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Most Affordable & Trusted Volunteer & Gap Year Programs in Costa Rica | IVHQ

Name: Most Affordable & Trusted Volunteer & Gap Year Programs in Costa Rica | IVHQ
Brand: International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ
SKU: 21105
Rating: 9.58 (59 reviews)

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9.58 Rating

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Location

Costa Rica
- San José

Length

1 to 24 weeks

Project Types

Agriculture Childcare Community Development Building Projects Youth Conservation Marine Conservation Sea Turtle Conservation Education Teaching Health Education Health Sexual Health Medical Disabled Care +5

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Program Details

Language

English

Timeframe

Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round

Housing

Host Family

Groups

Small Group (1-15) Medium Group (16-30) Large Group (31+)

Travel Type

Budget Family Senior Travelers Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price

380

Price Details

Fully hosted experience from only $380 for 1 week - this includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support.

What's Included

Accommodation Some Activities Airport Transfers Meals Wifi

What's Not Included

Airfare Travel Insurance Visa

Last Updated: May 19, 2021

Last Reviewed: Jan 20, 2022

Wish List

122 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Trusted by 114,000+ volunteers, IVHQ offers the world's most popular volunteer programs in Costa Rica and 50+ other destinations around the world.

If you're after an eco-friendly culture, warm sunshine and friendly culture, then volunteering in Costa Rica is for you. Choose from 15 meaningful projects spanning 1 to 24 weeks, based in San Jose, Manuel Antonio, the Central Highlands and nearby coastal locations.

Your fully-hosted experience includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support. You’ll be accommodated in either a homestay or dormitory-style lodging with other like-minded, impact-focused travelers from around the world.

IVHQ offers a multi-layered support network, so even before you depart, you’ll receive outstanding service from your IVHQ Program Manager and gain exclusive access to volunteer training and preparation tools.

Ready to make a difference? Join our community of 114,000+ volunteers.

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Affordable Volunteer Programs in Costa Rica with IVHQ

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Program Highlights

IVHQ’s Costa Rica program is available year-round, starting on the 5th of each month.
Fully hosted volunteer experiences starting from only $380 for 1 week - IVHQ provides the most affordable and top-rated programs
You'll be joining a global network of 114,000+ volunteers backed by the world’s leading team of volunteer travel experts - IVHQ’s outstanding safety systems and track record set them apart as the world’s safest organization
Support impact-driven volunteer projects run by locals within your host community
Flexible booking and free changes so you can register with confidence

Popular Programs

Costa Rica Turtle Conservation Project

Are you a nature lover who thrives in coastal settings? Join IVHQ's Sea Turtle Conservation Project in Costa Rica and work alongside local biologists to help preserve endangered Leatherbacks, Greens, Olive Ridley and Hawksbill turtles. Tasks include assisting with marine conservation activities and supporting sustainable egg protection programs. Spare time can be spent on Costa Rica's white sand beaches and tropical rainforests.

Costa Rica Childcare Project

Are you an energetic and creative individual with a passion for working with children? Based in either Manual Antonio or San Jose, IVHQ's Childcare volunteers play a key role in supporting staff at after school centers. You'll provide educational and extracurricular activities to local children who are in need of structure and support. Volunteer tasks include organizing games and activities, hygiene education, teaching English, cleaning and assisting the local staff at the project site.

Costa Rica English Teaching Project

Do you have an interest in education and teaching English as a foreign language? IVHQ offers two Teaching English Volunteer Projects based in San Jose and Manuel Antonio. As a volunteer, you'll help teach English to individuals in low-income communities who typically don't have access to English tutors. While teaching experience isn't required, you will be running classes independently, so we recommend completing a teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) course prior to your program.

Costa Rica Healthcare Project

As a volunteer on the Healthcare project in Costa Rica, you may work in a range of community care facilities in San Jose, including clinics for disabled children, nursing homes, HIV/AIDS assisted living homes and ambulance services. The healthcare system in Costa Rica is relatively well developed, however the placements we work with always appreciate the extra assistance that volunteers provide through supporting local nurses, doctors and caregivers.

