Costa Rica might well be Eden rediscovered, for this Central American country is truly an Eco-paradise, rich in lush vegetation, virgin rainforest, mangroves and swamps, with white beaches stretching along both Pacific and Atlantic coasts, and rumbling volcanic landscapes of cones, craters and lagoons.

Indeed, National Parks, biological reserves and well-preserved ecosystems make up a protected land area of 27%, populated by scarlet macaws, toucans, armadillos, jaguar, sea turtles... all this and great coffee!

More affluent and less turbulent than its neighbours, Costa Rica is nevertheless a developing country and relies on volunteers to sustain its many far-reaching community and Eco-tourism projects. Take part on a short-term volunteer project ranging from 1 month to 18 months and see what life in this Caribbean Eco-haven can be.

Projects

As a volunteer, you will have a wide range of placements to choose from, all carefully selected by OTEC International, our Costa Rican partner.

You could bring your creativity, education and skills to Environmental and Ecological Protection Areas, including administration, hospitality, construction of zoo nurseries, actions to protect plant and animal species, implementation of IT systems or educational campaigns.

Alternatively, your project might be in the area of Community Protection, which could involve teaching English, creating a library, painting a school or working in an orphanage, clinic or home for the elderly. OTEC International researches the needs of local communities, and arranges your volunteer placement according to your skills, experience and preferences.

Housing

Accommodation is provided either in dormitory style housing at the project site, or more often with a host family.

The budgets of third world and developing countries are small, which means local communities will depend on your fee to cover the cost of housing an extra person.

Accommodation / homestead costs vary from US$100-250 per month, according to placement and location. This includes three meals per day, private room and laundry facilities.

Introduction to Costa Rica with OTEC International

Although Costa Rica is a developing country, it has a good infrastructure in terms of bus services, telephones, Net access, drinkable water, and so on - even in rural areas.

Our partners in Costa Rica, OTEC International, will introduce you to life in this Central American country with a comprehensive Orientation after arrival in San José.

Throughout your stay in Costa Rica, OTEC International will provide 24 emergency assistance as well as ongoing service and support.

Costs & How To Apply

Download application form

The Volunteer in Costa Rica Programme is open to those who fulfil the following

Age: min 18 years
Nationality: UK/Ireland passport holder and full-time resident in UK
Education: HND/Degree educated is desirable but not essential.
Skills/experience: Have at least a basic level of conversational Spanish. (Please contact USIT for some great offers on Spanish courses you can do before your placement begins.)
Must also be flexible, enthusiastic and prepared for integrating into another culture!

Costs

The fee for the two month project is from £415 and includes

Temporary Work Permit
Transfer from San Josè Airport
Two nights hostel accommodation, incl. breakfast
Comprehensive Orientation in Costa Rica
Volunteer in Costa Rica Manual
24-hour emergency contact
Ongoing support services of OTEC International during your stay in Costa Rica

Additional Costs

Flights: From £600 depending on the time of year (taxes extra)
Insurance: From £95 for a two month policy designed specially for those working and travelling in exotic places
Housing costs vary depending on location and project but from US$300 per month
Administration fee (for those taking a language course: £60
Postage fees: £14

Please note all costs are subject to change due to exchange rate and will be confirmed to you at time of booking.

Visa

Participants initially travel on a tourist visa. On arrival in Costa Rica, OTEC International will assist you in applying for an official Temporary Work Permit through the Immigration Bureau in San José. You will need four passport photos and your passport for this. While in Costa Rica, you can extend your work permit. However, it can only be extended for the same duration as your original permit and you must also stay at the same location.

Due to currency fluctuations, all fees are subject to change.

What Happens Next

If you would like to discuss this opportunity in more detail with a member of our specialist Work and Travel team and to begin making your travel arrangements, please contact 0845 6001316 or info@studenttravel.com

After we have received your application you will be invited to attend an interview in Manchester/London. It will take six weeks to process your application and secure your placement through our partners in Costa Rica. So, please always remember this when planning your departure.

Please bear in mind that there are several recommended vaccines and prescriptions for travel to Costa Rica. Check these in good time before your departure.

TRAVEL..TRAVEL..TRAVEL..

These are work and TRAVEL opportunities so don't forget to take advantage of your exotic location to do more extensive exploring. We have plenty of ideas for adventure tours and expeditions, local travel passes, stopover suggestions and round the world routings, some of which are cheaper to buy before you go!

Costa Rica is ideally positioned for Central American travels, all the way to the Galapagos or even as a gateway to the southern continent!