Location
  • Costa Rica
Length
1 to 24 weeks

Program Details

Language
Vietnamese
Age Min.
18
Timeframe
Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round
Housing
Host Family Hostel
Groups
Small Group (1-15) Medium Group (16-30) Large Group (31+)

Pricing

Starting Price
205
Price Details
Without compromising safety or impact, UBELONG aims to offer the world’s most affordable 1-week to 6-month international volunteering opportunities.

Fees include:
-->Extensive pre-departure mentorship and support
-->Volunteering alongside locals on projects that make a REAL impact
-->Airport pick-up
-->Housing and meals
-->24/7 in-country support
-->Peace of mind from joining UBELONG, a social organization headquartered in Washington, DC
-->Brand name and networking opportunities that comes from being part of the well-known UBELONG Community
What's Included
Accommodation Some Activities Airport Transfers Meals Wifi
What's Not Included
Airfare Travel Insurance
Aug 14, 2020
Apr 20, 2017
3 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

UBELONG offers 1-week to 6-month volunteering opportunities in Merida, Mexico.

Volunteer in one of these world-class projects:

CAREGIVING
--> Caring for disadvantaged youth
--> Caring for people with disabilities
--> Caring for the elderly

EDUCATION
--> Teaching English

ENVIRONMENT
--> Working in a botanical garden
--> Supporting environmental education efforts

CONSTRUCTION
--> Light painting and renovation

This program is no longer offered. View more programs from UBELONG.

Consider your impact: Volunteering abroad can be a rewarding experience for both volunteers and local communities, and at Go Overseas, we believe all volunteers should have the resources to make informed decisions about the type of volunteer project they want to partake in. However, despite best intentions, some organizations offering placements in orphanages may unknowingly place children in danger. You can read about the potential dangers of orphanage volunteering here.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • 24/7 in-country support
  • Volunteer on projects that truly need you
  • Live in the heart of Cartago and enjoy delicious meals every day
  • Go with a US based organization - legitimacy and peace of mind
  • The #1 program in Costa Rica and with the best reviews!

Related Programs

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 5 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.8
  • Support 5
  • Fun 4.6
  • Value 4.8
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Default avatar
Emilia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My unforgettable experience in Costa Rica

My experience in Cosa Rica was definitely a great experience.
I chose to go to Costa Rica for different reasons. First of all, I've always wanted to visit the country: its people, culture and way of living inspired me positive energy (the so called "Pura Vida!") and its nature and landscapes have always attracted me.
Plus, I felt the need to travel alone, in a very distant country, in order to have a completely challenging and bracing experience. And so it was! I met amazing people: my host family, the Volunteer Staff, the other volunteers, all the people that work in the school I volunteered at.
Fortunately, I speak some Spanish, so it was easier to me to communicate with the students, which was the thing I loved most. For two weeks, I shared every single moment with them, and I can say that I learnt from them as much as they learnt from me!

65 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Tina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great experience

I went to Cartago, Costa Rica for five weeks and had the time of my life. My host family was great, the conditions were great. I had two volunteer sites, one was mentally disabled adults and the second was an orphanage. The orphanage was my favorite, but they were both learning experiences. UBELONG was so helpful throughout my trip and everything went very smoothly.

What would you improve about this program?
I honestly cannot think of something that could be changed. Everything went great for me.
67 people found this review helpful.
Read my full story
Default avatar
Kaylea
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I would definitely recommend UBELONG as your first choice to volunteer abroad.

It's an amazing opportunity with amazing volunteer options, very reasonable prices, and the UBELONG team is filled with amazing and helpful workers that help you every step of the way and make you feel very comfortable and excited for the experience ahead. I am so glad I decided to volunteer with UBELONG, it was was the most amazing experience of my life so far and I would love to do it again.

65 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Sydney
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Living in Costa Rica could be hot and wet, but was undeniably the most fun I've had!

UBELONG is run by individuals who really want to see a change in the world, and they empower young people to get involved. I think it's so cool they send kids as young as 18 around the globe to share their message and take responsibility for our neighbors' wellbeing.
This was such a great experience, and made me more independent.

68 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Drew
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Geriatric Caregiving in Cartago, Costa Rica

I volunteered for two weeks in the city of Cartago, Costa Rica as an assistant in the Geriatric care facility, ASCATE. On a daily basis I would assist in the facility's small medical clinic by organizing medications, taking vital signs, and preparing medical documentation prior to scheduled appointments. Additionally I worked with the physical therapy staff during various activities including the favorite activity of the client population, dancing. I quickly developed friendships with both the clients as well as the local staff I worked with and felt I was truly part of a team that was making a difference in the lives of the seniors who attended the facility on a daily basis. I also learned about the local culture and met many locals who took the time to take me out, to teach me about the country, and discuss current affairs. It is difficult to describe the most meaningful experiences that I took away from my trip, such as the connection I felt with the people that I met. Those relationships are what I miss most and is what made the experience so special.

What would you improve about this program?
As I was the first volunteer for this specific program, my experience was unique in that the local staff at the facility was figuring out how best to utilize me during my stay. Therefore there were occaisonally times when I had completed my work and was unsure what next to do. Luckily the staff were exceptionally friendly and approachable, but it should be noted that, especially while the program is new, any future volunteers should not hesitate to take initiative in finding the next opportunity to help out. A proactive attitude goes a long way and is appreciated by the staff.
64 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers