Looking for a Career Break? Volunteer in Costa Rica and Nicaragua with Raleigh

  Costa Rica

• San Jose: 
San Jose

  Nicaragua

• Other Cities in Nicaragua: 
Managua

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Dates: All year

Description: Raleigh is a youth charity that inspires people from all walks of life, nationalities and ages to get out there and rise to the challenges of life on expedition. We run programmes in Borneo, Costa Rica & Nicaragua and India. Our expeditions are a challenging, but extremely rewarding combination of sustainable community, environmental and adventure projects.

We first started running expeditions to Costa Rica & Nicaragua in 2001. This is our only expedition with projects in two countries and is very popular so far over 500 volunteer managers have taken part in expeditions there. Since we arrived we've undertaken over 150 projects, improving the infrastructure in Nicaragua and conserving Costa Rica's rich biodiversity.

On every expedition we need between 25 to 40 volunteer managers, aged from 25 to 75, with a variety of skills to lead expeditions or support projects from field bases. Working alongside our permanent in country staff and up to 120 young people, their role is to make sure our volunteer projects are safe, successful and to a high standard.

Volunteer managers make a huge difference to the lives of young people, the local communities and undergo a unique, rewarding journey of their own. Roles include project manager, medic, photographer, administrator, communications officer, finance manager, logistics co-ordinator, and team coach.

Highlights: * Our permanent presence in Costa Rica means that we know what is needed to really make a positive difference out there. Because of this all of our volunteer projects are sustainable and genuinely needed by the communities we work in.

* Help the development of others Volunteer managers are vital in facilitating the development of young people on expedition and you'll be working with people from all different backgrounds and nationalities

* Get off the beaten track - We often work in national parks and obtain special permits to trek remote landscapes you couldn't access travelling alone

* "I saw the expedition as a learning experience rather than 'time out'. It's great fun and you learn more about yourself here than you would in a decade in a regular job." Roly Hilling-Smith, Medic, Costa Rica & Nicaragua

* "Raleigh creates an experience in which staff feel empowered and challenged yet well supported, and an environment in which I believe staff learn a lot about themselves and others. It has developed my skills in facilitation and effective delegation, especially in learning to step back and allow young people to lead." Tom Inman, Trek leader, Costa Rica & Nicaragua

Cost in US$: 1350 - 1950 GBP

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: People taking time out of employment, on a sabbatical or career break, or as part of their retirement.

Age Range: 25

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone Interview

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Raleigh 's Mission Statement: We are a youth and education charity. Since 1984 we have inspired over 30,000 people from all walks of life, nationalities and ages to get out there and rise to the challenges of life on expedition. We run programmes in Borneo, Costa Rica & Nicaragua and India. Our expeditions are a challenging, but extremely rewarding combination of sustainable community, environmental and adventure projects.

Year Founded: 1984