VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN COSTA RICA

Volunteer work is available in a variety of fields. We’re happy to help students plan a short-term volunteer experience relating to their own interests. Some of the organizations that accept volunteers are:

* Green Turtle Research Center located in Tortuguero. Help the Carribean Conservation Corps care for sea turtles. Minimum stay required is only 1-2 weeks but fees are charged.

Turtle in Tortuguero

* Earth Island Institute's Sea Turtle Restoration is another organization that works with turtles.

* Jardin Gaia is located in Manuel Antonio and is a very popular volunteer site. Volunteers help care for endangered wildlife that has been injured or confiscated, or lead tours. The minimum commitment is one month and there is a $300.00 per month cost associated with staying on the premises but this is such a popular spot that often there is a waiting list for volunteers.

* Gandoca Turtle Project during the summer months helps park rangers protect sea turtles and the eggs they lay during nesting season. The volunteers simply patrol the beach during four hour shifts at night. The volunteers stay on the beach in housing provided by the park. Cost is $10.00 per day with a one-week minimum commitment.

* Costa Rica's National Parks need volunteers who know basic Spanish and who have at least 2-3 months to work in the various parks. Lodging is free but food and transportation aren't.

* The Association of Volunteers for Service in Protected Areas is another governmental organization that needs volunteers to work in the parks with rangers. A 2 month commitment is required and you must pay for food and lodging.

* Baby Macaw Parrot at the Association of Friends of Birds.

The Association of Friends of Birds needs volunteers to help take care of Macaws who are being re-introduced to the wild. This center is located close to San Jose and can help you find a Costa Rican homestay for about $10.00 per day.

* The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is another area where volunteers are desperately needed for projects such as researching laws related to the environment, acting as tourist guides, keeping up trails, farming and teaching in local schools. The cost is $10.00 per day for food and housing.

The Humanitarian Foundation is an excellent group that accepts volunteers who have limited Spanish and who can only donate even a 1/2 day. They have numerous projects working at any given time. Some of their past projects include building low-income housing, working with street children, people who live under the bridges, refugees, women's shelters and orphanages. They have homestays available.

* Curu National Reserve: A private reserve located near Tambor Beach on the Gulf of Nicoya, it is one of the only private reserves in the national park system. The duties include cleaning the beach, maintaining trails, feeding wildlife, cleaning the on-site museum and more. We have had mixed reviews of the accomodations but at $5.00 per day for room and board, it is a great place for volunteers to check out, as there is no minimum stay. It is close to San Jose and easy to reach!