunteer centers. The International Volunteer Programs Association (☎914 380 8322; www.volunteerinternational.org) provides an up-to-date database of hundreds of volunteer and internship opportunities around the world. As always, read up before heading out.

Those looking for longer, more intensive volunteer opportunities usually choose to go through a parent organization that takes care of logistical details and often provides a group environment and support system—for a fee. There are two main types of organizations—religious and secular—although there are rarely restrictions on participation for either. Websites like www.volunteerabroad.com, www.servenet.org, and www.idealist.org allow you to search for volunteer openings both in your country and abroad.

I Have To Pay To Volunteer? Many volunteers are surprised to learn that some organizations require large fees or “donations,” but don’t go calling them scams just yet. While such fees may seem ridiculous at first, they often keep the organization afloat, covering airfare, room, board, and administrative expenses for the volunteers. (Other organizations must rely on private donations and government subsidies.) If you’re concerned about how a program spends its fees, request an annual report or finance account. A reputable organization won’t refuse to inform you of how volunteer money is spent. Pay-to-volunteer programs might be a good idea for young travelers who are looking for more support and structure (such as pre-arranged transportation and housing) or anyone who would rather not deal with the uncertainty of creating a volunteer experience from scratch.

Save The Animals

With an increasing number of tourists visiting every year, there is a higher demand for protection of the wildlife. Programs focus on protecting turtles from poachers or volunteering in a wildlife refuge ...more

Save The Trees

Costa Rica is one of the most environmentally diverse places on earth. Numerous organizations work to protect the national parks, tropical forests, and beaches from unsustainable farming practices and ...more

Farming

Agriculture is a major part of the livelihood of Costa Rica. The export of crops is an important part of the economy, and there is a plethora of opportunities for involvement in this industry. Finca ...more

Youth And The Community

Not the rugged, outdoor activity type? There are many organizations that offer opportunities beyond working in national parks or rainforests. Many rural communities of Costa Rica live in poverty, with ...more