Volunteer Abroad in Costa Rica With Volunteer Visions

Volunteering in Costa Rica is like volunteering in a slice of paradise. One of the most popular destinations for Peace Corps volunteers, Costa Rica fulfills its name in every sense of the word, and the country welcomes the presence of volunteers. The culture in the country is as rich as the coasts, and the Pura Vida spirit (literally translated meaning 'pure life' doesn't fade with inland travel. Peaceful Costa Rica is often referred to as the 'Switzerland of Central America' as it is the only country in the world to have constitutionally outlawed a military. With the Caribbean Ocean to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west, Costa Rica exhibits diverse geography and climate zones from the temperate interior to the tropical coasts. The warm culture of the 'ticos' is as hearty as the national dish of gallo pinto, or seasoned beans and rice. Fairly westernized for a Central American country, Costa Rica's proud heritage is mingled with modern life from the mountain-encircled capital of San Jose to the countless beaches that line the Pacific and Caribbean costs. With all of the diversity, it's easy to volunteer in Costa Rica.

From lush mountains to balmy beaches, there is never a lack of anything to do in Costa Rica. The extremely laid-back atmosphere in the country offers immersion in flora and fauna, a variety of butterflies and tropical birds, as well as monkeys and crocodiles. Ecotourism and nature tours to waterfalls and volcanoes are quite popular, as well as whitewater rafting. Butterfly and hummingbird gardens are common and tours of the country's many coffee plantations are offered daily. Visitors can also swim in any of the country's natural hot springs and glide through the rain forest on the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. The endless beaches also provide countless opportunities to surf and take in the sun.

See Our Projects

Read Testimonials From Past Volunteers

• Teaching Abroad in Costa Rica
• Community Development Volunteering in Costa Rica
• Helping Flood Victims in Costa Rica
• Recent News from the Ecological Farm Project

Why Does Costa Rica Need Volunteers?

Costa Rica's reputation as the Switzerland of the Americas extends into other aspects of governmental function. The healthcare and educational systems of Costa Rica are among the best in Central and South America, but they are not without problems. Although the poverty rate in Costa Rica has dropped over 30% since 1982, certain areas of the country still suffer disproportionally high levels.

Costa Rica's poor tend to have less schooling and thus are more likely to be illiterate. They often live in rural areas, which have twice the poverty headcount as the national average. As many as 30 percent of school-age children do not attend school and access to education is even lower in rural areas. School attendance drops rapidly after age 10 than in urban areas. The problem with governmental funding is that a disproportionate amount of the budget is directed at metropolitan areas, leaving rural areas underfunded.

Costa Rica has firmly committed itself to environmental protection and the promotion of eco-tourism. However, volunteers are needed to support the incredible number of projects that now exist throughout the country. There are simply not enough people available to support the rapidly growing number of animal protection, conversation, and sustainable development projects.

By volunteering as a teacher in Costa Rica, you bring new life and interest into the classroom, providing the students with possibilities and knowledge from the wider world. At the environmental projects, your work is vital to the understaffed and overburdened projects.

Your contributions would be immediately beneficial and greatly appreciated by the local communities. By working with Volunteer Visions at a sea turtle project, ecological conversation farm or teaching and helping children you can be part of the difference.

Volunteer Projects in Costa Rica