Costa Rica, Ghana & Thailand - make a start Destinations · 2017-06-22 · Costa Rica is one of the...

Our DestinationsHelp secure the futures of communities in Costa Rica, Ghana and Thailand

Teaching English / Sports Education / Orphanage Work

Environmental Conservation / Community Development / Building & Construction

Turtle Conservation / Special Needs / Animal Conservation

Daycare Center Supervision / Spanish Language Course

Free -1.877.549.8638 uvolunteer.net

Destination GuideCosta Rica 2017-18

VOLuNTEER ABROAD iN COSTA RiCA uVOLuNTEER

Make friends, make a difference... make a start

Discover Pura Vida

Volunteer in Costa Rica

http://www.uvolunteer.net


At uVolunteer, our values are at the core of everything we do. We’re proud to be different and it’s our volunteers who shape the unique service we offer. When you decide to make a difference with uVolunteer, we guarantee you the trip of a lifetime.

We work to a set of values that ensure maximum

benefit for our volunteers and the communities we

serve, continuously monitoring all placements for

sustainability and success.

Respect foR all

Mutual respect ensures the longevity of our projects

in Costa Rica, allowing volunteers to experience

authentic community and cultural exposure in the

process.

pRofessional seRvice

Our trips are organized by experienced,

knowledgeable former volunteers for a uniquely

professional yet personal service.

safety and secuRity

The safety and security of our volunteers is

paramount – uVolunteer’s in-country staff are experts

in Costa Rican culture and customs.

economical and efficient

Our volunteer trips are ethically and economically

designed to keep costs down while covering all the

necessities.

Varied volunteer travel and tours:

ā Individual, group and family trips

ā Durations from one week to a year

ā Dedicated in-country support staff

ā All nationalities welcomed

ā Flexible arrival dates every month

ā Gap year, sabbatical and study trips

ā An alternative vacation/Spring Break

ā Volunteers aged 18 or over welcomed

ā Combination programs and discounts

ā Personalized programs

Why uVolunteerAuthentic, affordable adventures

puRa vida

Welcome to the land of Pura Vida – or Pure Life. In Costa Rica, this famous phrase is an expression of happiness, as well as a greeting; embark on an unforgettable volunteer trip with uVolunteer and discover the true meaning of Pura Vida for yourself.

A beautiful, unspoiled country, Costa Rica has a

thriving tourism industry and growing economy;

volunteers like you can help Costa Rica adapt to

modern life and safeguard its future, while preserving

the rich culture and biodiversity the country is so

well-known for.

Specializing in affordable, ethical travel to Costa

Rica, Ghana and Thailand, uVolunteer has sent

hundreds of volunteers to Costa Rica to lend a

helping hand with projects such as teaching English

and sports, building and construction, environmental

preservation and animal conservation.

If you’re ready to make a valuable difference in the

world, uVolunteer is ready to put your plans into

action, and we’re with you every step of the way.

IntroductionThe time of your life is now

This experience has been so

amazing it is hard to put into words

- I never expected to learn and grow

so much as a person. Out of all of

the volunteer companies I looked

at, I am so glad uVolunteer was my

choice

Lauren Pudvah, 22, United States

Make friends, make a difference...

make a start

contents

Costa Rica Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Free Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Exploring Costa Rica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Location: San Ramon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Making a difference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Teaching English . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Sports Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Special Needs Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Daycare Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Community Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Building and Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Spanish Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

How to apply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

FAQs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Genreal Information Brochure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

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Costa Rica has a rich culture all its own, largely untouched by Western influences. Along with its beautiful biodiversity and inspirational landscapes, Costa Rica’s unique rich, traditional culture is a major attraction for visitors looking to experience a new way of life.

Spanish colonization in the 16th century gave

the nation a distinctly warm and welcoming

Mediterranean vibe but the country retains its

multicultural roots, home to indigenous Native

American mountain tribes and influenced by

neighboring Caribbean cultures.

tico cultuRe

Known as ‘Tico’ culture, Costa Rica’s friendly,

laidback attitude is a world away from the

‘everything, now’ culture that dominates modern

Western society. In Costa Rica, the term ‘Pura Vida’

– or ‘pure life’ – characterizes the culture as one of

happiness and overall contentment with life.

What to RemembeR

As a visitor to Costa Rica, you may find some

customs and behaviors different from your

experiences back home.

in costa Rica:

Greet others with a firm handshake; or friends and acquaintances with a light kiss on the cheek

Men do not usually greet other men with a kiss but can greet women in this way

Exercise tolerance and patience for lateness at social functions

Avoid reacting to harmless expressions of appreciation from those who may whistle or flirt

Be aware that machismo culture is dominant in Costa Rica

Culture & CustomsTraditions, tribes and Ticos

COuntRy pROfIle

location: Central America

Capital: San Jose

population: 4, 805, 000

Official language: Spanish

Currency: Colon (COL)

Climate: Temperate tropical

national dish: Gallo Pinto

Max. Weekday Budget: $10 daily

Daily Weekend Budget: $70 daily

A small country with huge appeal, Costa Rica is famous for its vibrant culture and breath-taking natural beauty. In fact, more than a quarter of the country is national parkland, comprising varied environments from tropical rainforest and soft, sandy beaches to volcanoes and mountainous terrain.

Rich in biodiversity, Costa Rica is home to fascinating

animals, including big cats, monkeys, turtles, sloths

and hundreds of bird species, as well as a wealth

of reptiles and amphibians. It is the beauty of the

country’s nature and landscapes - coupled with rich

ethnic culture and history - that has led to a booming

tourist trade, yet Costa Rica is a developing nation

requiring investment in education and training to

keep up with its growing economy.

For almost a decade, uVolunteer has worked with

communities in Costa Rica on projects that provide

skills support and hands-on help where it is needed

most.

English language tuition, environmental preservation

and community development are all key areas of

growth in Costa Rica - when you join a uVolunteer

project, your dedication and commitment can change

lives and safeguard the future of this beautiful nation

for generations to come.

Costa Rica OverviewBreath-taking beauty; colorful culture

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exploringCosta RicaYour placement location

mOntezuma & santa teResa

Surfing, snorkeling, waterfalls and nightlife

manuel antOnIO

Rare wildlife, watersports and white-sand beaches

pueRtO VIejO

Caribbean flavors, abundant wildlife and adventure

tORtuGueRO

The land of turtles is an unspoiled paradise

free TimeWork hard; play hard

fResh flavoRs

After a long day of volunteering, there’s nothing better than tucking into some Costa Rican cuisine, which is typically fresh, hearty and delicious. Breakfast usually consists of bread, fruit, eggs and rice and beans, while dinner comprises meat – often chicken – beans, rice, vegetables and starchy foods. The national dish, Gallo Pinto, is a combination of rice, beans and spices, and is served with almost every meal. Unlike many other Latin American nations, Costa Rican food is not spicy.

unique beats

Costa Rica’s diverse music is a key part of the

country’s compelling culture. Known for the rhythm

tambito and the genre aspunto, local music is folksy

with Spanish and Caribbean influences.

Western music, hip-hop, disco and reggaeton are

popular among younger residents, while the older

generations and more traditional citizens tend to

prefer folk, calypso, merengue and salsa.

days off - What to do?

Whether you want to experience the majesty of the

active Arenal Volcano, zip-line through the cloud

forests or admire San Jose’s colonial architecture,

Costa Rica caters for all tastes.

Costa Rica is a compact country with efficient

transport links, making it easy to get around and see

the sights.

Most of our projects are based in centrally-located

San Ramon and volunteers have three free days per

week, giving you plenty of time off to explore.

VOlCanO aRenal

National parks, hot springs and canyoning

mOnteVeRDe

Lush natural environments and unforgettable views

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AccommodationDormsFoundations for friendship

The uVolunteer dorms become homes from home for our volunteers, providing a comfortable, safe base for your trip. Here, you’ll stay with like-minded volunteers from across the world, building global friendships.

Our dorms in Costa Rica comprise between three

and five single-sex bedrooms with bunk beds,

western washroom facilities, modern kitchens and

useful conveniences including landline telephones,

free Wi-Fi Internet access, security systems and a

subsidized laundry service.

Located just a few minutes away from the center of

San Ramon, the dorms are within easy reach of all

amenities and public transport links.

Within the dorm, you’ll have the opportunity to get to

know your fellow volunteers, as well as our in-country

staff, who live very close by and visit the dorm daily.

Attentive and supportive, our staff will be on hand

round the clock day and night to deal with any queries

you may have, or to facilitate cultural exchange.

Volunteers staying in our dorms will be served a local

breakfast and dinner daily, with vegetarian and other

dietary needs accommodated. You can prepare your

own lunches at the dorms or use the opportunity to

sample the cuisine at a local restaurant.

conseRvation pRojects

If you’re joining our Sea Turtle Project, you won’t be

placed in our San Ramon dorms; your base will be on

the designated beach where your project is located.

Accommodation will be more of a camp setting and

dorms may be mixed sex and fully or partially closed

with no electricity. Animal conservation volunteers

will be accommodated in home stays close to their

project location in rural San Carlos de Alajuela.

locationSan RamonAuthentic Costa Rican culture

When you book a volunteer trip to Costa Rica with uVolunteer, we guarantee you an authentic cultural experience away from the beaten tourist track. Most of our projects are based in or around the large coffee town of San Ramon, nestled in the mountains of the Central Valley.