Costa Rica Construction and Renovation Project

As a Construction and Renovation volunteer in Costa Rica, you'll support underfunded and under-resourced construction projects within San Jose. Your contribution will help breathe new life into communities to benefit local individuals, neighborhoods and economies. You'll work alongside a local construction worker who'll provide you with direction and guidance throughout your project.

Program Reviews

9.58 Rating

based on 59 reviews

Leave a Review

Rating Spread Volunteer

9-10 rating 89.83%
7-8 rating 10.17%
5-6 rating 0%
3-4 rating 0%
1-2 rating 0%

Impact 9.3
Support 9.6
Fun 9.3
Value 9.3
Safety 9.4

Good for Students, Building your resume, Groups

Showing 1 - 8 of 59 reviews

Enjoyed seeing the gorgeous terrain and meeting very kind people in COSTA RICA while I worked with other Americans and a few Brits to help with the weeklong Christmas experience for local kids and an adult special needs home. Local contacts were very responsive to minor issues as they came up and host family Lopez was so welcoming and relaxing at the end of each day. Seeing the children's museum in san jose...a renovated jail from early 1900s whose doors and windows are gorgeous cast iron was super!

What was your funniest moment?

Getting to ride to work on the back of host family Lopez scooter...with helmet on of course!

Last month, I returned from a week-long medical project in San Jose, Costa Rica. To say that it was one of the best experiences I've ever had is not an exaggeration! My program manager and the pre-departure IVHQ team were very kind and attentive to my questions. They provided ample resources to ensure my preparation for the trip, including COVID-19 safety procedures while in-country. Upon arrival to Costa Rica, the in-country team was extremely helpful and present for my every need! My homestay family was kind and clean, and the food was great. I also made some good friends along the way.

My only complaint would be with the medical project itself. Although everyone at the site was very sweet, welcoming, and knowledgeable, they seemed unprepared to take on an IVHQ volunteer. I was left multiple times standing around with nothing to do, even after continuously asking if I could help with or participate in anything. Besides this minor detail, I had an incredible experience and would recommend volunteering with IVHQ to everyone!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

Be open-minded and kind at all times! The Costa Rican people are some of the nicest, most welcoming people I've ever met. Oh, and don't be afraid to practice your Spanish, no matter what level you're at!

I really loved everything about this experience in Costa Rica. I stayed in San Jose with Doña Flora and I had a really great time during my stay. Even though it was during Covid times, I met new people and had lots of fun with all of the sanitary measurements. I went to Manuel Antonio and it was soooo fun. The national park was amazing and also the boat tour named Ocean King. I definitely recommend those two. I also visited the Irazu volcano and the hotsprings. I went to see the waterfalls La Paz that were really pretty as well. I recommend to ask Maximo Nivel for their tours, since they helped me a lot and had lots of things to do.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?

Manuel Antonio's National Park was the best thing I saw!

It's so rare that you spontaneously decide to do a trip like volunteering abroad with IVHQ, and all of your expectations are not only met, but wildly exceeded. From the moment I signed up for my trip to Costa Rica, I experienced timely communication from my Program Manager, who often responded to all of my emails with questions and concerns within 24 hours. Upon arrival in Costa Rica, I was met by a representative of the local team who drove me from the airport to my homestay (also, my host family was incredible, friendly, helpful, and served incredible food). During orientation, I learned everything I needed to know, including safety and culture. On the first day of my project, a local team member rode the bus with me to my project to make sure I knew the way and introduce me to the project staff, whom were very friendly and appreciative of the support. I am so impressed by my whole experience. My only regret is I wish that I had volunteered longer! My trip went by way too quickly, and I can't express how grateful I am for this experience and the people I met. Doing a trip with IVHQ is something you won't regret!

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I recently completed a trip to Costa Rica and it was such a special way to spend the holidays! Costa Rica is an amazing country, with amazing people. As the holiday program covers multiple projects, we got to meet many amazing people and help with such different things. We got to paint a mural and playground at two schools and hand out christmas gifts to many children. We got to work on the construction program on such a meaningful project, apartments for single mothers, which was completely funded through donations! I look forward to returning and getting to take part on more projects

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

Take full advantage of everyday you spend in Costa Rica! there is so much to see and do. The projects are amazing and you will feel so at home as everyone in Costa Rica is so friendly.

Read my full story

This is an amazing one of a kind experience. The staff is amazing and passionate about conservation and do a wonderful job of educating volunteers on there purpose and issues with marine life and corals. They are inspiring and empowering, I would definitely go back. Being a party of there crew was just amazing. You will feel like a family at day 1. The food was great, the staff was very knowledgeable on corals and the issues at hand when it comes to saving the reef. Glad I could be a part of a bigger cause.

What would you improve about this program?

Nothing (unless you can find a way to control the weather ;) ) they were just perfect.

I have completed two IVHQ programs, one in Kenya and one in South America. Both programs were well orchestrated and ended up being amazing experiences. IVHQ is affordable and worth every penny. I had never traveled before when I did my first volunteer and program, and it was a fantastic first experience overseas. The local employees help you settle in and I never felt unsafe. I would recommend this program to anyone wanting to travel and help out while you do. It's great for solo travelers as well as friends.

What was your funniest moment?

Meeting people from all over the world was probably the greatest part of my experience. I now have friendships with people from all over the globe.

I had an amazing time here in Costa Rica and mostly thanks to the local staff that helps us in any situation.
I managed to achieve my goals here: To spend time with kids and learn a lot from them
My stay with the host family was also very nice, the host-mom treated us like her own kids and cooked very good food for us while telling us a lot of interesting stories (which helped us to improve our spanish!
People in Costa Rica are incredible and had a big impact on my experience here
Finally, the are so many beautiful places to visit: La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano, Poas Volcano, Isla Tortuguero, National Park of Manuel Antonio ...

What would you improve about this program?

Maybe that a bunch of organized activities during the afternoons (in addition to the pre-existent) would be amazing for all those who stay in the city during the free time

Questions & Answers

What was it like to work in child care and what other travel experiences are offered?

You can see a lot of reviews here: https://www.volunteerhq.org/volunteer-abroad-reviews/ There are 12 different projects in 50+ locations, so there are lots of options! :)

By Nick Walker on February 2, 2020

Is this opportunity available for groups?

I'm not sure how big your group is but my sister and I went as a pair and so did some room mates we had at our host families place. Now 3 would probably be reasonable, 4 might be safe but I would say anything above that would be pushing it for sure. The host family we stayed at held 5 of us at one time so I know its possible but it would depend on how many people the host family can hold and how...

By Nathaniel Barker on February 4, 2019

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Can I apply if I am 17 years old?

You can apply, but you must apply with someone else that is over 18 so that you don't go alone. Hope that helps!

By Carly Freeman on December 28, 2016

What's the minimun age for the program?

I'm not sure there is an age restriction, but for most of the programs you have to get a background check and in my state you must be 18 to acquire one. I would recommend the program only to people 18+ anyways.

By Nell Cummings on July 6, 2016

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

I chose this program as I wanted to spend the holidays in a different way, giving back and helping others. after the year we had in 2020, I wanted to do something different from what I have before and considering projects were closed for so long, now is the time to volunteer. The holiday project allowed for this to happen!

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

My original program provider was IVHQ, who helped me organize the dates for my travel and gave me a lot of advice on the project. They also helped organize the local in-country pick-up as I was in the country before my program start date. The program provider we worked with once in-country was Maximo Nivel, who helped with everything once we arrived and gave a very detailed orientation.

As for what I organized myself, I purchased my own flights, also you can do this through IVHQ, likewise with travel insurance.

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What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Make the most out of your programs. Fully engage in the project and take initiative. before you arrive, come up with ideas on ways you can help and even plan activities. there is not much to worry about, you will have the full support from the entire in-country team whether this be general advice or based on your specific project.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

based on the holiday project, where we partake in different projects daily, we would:

- I woke up around 6:30-7 am and got ready, and we were able to request a time for breakfast, which we would usually ask to have 15 mins before we had to leave home.
- we would arrive at Maximo to travel as a group to the daily project. Getting to the projects would take around 15 minutes.
- we would arrive at the projects and get to work. Shorter project times were around 2 hours and our most extended project where we completed two jobs in a day was for around 7 hours
- for longer projects, we would take a break in the middle and go out for lunch, but sometimes we would do the entire project and come back to Maximo together and go out for lunch ourselves
- after eating, we would go out and explore Costa Rica
- we ate dinner at 7pm every day and then would relax at home till we went to bed

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

exploring the country e.g. traveling around far distances alone or in small groups. the only way to overcome it was to go ahead and do it, at the weekends we traveled first to one beach which was a 3,5-hour bus journey away and the second place was 8 hours away. as a foreigner with limited Spanish skills, it can be scary to be far from familiar places alone but everything went smoothly and everyone in the country was very helpful.

Emily Gurney

2021 Alum

Karthy Sivalinganathan

2016 Alum

Jessica Kenny

2015 Alum

Milo Palomo

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

What is your role at IVHQ Costa Rica? What inspired you to join IVHQ?

Kim: I am the Director of International Programs here in San Jose, Costa Rica. I have a passion for all things travel, especially in Latin America. After working in the tourism industry for several years, I was looking for an opportunity to really become part of a community in a meaningful way.

What do you enjoy most in your role?

Kim: I love meeting new people every week and getting to know them – volunteers, host families, project directors and being really connected to our community and social projects.

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What is your favorite story of an IVHQ volunteer's experience in Costa Rica?

Kim: I have a new favorite every week so that’s a hard question! I particularly have a soft spot for the kids at one of the orphanages we work with, so anything to do with them always makes me smile. Another thing that always makes me happy is getting emails or messages a couple of days or weeks after a volunteer leaves sharing the impact that their time here in Costa Rica has had on them.

Whether it was their project, their host family or learning a new way of life, watching how travel changes and impacts people is why I love to do what I do. There is nothing better than seeing a person’s first (or second or third) trip abroad change their worldview and their plans for the future—their career ideas, what they want to study, or even where they plan to live.

What should every volunteer considering volunteering in Costa Rica know?

Kim: I suggest that people really prepare themselves. Read up on everything you can about Costa Rica—just start Googling. Spend some time really looking into the city and country, the current events, and the culture and language of the people. Know what the typical foods are and what the weather will be like.

In Costa Rica, the weekend travel is awesome! Look into this before you come, especially if you only have one or two weekends while you are here. There are so many great places to explore and a ton of things to do. The more prepared you are before coming, the more you make the most of your time here.

A few specific things are: a) Study Spanish with us, because your experience is always a little better; b) Be ready for rain (nice and warm) and humidity especially between May and October which is our “green season;” and c) if you have limited time, you should at least get to Manuel Antonio Beach and tour the National Park and get to know the beach there.

What tips/insights do you have for first-time volunteers abroad?

Kim: Book a ticket and just go! There is a whole world out there and a first time for everything.

Location

Location:

San José

Currency:

Costa Rican Colón

Weather:

Jan-Mar

79 F / 57 F

Apr-Jun

81 F / 63 F

Jul-Sep

88 F / 73 F

Oct-Dec

86 F / 73 F

Costa Rica is known for its Pura Vida lifestyle and San José is a great place to get familiar with the lifestyle. One of the best ways to discover San José is through the arts; whether you like theatre, dance, or music, this is the quickest way to the heart of Costa Rica.

About International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) brings people together from all walks of life to make a difference on the adventure of a lifetime. We offer the world’s largest range of volunteer programs with 300+ projects across 50+ destinations - from teaching and working with children to medical missions, conservation and wildlife volunteering. With over 14...

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