Location
  • Costa Rica
    • San José
    • Nicoya
    • Monteverde
Length
1 to 12 weeks
Need-based funding
Health & Safety

Program Details

Language
English
Timeframe
Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round
Housing
Apartment Guesthouse Host Family
Groups
Small Group (1-15) Medium Group (16-30) Large Group (31+)
Travel Type
Budget Family Older Travelers Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price
495
Price Details
All programs include arrival airport transfers, accommodation, meals, 24/7 local support, orientation, and Certificate of Completion.
What's Included
Accommodation Some Activities Airport Transfers Equipment Meals Wifi
What's Not Included
Airfare Travel Insurance Visa
Jun 20, 2024
Aug 27, 2023
4 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

IVI is a Charity & Non Profit Org, providing authentic and real volunteering experiences. Join us in Costa Rica, a friendly country full of adventure, incredible biodiversity and rich culture!

We have 8 programs available in Costa Rica, which are based in the city of San Jose, or the beachside Manuel Antonio. Our sustainable farming projects are situated in the highland regions.

All programs include arrival airport transfers, accommodation, meals, 24/7 local support, orientation, and Certificate of Completion, so you can take the worry our of organising everything! We offer safe, reliable and impactful programs, helping communities in need around the globe. Our local partner organisation is incredible and experienced at hosting international volunteers. Stay with a local family and experience true hospitality and local culture.

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion

IVI are firmly committed to providing full support and inclusivity for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) individuals. Through our programs and initiatives, we strive to create a safe and empowering space that acknowledges, values, and uplifts the unique perspectives and contributions of BIPOC communities. Our organisation stands united in the fight against discrimination and is dedicated to fostering an environment where everyone can thrive, irrespective of their background.
IVI are dedicated to providing our full support for individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, we strive to create a safe and welcoming space for people of all gender identities and sexual orientations. Our commitment extends to promoting equal rights, dignity, and respect for every individual, regardless of their LGBTQIA+ status. We aim to create a world where diversity is embraced and everyone can thrive to their full potential.
IVI are committed to fostering inclusivity, we provide steadfast support to neurodivergent individuals. Our programs create a safe and embracing environment, where diverse neurocognitive perspectives are valued. Upholding equal rights and respect, we aim to eliminate obstacles and empower all members of the neurodivergent community to thrive through our dedicated initiatives.
With a strong commitment to inclusivity, IVI offer support for individuals requiring accessibility accommodations. Our initiatives are designed to create an environment where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can fully participate and contribute. Whilst some programs may be more suitable than others, we strive to empower all individuals to engage and excel in our programs and activities.

Impact

IVI are dedicated to promoting sustainability in all aspects of our work. By embracing sustainable practices, we envision a future where communities thrive, natural resources are preserved, and the Earth's ecosystems are nurtured for generations to come. We are committed to keeping our projects focused on positively benefitting the local communities and environment.
Our programs embody ethical volunteering by placing local community well-being and empowerment at the forefront. We engage in transparent collaboration, focusing on sustainable solutions that respect local cultures and preserve dignity. Through responsible, long-term projects, we foster genuine connections, create lasting change, and uphold the principles of ethical engagement.

Program Highlights

  • 35+ Years Experience - Non Profit Org & Charity
  • Explore beaches, rainforests, artsy cities, hiking, surfing, waterfalls, volcanoes, national parks and adrenaline activities!
  • Make an impact to the local people, wildlife and environment
  • Join over 25,000+ Volunteers!
  • Responsible, Immersive & Meaningful Projects

Popular Programs

health check

Work at hospitals, clinics, assisted living, and other healthcare facilities, alongside the local doctors, nurses and other medical professionals. Depending on your previous medical experience and Spanish language skills, you can get involved with shadowing local doctors and nurses, running health check-ups, assist with triage, taking blood pressures and other vital signs, and help on administration such as patient records.

sloth

Work on a nature reserve protecting Costa Rica’s beaches. Located on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, the nature reserve was the first national park of Costa Rica and is home to a variety of animals such as pelicans, white-tail deer, armadillos, howler monkeys, ocelots and jaguarundis. There are 4 different areas you can get involved on this project: trail maintenance, beach conservation, research and education.

kindy

Work alongside local organisations to help children coming from underprivileged backgrounds, where they may have come from a home with little nurturing, poverty or had a lack of education. Help care for the kids, teach basic English and play fun games and activities!

coffee!

We work with NGOs and farming companies that use organic and sustainable practices in their farming methods. You will get hands on, in this project that will require some hard labour. You could volunteer at coffee farms, macadamia nut and permaculture farms or help to grow local tea and cacao in communal farming projects!

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 4 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 5
  • Support 5
  • Fun 5
  • Value 5
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Default avatar
Isabel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Costa Rica, Teaching English

I taught English to people in a rehab center. My lessons were every morning from monday to thursday. I was able to choose the content of the lessons myself. They especially liked when I taught them songs with english lyrics. The people there were incredibly nice and grateful. I actually cried when saying goodbye. I had so much fun teaching English.

My host family became an actual family, I’ll never forget them. Food was delicious, I had lots of “Gallo Pinto”. My accommodation was nice as well, I even had a fan close to my bed.

59 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Shea
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My time volunteering was great!

Before arriving in country, and while there, they were extremely communicative and helpful with every aspect of my experience. My volunteer placement was a short bus ride from my home stay and the kids were wonderful! I also enjoyed talking and working with the teachers, all of whom were very welcoming and friendly. My supplemental Spanish classes were very helpful and schedules are flexible when doing two programs at once. The whole staff is friendly and accommodating. I enjoyed doing many of the free optional activities they offer such as cooking classes, hikes, and a fun fruit farm tour. My host family was incredibly friendly and I made a lot of friends in the fellow students/volunteers staying with us. Overall a great experience volunteering in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica!

80 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Alex
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My experience was so enjoyable

I was looking to do a program like this for months and I am so happy I chose to do it. You guys were so supportive in everything I wanted to do. My goal when I came here was to help children and try to make an impact on their lives the best way I could in the three weeks I had and with your guys help, I feel like I was definitely able to do that and I am so grateful for the opportunity to do so. Costa Rica is such an interesting place and I am very happy I chose to do the program here. People and staff are so friendly and my host family was so kind and generous. I met so many great people here along the way, saw so many cool and interesting things, and I can´t wait to come back and to keep traveling to help more kids through your organization!

74 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Izzy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Nursing home in Costa Rica

I volunteered in Costa Rica for 5 months and it was the best choice I have ever made! I worked alongside nurses and doctors in a retirement home and learned so much! As a nursing student, I felt the medical project really helped me become eager to learn more about healthcare in poverty countries. The staff was beyond helpful and so compassionate, they always made sure I felt at home and never had any questions! Even my host family felt like real family by the end of my trip. My housing was beautiful as well, and I still keep in contact with the family! I highly recommend volunteering, even if you can only make time for a week, take the chance and do it anyways. It truly is life changing!

77 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers