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Bamboo - Costa Rica Volunteer Program

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Video and Photos

Volunteer at a school in Costa Rica with Bamboo
Cute kids in Costa Rica
Volunteers working outdoors
Volunteer teacher in a Costa Rican classroom

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About

Bamboo has opportunities to work in a range of programs in Costa Rica.

Turtle Conservation - Working with a local award-winning initiative, you will be involved in a variety of tasks that not only focus on the turtle population itself but also educating the local community and raising awareness on the importance of conserving the species.

Childcare - The role of our volunteers is to provide companionship to children who wouldn't otherwise receive the much deserved attention. Volunteers also work alongside local staff to help improve the educational, emotional and hygiene conditions of the children.

Teaching - This project focuses primarily on children of all ages who come to learn English, participate in games and cultural activities, and undertake health campaigns. Volunteers will therefore partake in teaching English as well as providing support for all activities.

Highlights
  • Accommodation with a local host family
  • Daily support from our experienced team of coordinators
  • Emerge yourself into the local culture

Questions & Answers

Where is the childcare and turtle programs located?
The turtle placements are located on Costa Rica’s Pacific and Caribbean coasts, according to the season, at different conservation beach areas. Most projects are located close to conveniences like internet cafes and volunteers can visit nearby beach towns during their free days. For those working on the non-turtle programs, volunteers will be based in and around San Jose.
By Mallory Meiser on January 6, 2016

Reviews

90%
based on 2 reviews
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  • Impact 9.5
  • Support 8.5
  • Fun 6.5
  • Value 8.5
  • Safety 8
Showing 1 - 2 of 2
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Sheena
43
Female
Dallas, Texas
10/10

Costa Rica - Carlos Maria Ulloa

May 15, 2015

I had an amazing experience with Maximo Nivel. The general orentation was very helpful and the staff was amazing. My project was great, I was able to help out all around the nursing home with occupational therapy, nursing and in the dining room. The nurses and staff at the project were also great. Even though I had a language barrier they put a lot of effort to explain things to me. I enjoyed meeting the patients and interacting with them by doing activites or just saying hello. I would definitely return and would love to be placed at the same project and with the same host family. Flory Murrillo was my host and she was nothing short of amazing.

How can this program be improved?
Having a direct nurse or contact at the project location that is designated for volunteers. Someone that could help them around when they arrive.
Yes, I recommend this program
Default avatar
MKosach
43
Female
Dublin, Ireland - Formally Phoenix, Arizona
8/10

Costa Rican Program Volunteer Opinion

May 23, 2013

I had a lovely time in Costa Rica working at Bebitos. The child care center was on the outskirts of San Jose. The bus system was a bit difficult to figure out. I managed to lose my way more than once, but didn't encounter any trouble with the natives. It was a very friendly city in general.

I spent a week in a home with a foster madre that cooked my meals. I would say the food was very typical for what would be eaten everyday in a normal low income home, which was fine. I loved living like a native to view the city and not as a tourist. It was a culture shock from the time I landed.

I guess my circles that had visited the country spoke to me only about the touristy areas, so it was a little tougher as an English only speaker for me to get around in rural areas.

At the daycare, I would work for the day watching children in a very full daycare program. The kids were adorable and I got very attached to them even though we didn't share the language.

How can this program be improved?
The costs were high in relation to what other people staying at Maximo were paying. They laughed when they heard how much I paid saying the companies they went through were about 1/3 of mine.
Response from Bamboo

Thanks for your feedback - great to hear you had a good experience in Costa Rica.

In regards to the variance in costs between different organizations, there a lot of different volunteer organizations operating in Costa Rica and each have different offerings in terms of their support, services and resources.

GVN offers a strong level of personal support from the moment you apply until you return home again. When comparing costs between different organizations, it's important to take the differences in what is offered into consideration - as well as the ethical practices and social responsibilities of the org.

GVN works hard to ensure our suppliers and providers for accommodation, etc are paid fair prices - we believe this is an important part of running an ethical organization.

Further, each volunteer who comes through us is also supporting GVN Foundation - our non-profit fundraising arm which supports nutrition, education and sustainability projects in our volunteer countries.

In the interest in transparency, our Program Guide (which each accepted applicant receives) includes a breakdown of the Program Package, and we are more than happy to answer any questions on this at any stage.

By Bamboo on October 17, 2013
Yes, I recommend this program

About Bamboo

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Bamboo is the next step in independent volunteering and adventure travel.

We're dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what responsible tourism is all about. Our dedicated team, consisting of the perfect mix of international travellers and passionate...

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