Known as the town of presidents and poets, San

Ramon has produced some famous former residents,

including one of Costa Rica’s best-loved poets

Lisimaco Chavarria. The university town is also

renowned for its picturesque beauty, rich heritage

and vibrant nightlife.

San Ramon is a unique combination of age-old

traditions and modern living; expect to see colorful

sidewalk art as you explore the streets of this laidback

town. San Ramon’s central location means the town

is within easy reach of the international airport Juan

Santamaria (SJO) and Costa Rica’s capital, San Jose.

Local transport links into the capital and all corners

of the country are reliable and regular, so it’s easy to

explore all of Costa Rica’s unmissable sights.

animal conseRvation

Animal Conservation volunteers are based in a rural

San Carlos (Cuidad Quesada) in Alajuela Province.

tuRtle conseRvation

Turtle Conservation volunteers are located at the

dedicated turtle camp on the north or central Pacific

coast of Costa Rica.

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Costa Rica is one of the world’s top destinations for eco-tourism, with its diversely beautiful environment and wildlife attracting around 2.5 million visitors every year. This tourism boom means Costa Rica’s economy is growing significantly, yet around a fifth of the population lives in poverty.

There is an increasing need for skills

and education to enable the country

to keep pace with its developing

economy, safeguarding its future for

generations to come.

Volunteers like you can make a real

difference to communities in Costa

Rica, assisting in areas like education,

teaching English and developing or

renovating homes for low-income

families.

Costa Rica also needs help protecting

its biggest attractions: the natural

environment and native wildlife.

Poaching is a problem, especially for

the country’s turtle species, some of

which are now critically endangered.

Through uVolunteer, you can provide

safe habitats for these animals and

ensure newly-hatched turtles complete

their journey to the ocean.

For almost a decade, uVolunteer

has arranged flexible, affordable

volunteering trips to Costa Rica’s most

in-need communities; be a part of our

meaningful and worthwhile projects and

feel the difference.

pRojects include

ā Teaching English

ā Sports Education

ā Special Needs School

ā Daycare Center

ā Community Education

ā Building and Construction

ā Spanish Language

Making a difference Do good - feel good

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Teaching English Costa Rica’s thriving tourism industry means English language skills are more in demand now than ever before. Join uVolunteer’s Teaching English Project and you’ll help children and adults develop conversational English and improve their prospects.

Being able to speak English is increasingly desirable

among Costa Rican employers; with your help,

students will have wider employment opportunities,

and a greater chance at achieving a good quality of

life as a result.

Working alongside English teachers in local high

schools, elementary schools and community classes,

you’ll help children and adults with pronunciation,

vocabulary, everyday language use and

conversational skills, building students’ confidence.

You’ll also have the opportunity to take classes,

creating loose lesson plans that focus on practical

use of the English language. You don’t need any

teaching experience or qualifications to volunteer

for the project and will receive initial training and

direction from your volunteer coordinator.

Classes are held in schools throughout San Ramon

during the day and adult lessons take place at

various locations in the evening, with many sessions

held in the relaxed setting of the uVolunteer dorms.

main duties

Assisting teachers with grammar and conversation lessons

Planning and teaching lessons for adults in community classes

Encouraging practical conversational skills

Assisting with classroom activities

Assisting with community class social activities

testing and grading students based on results

quick RefeRence Guide

Placement location: San Ramon, Alajuela

Minimum trip duration: 4 weeks

education types: Elementary/high school,

community classes, adult classes

Age of students: From 5 to 50+

Minimum age of volunteers: 18

Role: English teacher/assistant

Language requirements: Basic to intermediate

Spanish

Dress code: Smart casual

Suitable for groups: Yes

Suitable for families: No

WoRk schedule

Monday to Thursday. Your school placement location

will depend on the duration of your trip: Elementary/high school placements: Minimum duration: four

weeks. Hours: 7am until 1pm. Community education

classes: Minimum duration of two weeks. Hours:

2pm until 5pm.

Adult community classes: Minimum duration of two

weeks. Hours are from 6.30pm until 8.30pm.

notes

Ý Volunteers booking a trip of two or three weeks on

the Teaching English Project will work within adult

community classes in the evening and may also

teach community education English workshops

Ý Project closed dates are from the second week of

December until the second week of February and for

one week preceding Easter Sunday. There is also a

mid-term break for the first two weeks of July

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Project guide

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I had no idea what to expect - my initial

reaction was shock at how understaffed

the school was and how much more could

be done to help the kids achieve their full

potential. As volunteers, our goal was simply

to be a friend and set a positive example; I

would go back in a heartbeat

BRyan DuGOnG21 yeaRs, CanaDa



https://www.uvolunteer.net/review/bryan-duong-volunteer-story/

In Costa Rica, sports education is both important and mandatory. A strong focus on literacy and limited school budgets can, however, mean that the physical education element of the curriculum doesn’t match up to the high standards of PE in Western nations.

Join a uVolunteer Sports Education Project and help

schools throughout San Ramon develop and improve

their physical education programs for third to sixth-

grade children. Resources are limited, which means

volunteers need to be ready to apply creative thought

and self-motivation to classes.

Most local schools don’t employ full-time sports

teachers and our volunteers aren’t required to have

any professional sports or teaching qualifications

to join the project. There will always be a teacher

available for supervision and language help, however,

so all that’s necessary is a passion for sports that

you’re willing to share with children and young

people.

As a volunteer, your time and effort is invaluable in

a number of ways; your dedication can encourage

youngsters to take part in sporting activities while

conserving school budgets for more urgent matters.

Help foster a love of sport among students in

unprivileged areas and open their eyes to how fun

and rewarding fitness can be.

main duties

planning and delivering lessons under the supervision of a qualified teacher

assisting teachers in preparing sports classes

Encouraging physical activity among students

teaching children about new sports

Assisting and taking part in sports training and inter-school competitions

assisting with school event days

supervising children during recession and lunch





Role: Sports teacher/assistant

Age of students: From 8 to 12

Language requirements: Intermediate Spanish

Dress code: Modest sportswear

Suitable for groups: No


WoRk schedule

Volunteers joining our Sports Education Project

usually work four days per week, from Monday to

Thursday. On these days, you’ll take classes between

7am and 12pm local time, or from 1pm until 3pm.

Some schools have slightly different schedules.

notes

Ý If you have a particular skill or experience of a

specific sport, feel free to share your knowledge with

the pupils you teach





Ý Please check the uVolunteer website for details of

any Costa Rican national holidays

sports education

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Project guide


sCOtt aDams21 yeaRs, unIteD states It's a great feeling knowing that, even for

just a short period of time, you impacted

a group of people in a very positive way.

The students enjoyed doing anything that

allowed them to run around, and the more

we as volunteers joined in the games, the

more they wanted to bond and interact



https://www.uvolunteer.net/costa-rica/volunteer-stories/scott-adams.php

Special needs education is just as important in Costa Rica as it is back home, the only difference being the lack of resources available compared with Western nations. Volunteer your help with uVolunteer and you’ll be giving children and adults with special needs the time and attention they deserve.

Working within the San Ramon area, our Special

Needs Education Project is delivered at three semi-

government funded centers for children and adults.

Resources at the special needs centers are limited,

so the time and effort our volunteers spare is greatly

appreciated.

The local centers provide basic education and other

services like language therapy, art classes, vocational

training and physiotherapy for children and adults

with special needs like autism, Asperger’s syndrome

and blindness.

Our volunteers provide staff at the centers with the

extra help they need and enrich the lives of special

needs students with fun activities and learning

support.

It’s not necessary to have any prior experience when

you join up to the project – the only skills you need

are patience and dedication; our Special Needs

Education Project is one of the most rewarding

placements we offer.

main duties

Assisting teachers with classes and program development

Performing a variety of tasks, including feeding and basic care

Setting up and taking part in outdoor games

Being a role model for the center’s pupils

Helping out at recess

Helping students during social activities

Introducing relevant skills you have to the center





Role: Special needs education assistant



Dress code: Smart casual



WoRk schedule

Volunteers joining our Special Needs Education

Project usually work four days per week, Monday

through Thursday. On these days, you’ll get students

ready for their classes from 8am until 9am, begin

activities and lessons at 10am, help out at playtime

and assist with lunch from 12pm until 1pm. The day

finishes between 2-3pm.

notes

Ý Volunteers booking a trip of two or three weeks on

the Teaching English Project will work within adult

community classes in the evening and may also

teach community education English workshops





special needs education

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Project guide


CassaDy tetsWORtH21 yeaRs, unIteD states

I absolutely loved every second of my

time in the Costa Rica, both volunteering

and traveling. Words can barely describe the

amount of love I have for the country, people,

new friends, and special needs students.



https://www.uvolunteer.net/review/cassady-tetsworth-volunteer-story/

With a fifth of the population living in poverty, many Costa Ricans cannot afford to send their children to private daycare centers while they go out to work, so the government has established state-run facilities for disadvantaged families. Join a uVolunteer Daycare Center Supervision Project and you’ll have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of deprived children and their families in San Ramon.

The local daycare facilities are subsidized for low-

income families who need childcare during working

hours; centers provide safe, educational settings

for youngsters to be cared for. This, in turn, gives

parents the opportunity to go out and work, earning

enough to provide for their families.

Working with infants and children aged up to six

years, our volunteers provide hands-on help in the

form of educational enrichment, learning through play

and social skills development, also helping out with

general care and daily tasks within the center.

Help little ones learn the basics of literacy and

numeracy, teach reading and writing skills and assist

the children in establishing basic English to give

these deprived youngsters the best shot at the future

they deserve.

main duties

Assisting classroom teachers

Preparing teaching materials

leading basic english practice and interaction

Supervising children at playtime

Preparing food and supervising mealtimes

Assisting with reading, writing and mathematics

Preparing arts and crafts activities

Sharing your skills and interests with the children





Role: Daycare center assistant

Age of children: From 0 to 6


Dress code: Modest casual



WoRk schedule

Daycare Center Supervision Project volunteers

usually work four days per week, Monday

through Thursday. On these days, you’ll work for

approximately six hours per day.

notes


December until the second week of January and for





Daycare Center

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Project guide


DaIsy COVaRRuBIas29 yeaRs, unIteD states I felt at home from the very first day. Every

morning as I walked into the center the kids

would great me with hugs and kisses - it felt

so nice to see how much they appreciated

my help. I walk away with deep affection for

the Costa Rican culture and a great desire to

return.



https://www.uvolunteer.net/review/daisy-covarrubias-volunteer-story/

A developing country, Costa Rica has pockets of poverty where uVolunteer makes a difference through education and community development. Sign up to our Community Education Project and you’ll be providing support and skills development for the most underprivileged children in San Ramon.

Although literacy levels in Costa Rica have improved

over the last few decades, these changes are mainly

observed in urban areas; rural communities still face

challenges in achieving an equal education that

matches up to the high standards of the cities.

The center we work with operates as a daycare

facility in the morning and an after-school club and

community center in the afternoons. This safe,

educational environment is the perfect place for

youngsters aged between 0 and 16 to thrive.

Many of the children who attend the center come

from deprived backgrounds and have illiterate

parents, so there is a strong focus on literacy, reading

and completing homework to give these children the

best chance at a bright future.

There’s also plenty of opportunity for fun and

communication development within the outdoor

play areas, computer room and inside hall. Join the

project and equip disadvantaged children with skills

for life.

main duties

teaching the children to read and supervising homework completion

Organizing fun activities for the children

playing sports and general interaction

supervising children using the play areas





Role: Community education assistant


Language requirements: Basic Spanish

Dress code: Modest casual


Suitable for families: Yes

WoRk schedule

Volunteers joining our Community Education Project

usually work four days per week, from Monday to

Thursday. On these days, your working hours will be

from 9am until 5pm, with a lunch at 12pm to 1pm..

notes

Ý Volunteers with a specialized skill are encouraged

to share their talents with the children by running a

small workshop at the center

Ý Casual but modest clothing suitable for indoor

tutoring and outdoor activities is advised

Ý Center staff are bilingual but most of the children

speak little or no English, so the more Spanish you

know, the better an experience you could have


December until the second week of January and for





Community education

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Project guide


auGIe antOmatteI48 yeaRs, pueRtO RICO The centers provide a great collection of

educational activities for underprivileged

kids; having the right attitude to fully engage

and connect with everyone is key for a

successful experience. This has to be the

most incredible experience I have had in

years



https://www.uvolunteer.net/review/augie-antomattei-volunteer-story/

With more than a million Costa Ricans living in poverty, getting on to the property ladder is but a distant dream for many citizens. In San Ramon, uVolunteer works to make that dream a reality, helping construct homes for low-income families who otherwise would have little chance of owning a property to house their children and relatives.

Working with two special foundations that provide

loans for disadvantaged families to build homes,

our volunteers help local construction workers in

the building, repair and renovation of safe, secure

residences for families in need.

Join our Homebuilding and Construction Project and

you’ll assist in the construction of homes for low-

income families across several sites in rural areas

of San Ramon. Without these charitable schemes

and the help of dedicated volunteers like you, many

local residents wouldn’t have the opportunity to own

newly-built, modern homes to cater for their needs.

Meet the families you’ll be housing and provide

hands-on help in San Ramon to leave a legacy that

will last for decades to come, as well as assisting in

the upkeep of community buildings and schools that

serve the local residents. No official qualifications are

required; as long as you’re willing work hard and able

to help out with physical tasks, you’re ready to join

the building and construction project.

main duties

Clearing land for the build site

Bricklaying and mixing cement

plastering and painting buildings

Laying roof tiles

fixing dilapidated buildings

Digging and building septic tanks

Digging foundations for the building

loading and unloading supplies



Minimum trip duration: 4 weeks; 2 weeks for groups


Role: Construction assistant

Requirements: Basic Spanish

Dress code: Outdoor work wear



WoRk schedule

Volunteers joining our Homebuilding and

Construction Project usually work four days per

week, Monday through Thursday. On these days,

your working hours will be from 8am until 3pm,

although this is subject to change – especially during

the rainy season.

notes

Ý Lightweight outdoor work wear is advised, along

with working gloves and shoes or boots

Ý The project is closed during the fourth week of

December and the first week of January, as well as

for a week preceding Easter Sunday

Building & Construction

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Project guide


saRaH lOunsBuRy31 yeaRs, CanaDa The construction project is definitely

within the scope of nearly anyone's physical

abilities; the local workers on site are very

kind and grateful for any help you are able

to give. This trip was exactly what I needed

it to be and I cannot imagine having done

anything differently



https://www.uvolunteer.net/review/sarah-lounsbury-volunteer-story/

spanish language uVolunteer provides an eight-hour crash course in Spanish language skills for all Costa Rica volunteers, inclusive in the program fee.

Many of our volunteer projects in Costa Rica

require some Spanish language skills, which is why

uVolunteer provides this tailor-made course for all

our volunteers to quickly learn the localized Spanish

language needed for their program in Costa Rica.

The objective of the course is to provide our

volunteers with a level of conversational Spanish

localized for Costa Rica. All volunteers, regardless of

their level of Spanish, will benefit from this course.

Local professional language teachers teach the

course, which begins on the second day of the

program during orientation and continues over the

next few days until the end of the first week.

This eight-hour crash course is designed to help you

brush-up on any unused Spanish or to quickly bring a

complete beginner to a basic level. It’s not designed

to bring a complete beginner to an intermediate level

in a week, but will be useful in helping all volunteers

develop a basic working vocabulary for their chosen

projects.

During lessons, you’ll learn words and phrases

relevant to your placement, as well as more general

local language that will help as you adapt to Tico life.

For those who need or would like more Spanish language lessons we have two options to accommodate your requirements:

option 1

Volunteer and study spanish: For volunteers who

want to study Spanish language for a few hours

weekly during their program.

For this option, after the first week crash course,

volunteers can purchase additional six-hour blocks

of tuition over a week at $90 per week. You can

purchase as many blocks as you need and the

classes are scheduled in the evenings so that they

don’t clash with projects hours.

option 2

Intensive Spanish Immersion: For volunteers

who don’t meet the language requirements of their

projects.

For this option, you can dedicate the entire first

week, or multiple weeks, to an intensive 20-hour per

week Spanish Immersion Course. This course costs

an additional USD $275 per week.

After the immersion program you can then start your

volunteer project equipped with the level of Spanish

necessary to make the most of your trip.

main points

Learn the basics or improve your Spanish

Suitable for beginners, intermediate or advanced level Spanish speakers

A range of learning methods including audio material and language labs

Professional K1 to K12 accredited program

WoRk schedule

Crash Course: Two hours daily Saturday and

Sunday. One hour daily Mon to Thurs

Volunteer and study: 1.5 hours daily Mon to Thurs

Spanish Immersion: Five hours daily, Mon to Thurs

Ý The language school is closed during the fourth

week of December and the first week of January, as

well as for a week preceding Easter Sunday

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Project guide


CLARA KhAnG21 yeaRs, unIteD states

I quickly became attached to all the

teachers and students at the school and

was able to make lifelong friends. The three

weeks of Spanish language classes did more

for my Spanish than two years of college



https://www.uvolunteer.net/review/clara-kahng-volunteer-story/

sea turtle Conservation Famous for its rich biodiversity, Costa Rica is home to several species of sea turtle, some of which are endangered as a result of poaching. Join a uVolunteer Sea Turtle Conservation Project and help safeguard these threatened reptiles animals and their nests from poachers and predators.

A number of sea turtles species in Costa Rica are

threatened with extinction – turtles’ eggs are a local

delicacy and believed to have aphrodisiac properties,

attracting poachers. Adult turtles, meanwhile, are

hunted for their meat and shells.

Our volunteers are based on the beaches of the

north and central Pacific coast, where they maintain

a presence and conduct patrols. Conservation

responsibilities include moving eggs to a safe,

artificial hatchery, collecting research data, guarding

the hatchery and releasing newly-hatched offspring

so they can make the all-important journey to the

ocean without undue risk. Research and maintenance

activities typically take place in the early morning

and throughout the day, while patrols are carried out

during the night.

With your help, Costa Rica’s beautiful sea turtles

can continue to thrive, and the project can provide

important data about these fascinating creatures as

part of an international turtle research project that

monitors these endangered reptiles.

main duties

Beach patrolling and predator/poacher prevention

Building, manning and maintaining the hatchery

Transferring eggs and releasing newborn turtles

Researching and documenting breeding, nesting and incubation

Site construction and infrastructure maintenance

Assisting in transportation of food and water to turtle camp site

Assisting with shopping trips for supplies


Placement location: Pacific and Caribbean coast

Minimum trip duration: 2 weeks; 1 week for groups/

families

Minimum age of volunteers: 18; younger if traveling

in a group/family

Role: Conservation assistant

Language requirements: English

Dress code: Outdoor work wear



WoRk schedule

Volunteers on the Sea Turtle Project work six days

per week. On your day off, it’s important you return to

camp before sunset. Expect unsociable hours of work.

notes

Ý Lightweight outdoor work wear is advised as

volunteers are based on hot, tropical beaches

Ý Pack light but please remember to bring the

following essential items: sunhat, sunglasses, beach

sandals, comfortable working shoes, reading books

Ý The Sea Turtle Conservation Project is similar to

camping on the beach in very basic conditions –

there is limited electricity, no cellphone network and

water is carried in daily by volunteers

Ý Volunteer dormitories are mixed-sex and partially

open to the environment

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Project guide


The Sea Turtle Conservation Project has

allowed me to spend time serving turtles in

need of human aid and has also taught me to

value our environment to its fullest. I couldn’t

have asked for a better setting and project -

this was the best decision of my life

WIleen HeRnanDez24 yeaRs, unIteD states



Depending on where you’re traveling from, you may

not need a visa, or might only require a tourist visa

for your trip.

4 Weeks befoRe you tRavel

Ý Around a month before traveling you should

purchase your travel insurance policy, this is a

mandatory requirement of the program.

Ý You will need to have made arrangements with

your doctor for any vaccinations you might require.

Depending on where you’re traveling to you may not

need any immunizations but it’s wise to check.

Ý You should also discuss any medication you may

need to pick up before you travel.

Ý Read through your volunteer information pack and

get in touch with your program coordinator with any

queries you have.


Ý Approximately two weeks before departure you’ll

receive the uVolunteer Arrival Info Sheet, which

has instructions and information about the pick-up

process - including details of the volunteer

coordinator who will meet you at the airport.

It’s important to read this and keep it safe for a

successful transfer. We look forward to your arrival!

notes

Ý If you need to make changes to your application

after you’ve been accepted by uVolunteer, we will

endeavor to accommodate you but may have to pass

on any fees we incur as a result. Cancellation fees

apply and are charged on a sliding scale relevant to

how close to your arrival date you cancel – there is

no refund for volunteers who cancel less than one

month before departure. Our terms and conditions

can be found at the bottom of every page of our

website.

Whento applyThe application timeline

How to applyMake friends, make a difference - make a start

If you’re ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime, uVolunteer is ready to put your plan into action. Check out our timeline below for an at-a-glance guide to the application process.

3 months befoRe you tRavel

Ý We recommend you submit your reservation online

at least three months before traveling, along with

a deposit of $349 to secure your place. The balance

will need to be paid in full 60 days before your arrival.

Ý We’ll send you an application form to complete –

please provide relevant details about identity, health

and skills, as well as your motivation for wanting to

volunteer in Costa Rica. Parental authorization forms

will be included if applicable.

Ý Return your application form and uVolunteer

will create your volunteer profile. The acceptance

process takes between two and seven days – most

volunteers who are physically able and have strong

motivational grounds for volunteering are accepted.

Ý Check for your acceptance email, which will

contain your program documentation. If we can’t

accommodate you, you’ll receive a full refund. Please

do not book any travel tickets before your program

documentation arrives.

Ý Ahead of traveling you’ll need to prepare your

passport. If you don’t have a passport we recommend

applying at least three months before you plan to

travel. If you already have a passport, check it’s still

valid and that you have room for more stamps.


Ý Ideally, you should book your flights as soon as

possible after arranging your volunteer trip. About six

weeks before traveling is the latest time to purchase

an affordable flight, so don’t leave it to chance.

Alternatively, if you book a uVolunteer premium

package, we will arrange flights for you.

Ý At this time, you should look into sending off your

visa application.

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uvolunteer

28


to a program provided the group’s team leader is a

parent or teacher over the age of 21. Groups of more

than three people qualify for discounts.

hoW safe is costa Rica?

At uVolunteer, we only send volunteers to

destinations that we are certain are safe.

Costa Rica is politically stable and free from civil

unrest, welcoming international volunteers with great

appreciation. Our volunteer location of San Ramon is

safe and secure, with all volunteers benefiting from a

safety briefing and round-the-clock staff support.

Will i need a visa?

Volunteers are advised to obtain a tourist visa for

travel to Costa Rica. If you’re a resident of the usa,

Canada, Great Britain, australia, new zealand or

the european union and have a passport, you will

be issued a 90-day tourist visa when you arrive in

Costa Rica. For other nationalities, please check visa

requirements via the Costa Rica Embassy.

vaccinations

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines

before your trip. You are not required to have specific

vaccinations before entering Costa Rica but it is

recommended that travelers are protected against

typhoid, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. Please visit your

doctor to check your vaccination history and arrange

any immunizations at least eight weeks before

departure for Costa Rica.

Will i be alone onsite?

