Hosted by International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Costa Rica Volunteer Programs | Most Affordable & Trusted

Name: Costa Rica Volunteer Programs | Most Affordable & Trusted
Brand: International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ
SKU: 21105
Rating: 4.93 (84 reviews)

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4.93 Rating

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Location

Costa Rica
- San José

Length

1 to 24 weeks

Project Types

Agriculture Childcare Community Development Building Projects Youth Conservation Marine Conservation Sea Turtle Conservation Education Teaching Health Education Health Medical Elderly Care Disabled Care +5

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Program Details

Language

English

Timeframe

Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round

Housing

Host Family

Groups

Small Group (1-15) Medium Group (16-30) Large Group (31+)

Travel Type

Budget Family Older Travelers Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price

445

Price Details

Fully hosted experience from only $445 for 1 week - this includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support.

What's Included

Accommodation Some Activities Airport Transfers Meals Wifi

What's Not Included

Airfare Travel Insurance Visa

Last Updated: May 01, 2024

Last Reviewed: Mar 22, 2024

Wish List

186 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Trusted by 136,000+ volunteers, IVHQ offers the world's #1 rated volunteer programs in Costa Rica and 50+ destinations worldwide.

For the past 6 years, we've won the "Top Volunteer Abroad Provider Award" from GoOverseas, so you can trust that you're in the safest hands with IVHQ in Costa Rica.

Our affordable projects start from $32/day for your accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, project placement and local support. Projects run year-round, with durations from 1-24 weeks. Choose from 16 projects, ranging from Animal Care or Medical in the modern, metropolitan, cultural hub of San Jose to Teaching English in the nature-lover’s paradise of Manuel Antonio. You'll be staying with other like-minded, impact-focused travelers from around the world (private room options available).

With IVHQ’s superior pre-departure support services, you’ll gain exclusive access to your own Volunteer Travel Specialist, comprehensive preparation tools and volunteer training before you leave home.

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Affordable Volunteer Programs in Costa Rica with IVHQ

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Program Highlights

Cheapest volunteer programs from $32/day for your accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, project placement & local support.
Volunteer for 1-24 weeks, year round start dates most Mondays
15+ years experience & only B Corp certified volunteer travel organization
Get free changes up to 14 days before you start with our flexible booking policy
Affordable way to earn college credit - gain 5 credits for only US$500!

Popular Programs

Turtle Conservation Volunteer in Costa Rica

Are you a nature lover who thrives in coastal settings? Join IVHQ's Sea Turtle Conservation Project in Costa Rica and work alongside local biologists to help preserve endangered Leatherbacks, Greens, Olive Ridley and Hawksbill turtles. Tasks include assisting with marine conservation activities and supporting sustainable egg protection programs. Spare time can be spent on Costa Rica's white sand beaches and tropical rainforests.

Childcare Volunteer in Costa Rica

Are you an energetic and creative individual with a passion for working with children? Based in either Manual Antonio or San Jose, IVHQ's Childcare volunteers play a key role in supporting staff at after school centers. You'll provide educational and extracurricular activities to local children who are in need of structure and support. Volunteer tasks include organizing games and activities, hygiene education, teaching English, cleaning and assisting the local staff at the project site.

Teaching English Volunteer in Costa Rica

Do you have an interest in education and teaching English as a foreign language? IVHQ offers two Teaching English Volunteer Projects based in San Jose and Manuel Antonio. As a volunteer, you'll help teach English to individuals in low-income communities who typically don't have access to English tutors. While teaching experience isn't required, you will be running classes independently, so we recommend completing a teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) course prior to your program.

Healthcare Volunteer in Costa Rica

As a volunteer on the Healthcare project in Costa Rica, you may work in a range of community care facilities in San Jose, including clinics for disabled children, nursing homes, HIV/AIDS assisted living homes and ambulance services. The healthcare system in Costa Rica is relatively well developed, however the placements we work with always appreciate the extra assistance that volunteers provide through supporting local nurses, doctors and caregivers.

Costa Rica Construction and Renovation Project

Construction and Renovation in Costa Rica

As a Construction and Renovation volunteer in Costa Rica, you'll support underfunded and under-resourced construction projects within San Jose. Your contribution will help breathe new life into communities to benefit local individuals, neighborhoods and economies. You'll work alongside a local construction worker who'll provide you with direction and guidance throughout your project.

Program Reviews

4.93 Rating

based on 84 reviews

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Rating Spread Volunteer

5 rating 92.86%
4 rating 7.14%
3 rating 0%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Impact 4.8
Support 4.95
Fun 4.8
Value 4.75
Safety 4.8

Good for Students, Solo Travelers, Building your resume

Showing 25 - 32 of 84 reviews

Amazing company, changed my life. Volunteering abroad is such a great experience. I traveled to Costa Rica and am planning a trip to Tanzania!! IVHQ helps you all the way through and provides you with all the help and advice you need. I will be going on MANY more IVHQ trips! This experience is eye opening and helps you make a difference on the world. I worked at a daycare in Jan Jose Costa Rica, each day we put smiles on the children's faces and its so heartwarming. Experiencing another culture and volunteering is an amazing experience and I am forever grateful for IVHQ!

