Environmental Conservation in Costa Rica

  Costa Rica

• North Western Region: 
Atenas

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks

Description: World Endeavors offers an exciting program that allows participants to experience Costa Rica in a meaningful way while contributing to its future. Volunteer through helping the environment and study Spanish with World Endeavors in Atenas, Costa Rica.

Costa Rica, despite its small size, is one of the most biologically diverse places on earth. Yet environmental degradation is a major threat to this unique and fragile place. Problems such as loss of bio-diversity, deforestation, desertification, soil erosion, over-fishing and pollution are significant. Environmental conservation projects address these issues directly through community education and collaboration.

Highlights: Atenas is a quaint town located in the central highlands roughly 45 minutes from the capital city of San Jose. The town of roughly 5,000 is made up of many surrounding communities that base their livelihood on growing coffee, oranges and mangos. Costa Rican history, tradition and culture are deeply rooted here. Atenas is very clean and picturesque with a laid-back atmosphere.

Upon arrival in Costa Rica, volunteers are met at the airport and taken to their host family's home in Atenas. They will receive an orientation that will familiarize them with Atenas and the surrounding area, the Costa Rican culture and their program. For placements of one-month or longer, participants will receive two weeks of Spanish language training.

Once the placement begins, participants will receive an additional mini-orientation at the project site that focuses on project opportunities and responsibilities. For those doing two to three week programs Spanish instruction may be added on to your program prior to leaving or on-site. For those doing 1 month programs additional Spanish instruction may be added as well.

Qualifications: Volunteers must have: English language fluency, a desire to help the people of Costa Rica, flexibility, self-motivation, an openness to a new culture and a willingness to learn. Spanish language skills are helpful but not required.

Cost in US$: Please visit our website.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: World Endeavors volunteers are people from all backgrounds who are looking for a life-changing experience abroad. Our participants are of all ages and come from countries around the world. We seek to match volunteers to projects that best suit their interests and abilities in order to maximize their experience and their impact on their project.

Age Range: 18+ Younger volunteers accepted by application.

This Program is open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

World Endeavors's Mission Statement: World Endeavors is a provider of unique international volunteer, internship, and study programs. Our mission is to become a catalyst for positive change in our community and the world through quality international programs.