There are always other volunteers onsite – uVolunteer

sends more than 400 volunteers to Costa Rica each

year and our arrival dates are every two weeks, so

there is a steady stream of volunteers arriving and

leaving. There will usually be between four and nine

volunteers in your dorm at any one time, although

the number can increase to 16-35 depending on

the season. Our busiest period is from spring to

September, so please book well in advance to secure

your place.

lanGuaGe RequiRement

We recommend volunteers have some Spanish

language skills when joining a uVolunteer project in

Costa Rica. Most of our programs require basic or

intermediate Spanish. We offer an inclusive eight-

hour crash course as part of the program. You can

opt to pay for additional language lessons after this

course. We also offer a Spanish immersion course

for volunteers to learn Spanish before joining their

chosen project.

donations to pRojects

Our volunteers kindly donate their time and effort to

making a difference through uVolunteer’s projects

but many also want to give something extra to

the projects they help out on. If you want to make

a donation, we advise you to wait until you’ve

experienced the setting before deciding on what

would be most appropriate, rather than purchasing

goods to donate before you travel.

conseRvation volunteeRs

Volunteers enrolled on the Animal Conservation or

Turtle Conservation projects will be collected from

the airport on arrival and transferred to dorms for

the first night. You’ll leave on Saturday or Sunday

morning for your project and we will accompany you

to the location or facilitate your travel and cover any

costs up until you reach your destination.

closed dates

There are closed dates for some Costa Rican projects

– these are outlined in each project guide. On closed

dates, uVolunteer organizes social activities or makes

arrangements for volunteers to get involved in any

cultural events or festivals taking place.

When to book?

We recommend you book your volunteer abroad

break between three and six months in advance,

but if you want to arrange your trip less than three

months before traveling, we will endeavor to make

arrangements for you.

What do my fees coveR?

The fees you pay uVolunteer cover: pre-arrival

admin costs, volunteer project, dormitory housing,

two meals per day Monday to Friday, 24-hour local

staff, orientation, city tour, social activities, letter of

completion. A typical fee breakdown of a four-week

program in San Ramon is as follows:

Costa Rica Program 28 days

Program Coordination $280$10 daily x 28 days

Accommodation & Food $560$20 daily x 28 days

Total for 4-weeks $840

aRe theRe any otheR fees?

Volunteers pay an application fee of $349, which

is essentially a deposit to secure your place on the

program and show your commitment. If we can’t

accommodate you, you’ll receive the $349 back. Your

place will be booked within seven days of applying

and the balance fee due 60 days before arrival.

What’s not included?

Volunteers are responsible for flights, any visa costs,

personal expenses, transport to and from work,

return trip to airport, weekend travel and activities.

spendinG money

Most uVolunteer projects run from Monday through

Thursday; we recommend volunteers budget $40 in

spending money to cover basic costs during each

working week. Your expenses are likely to increase

over the weekend depending on your activities –

between Friday and Sunday you should budget for

at least between $140 and $250, but be aware that

costs can easily increase to $300+ if you overindulge!

What about insuRance?

It is your responsibility to purchase a comprehensive

travel insurance policy for your trip. Insurance

coverage for your trip is a mandatory requirement

of the program. Please make sure the policy

covers Emergency Medical, Trip Cancellation, Trip

Interruption, Baggage Loss & Delay and Extreme

Activities you plan on doing; as well as coverage for

small expensive electronic devices you bring.

tRavelinG With fRiends

We accept all group sizes of family and friends,

school classes and corporate teams, and can

accommodate everyone at the same project within a

single location. Children as young as 11 can join up

faQs Know before you go

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30


Want to know more? For a general overview of what we do and why, download our program brochure.

Volunteering abroad is a life-changing choice; when you book a

volunteer vacation with uVolunteer, you can rest assured we’re with you

every step of the way.

Whether you want to teach English in deprived communities, build homes

for low-income families, conserve biodiversity or work with children in

need, uVolunteer can help make your dreams a reality.

Now you know all about volunteering abroad in Costa Rica, learn more

about the uVolunteer programs in Ghana and Thailand. We can tailor-make

your volunteer vacation to combine projects in different locations and cut

your costs in the process. Find out how much you can save when you

make a difference with uVolunteer.

Program Brochure

volunteeR in costa Rica, Ghana & thailand

Make friends, make a difference...

make a start

US&CAN 1-877-549-8638


uvolunteeR


http://www.uvolunteer.net/brochure/program/

VolunteerCosta Rica

We hope this Destination Guide has given you a better understanding of our program and projects in Costa Rica.

We look forward to helping you have the best possible experience when you volunteer abroad. If you require further information please contact us:

USA & Canada Toll Free: +1-877-549-8638European Free Call: +44 0800 088 5816Inquiries to: [email protected] at: www.uvolunteer.net

Connect Socially

uVolunteer LLC501 Silverside Road, Suite 105Wilmington, Delaware, 19809, USA

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