Costa Rica Volunteer Quests

Volunteer in Costa Rica

"We were able to make a small difference in our community while being immersed in the Latin American culture. I truly learned so much about Costa Rica and the world as a whole. Living with a host family really made me feel like a Costa Rican. I'd like to thank United Planet for helping me give back to the community, teaching me a great deal and leaving me with some unforgettable memories. Pura Vida!"

-Dipti Rao, Short-term Costa Rica volunteer

Media Library

Media Library

View our pictures, videos, and read testimonials

Facts

  • 850 bird species
  • no army or military
  • 16% of the pop. is below the poverty line

What makes a United Planet Short-term Quest unique?

United Planet’s Quest volunteer abroad programs are 100% cultural immersion experiences. United Planet Quest programs run year-round and are available to individuals and groups of all ages, skill levels and nationalities.  We have no doubt it will be life-changing and provide lasting memories. Read on for more detailed information about volunteer opportunities in Costa Rica.

All Quests include:

  • Flexible start dates and lengths of stay (1-12 weeks)
  • Personalized attention from Coordinators
  • Local home stays or on-site lodging options
  • Exciting excursions, cultural activities and/or language lessons

Country Information

Described as a green paradise, Costa Rica is well-known for its amazing natural beauty and biodiversity, from sunny shores to idyllic vistas and verdant rainforests filled with quetzals, howler monkeys and all manner of flora and fauna. Through eco-tourism, Costa Rica is prospering while still protecting the country’s vast natural resources and ensuring its economic future. See what the country of Pura Vida (‘Pure Life’) is all about by volunteering on one of United Planet’s 20-plus projects. Volunteering is a great way to kick start your Spanish conversation skills, learning on the go as you patrol protected sea turtle beaches or teach English at local primary schools. Get a glimpse of the famed Tico lifestyle and you’ll never want to go home! Volunteers in Costa Rica should expect to adopt the hora tica, or tico time—punctuality doesn’t reign supreme here, but conservation does!

Volunteer Opportunities in Costa Rica: 1 - 12 weeks

United Planet currently offers environmental volunteering opportunities in different climates and locations as well as social projects in partnership with local organizations in Costa Rica. Click here for Long-Term Quests in Costa Rica.

What's Included and Program Details

Prices Button    

 

  Costa Rica Prices and Details

     Itinerary Button
   

 

Sample Costa Rica Itinerary

Highlights

•    A visit to Manuel Antonio National Park
•    A tour of San Jose’s Metropolitan Opera House
•    Teach English in eco-paradise of Monteverde
•    Create trails in the cloud forest

Quest Program Briefs

back to top

Volunteer for environmental projects in Costa Rica

Environmental Quest
Volunteers in Costa Rica involved with Environmental Quests can work at conservation areas, national parks, wildlife refuges and more. We offer a wide range of different experiences: from creating trails in the cloud forests to cultivating medicinal plants, guiding tourists and patrolling protected turtle beaches. There are no Spanish language requirements for the environmental projects, though basic Spanish is very helpful. Read more...
Volunteer on social projects in Costa Rica

Social Work Quest

Volunteers on Social Work Quests can work at places such as centers for homeless children, elderly homes, hospitals, cultural houses, indigenous projects and more. We offer a wide range of different experiences from creating and maintaining buildings to teaching English to locals and playing games with homeless children. Intermediate Spanish required. Read more...

Volunteer programs for teens under 18

Quests for 16-18 year olds
Costa Rica volunteers under the age of 18 can choose from three different projects, which include a teaching project in San Jose (minimum four week stay) and environmental conservation projects. These programs have been selected for their suitability for this age group and vetted for their safety by the United Planet staff. Additional pre-departure support and information is available to volunteers in this age group along with their parents and/or family members. This includes an informational interview with the volunteer's parent. Spanish language skills may be required for these projects, so please ask which project is best suited for your interests and skills.

Three Easy Steps to Apply

back to top

Step 1: Choose your Volunteer Abroad Quest Country and then fill in the online application.

Step 2: Submit your $250 deposit at the time of application. You may pay the deposit online with a credit card as part of your application process, call our office at 1-800-292-2316 to provide your credit card information or send a check to our Boston office.

Step 3: The Regional Coordinator in the Boston office will contact you to arrange a phone interview. 

Questions about applying?

Call one of our friendly regional Quest coordinators today. We will walk you step-by-step through the application process and answer any questions you may have.

Fundraising

back to top


Home | Volunteer Abroad | Privacy Policy and Terms of Use | Contact | Site Map