Volunteer Programs in Costa Rica
163 Volunteer Programs in Costa Rica
MAXIMO NIVEL
Costa Rica has a high population of orphans, street kids, and oth...
See All 8 Programs
International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
![International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ] logo](jpg/92jaroefh251xzht1gnaidx50mqoffopvwslsbac.jpg){kind=small}
At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 9...
See All 10 Programs
GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
Volunteer for wildlife in Costa Rica! This program works with thr...
See All 17 Programs
Raleigh International
Joining a Raleigh Costa Rica Expedition is a truly unique experie...
See All 5 Programs
Kaya Responsible Travel
Be a part of the conservation and protection of sea turtles in Co...
See All 2 ProgramsImpact Gap Year
Take on an 8-month trip of adventure, community service, and comm...
See All 3 Programs
Encounter My Way
Join us in Osa, Costa Rica, for an unforgettable volunteer experi...
Roots Interns
Embark on a two-week internship that will educate and inspire you...
See All 13 ProgramsGapforce
Adventure and animal lovers rejoice! Alongside its stunning jungl...
Jakera: Learn Spanish, Volunteer and Adventure
The lively beach town of Santa Teresa in Costa Rica is world famo...
See All 3 ProgramsGVI
Take part in this wildlife conservation expedition and be an acti...
See All 7 ProgramsLove Volunteers
This vital project was created to improve the English-speaking ab...
See All 7 ProgramsWorld Endeavors
World Endeavors offers exciting programs that allow participants ...
Global Leadership Adventures
Travel to Costa Rica and make a difference in a subject area you ...
Rustic Pathways
Costa Rica is where adventure, service, cultural immersion, and t...
Travel For Teens
Join us in Costa Rica for unforgettable memories and valuable ser...
See All 10 ProgramsVolunteer World
Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find ...
See All 2 ProgramsPutney Student Travel
Travel to Costa Rica, a model of conservation and biodiversity, a...
See All 2 ProgramsAIFS Abroad
Spend a semester or academic year in the lively capital of San Jo...
Arcos Journeys Abroad
Travel to Costa Rica for a program rich in community service and ...
GoBeyond Student Travel
Travel to Costa Rica with GoBeyond to help improve the harsh cond...
Intercultura Costa Rica
In addition to our Spanish programs, we offer volunteer projects ...
Globalteer
Contribute to the Sea Turtle Conservation Project in Costa Rica, ...
Greenheart Travel
Step into the rich tapestry of Costa Rican agriculture and rural ...
ARCC Programs
Venture to some of the world’s most exotic and intriguing regions...
WorldStrides
San José, the capital city, is in the central valley of the Costa...
Westcoast Connection
Bienvenidos a Costa Rica! Westcoast Connection offers a variety o...
Discover Corps
The Corcovado National Park, where you will find the Osa Peninsul...
Global Work & Travel
Think of an animal cuter than a sloth. Hard, right? We agree! Her...
See All 3 ProgramsThe National Registration Center for Study Abroad
Study Spanish and volunteer in one of a variety of projects in Co...
Pacific Discovery
Uncover the spirit of Central America on a 10-week journey throug...
See All 3 ProgramsInvolvement Volunteers International
Volunteer in this program and work alongside local organizations ...
See All 4 ProgramsBright Light Volunteers
Learn, serve, and lead with Bright Light Volunteers in a country ...
Volunteers For Peace
Join us for the adventure of a lifetime! Volunteers For Peace (a ...
Loop Abroad
Loop Abroad offers both a one-week and two-week version of the Se...
Green Life Volunteers
Green Life Volunteers is a registered non-profit organization or ...
See All 2 ProgramsVolunteering Journeys
Get the chance to experience Costa Rica from the perspective of l...
See All 4 ProgramsOyster Worldwide
Spend some time in the wild coastal areas of Costa Rica, working ...
Outward Bound Costa Rica
Adults ages 19 and up can discover Costa Rica or Panama in one ac...
See All 2 ProgramsGIVE Volunteers - Growth International Volunteer Excursions
Embrace "pura vida" and travel across the country of Costa Rica. ...
Amigos de las Américas
AMIGOS offers students a transformative summer in Costa Rica, ble...
See All 2 ProgramsGlobe Aware
Costa Rica is a cultural and natural paradise, but most travelers...
See All 2 ProgramsUnited Planet
Volunteer in Costa Rica and immerse in the nation’s “Pura Vida” l...
See All 2 ProgramsGlobal Citizen Adventure Corps
Costa Ricans greet and encourage each other with Pura Vida – a ph...
See All 2 ProgramsA Broader View Volunteers Corp
Embark on a life-changing journey with abroaderview volunteering ...
See All 2 ProgramsINLEXCA
This program is designed to help children who need it the most. W...
See All 5 ProgramsGlobal Works
Global Works specializes in service trips and educational experie...
See All 2 ProgramsSea Turtle Conservancy
Embark on an exciting journey that combines travel and conservati...
Macaw Recovery Network
Join us in preserving endangered parrot species at our Macaw Bree...
Viva Nicaragua! Abroad
What if 2026 were the year you stopped waiting and started doing?...
See All 3 ProgramsWildlife Sense
Join the effort to protect sea turtles in Costa Rica with Wildlif...
Inter-Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE UK)
Volunteering with ICYE UK is a transformational experience with r...
Planet Conservation Volunteers
This project, implemented in 2019, is vital to the national progr...
See All 2 ProgramsMEDLIFE
Classic Service Learning Trips (SLTs) are week-long, immersive ed...
See All 3 ProgramsDeveloping World Connections
Mark your calendars for November 9th to November 23rd, 2024, beca...
See All 2 ProgramsStudents Shoulder-to-Shoulder
This program offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in t...
Natucate
As a forest conservation volunteer in Costa Rica, you will get a ...
See All 2 ProgramsWorkingAbroad Projects
We offer the opportunity to lend a hand in the care of rescued wi...
A Guide to Volunteering Abroad in Costa Rica
Prepare for Volunteer Abroad
Set Goals
Setting goals will help you shape a rewarding volunteer experience in Costa Rica.
- Define your area of impact: Decide if you want to focus on environmental conservation, wildlife, or community support.
- List specific skills to develop: Think about which skills you want to improve or gain during your volunteer work.
- Cultural goals: Outline ways to immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture, language, and traditions.
- Personal development: Identify ways to grow personally, such as improving adaptability, resilience, and teamwork.
Understand the Benefits
Volunteering in Costa Rica offers unique benefits that make for a fulfilling experience.
- Environmental immersion: Work in one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, learning about conservation.
- Skill building: Develop hands-on skills in project management, environmental work, or teaching.
- Cultural exchange: Connect with Costa Rican communities, experiencing their “pura vida” lifestyle.
- Professional growth: Boost your resume with international experience in a well-regarded volunteer destination.
Things to Know
These key details will help you prepare for your volunteer journey in Costa Rica.
- Visa requirements: Most visitors can stay up to 90 days without a visa; longer stays may require additional documentation.
- Language: Basic Spanish skills are highly recommended, especially for community-based programs.
- Climate: Costa Rica has a tropical climate, so be prepared for heat and humidity, especially in the rainy season.
- Safety: Costa Rica is generally safe, but take common-sense precautions, especially in busy tourist areas.
- Vaccinations: Consult your doctor about recommended vaccinations and health precautions for tropical regions.
Popular Providers
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! It’s as safe to volunteer in Costa Rica as anywhere else. But just like anywhere else, it’s important to make smart decisions in order to keep yourself safe.
The most popular types of volunteering in Costa Rica involve conservation and environmental volunteering, although volunteer English teaching and community development are common projects as well.
Most nationalities qualify for a 90-day tourist visa, which is sufficient for volunteer work. However, if you intend to volunteer in Costa Rica longer than 90 days, border-hopping is a common way to qualify for an additional 90-day visa on re-entry. Otherwise, you’ll need to secure a provisional visa at the nearest Costa Rica consulate.
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