Pros

Heart warming
new cultures

Enjoyed seeing the gorgeous terrain and meeting very kind people in COSTA RICA while I worked with other Americans and a few Brits to help with the weeklong Christmas experience for local kids and an adult special needs home. Local contacts were very responsive to minor issues as they came up and host family Lopez was so welcoming and relaxing at the end of each day. Seeing the children's museum in san jose...a renovated jail from early 1900s whose doors and windows are gorgeous cast iron was super!

What was your funniest moment?

Getting to ride to work on the back of host family Lopez scooter...with helmet on of course!

Last month, I returned from a week-long medical project in San Jose, Costa Rica. To say that it was one of the best experiences I've ever had is not an exaggeration! My program manager and the pre-departure IVHQ team were very kind and attentive to my questions. They provided ample resources to ensure my preparation for the trip, including COVID-19 safety procedures while in-country. Upon arrival to Costa Rica, the in-country team was extremely helpful and present for my every need! My homestay family was kind and clean, and the food was great. I also made some good friends along the way.

My only complaint would be with the medical project itself. Although everyone at the site was very sweet, welcoming, and knowledgeable, they seemed unprepared to take on an IVHQ volunteer. I was left multiple times standing around with nothing to do, even after continuously asking if I could help with or participate in anything. Besides this minor detail, I had an incredible experience and would recommend volunteering with IVHQ to everyone!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

Be open-minded and kind at all times! The Costa Rican people are some of the nicest, most welcoming people I've ever met. Oh, and don't be afraid to practice your Spanish, no matter what level you're at!

I really loved everything about this experience in Costa Rica. I stayed in San Jose with Doña Flora and I had a really great time during my stay. Even though it was during Covid times, I met new people and had lots of fun with all of the sanitary measurements. I went to Manuel Antonio and it was soooo fun. The national park was amazing and also the boat tour named Ocean King. I definitely recommend those two. I also visited the Irazu volcano and the hotsprings. I went to see the waterfalls La Paz that were really pretty as well. I recommend to ask Maximo Nivel for their tours, since they helped me a lot and had lots of things to do.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?

Manuel Antonio's National Park was the best thing I saw!

It's so rare that you spontaneously decide to do a trip like volunteering abroad with IVHQ, and all of your expectations are not only met, but wildly exceeded. From the moment I signed up for my trip to Costa Rica, I experienced timely communication from my Program Manager, who often responded to all of my emails with questions and concerns within 24 hours. Upon arrival in Costa Rica, I was met by a representative of the local team who drove me from the airport to my homestay (also, my host family was incredible, friendly, helpful, and served incredible food). During orientation, I learned everything I needed to know, including safety and culture. On the first day of my project, a local team member rode the bus with me to my project to make sure I knew the way and introduce me to the project staff, whom were very friendly and appreciative of the support. I am so impressed by my whole experience. My only regret is I wish that I had volunteered longer! My trip went by way too quickly, and I can't express how grateful I am for this experience and the people I met. Doing a trip with IVHQ is something you won't regret!

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I recently completed a trip to Costa Rica and it was such a special way to spend the holidays! Costa Rica is an amazing country, with amazing people. As the holiday program covers multiple projects, we got to meet many amazing people and help with such different things. We got to paint a mural and playground at two schools and hand out christmas gifts to many children. We got to work on the construction program on such a meaningful project, apartments for single mothers, which was completely funded through donations! I look forward to returning and getting to take part on more projects

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

Take full advantage of everyday you spend in Costa Rica! there is so much to see and do. The projects are amazing and you will feel so at home as everyone in Costa Rica is so friendly.

Read my full story

This is an amazing one of a kind experience. The staff is amazing and passionate about conservation and do a wonderful job of educating volunteers on there purpose and issues with marine life and corals. They are inspiring and empowering, I would definitely go back. Being a party of there crew was just amazing. You will feel like a family at day 1. The food was great, the staff was very knowledgeable on corals and the issues at hand when it comes to saving the reef. Glad I could be a part of a bigger cause.

What would you improve about this program?

Nothing (unless you can find a way to control the weather ;) ) they were just perfect.

I have completed two IVHQ programs, one in Kenya and one in South America. Both programs were well orchestrated and ended up being amazing experiences. IVHQ is affordable and worth every penny. I had never traveled before when I did my first volunteer and program, and it was a fantastic first experience overseas. The local employees help you settle in and I never felt unsafe. I would recommend this program to anyone wanting to travel and help out while you do. It's great for solo travelers as well as friends.

What was your funniest moment?

Meeting people from all over the world was probably the greatest part of my experience. I now have friendships with people from all over the globe.

Questions & Answers

What was it like to work in child care and what other travel experiences are offered?

You can see a lot of reviews here: https://www.volunteerhq.org/volunteer-abroad-reviews/ There are 12 different projects in 50+ locations, so there are lots of options! :)

By Nick Walker on February 2, 2020

Is this opportunity available for groups?

I'm not sure how big your group is but my sister and I went as a pair and so did some room mates we had at our host families place. Now 3 would probably be reasonable, 4 might be safe but I would say anything above that would be pushing it for sure. The host family we stayed at held 5 of us at one time so I know its possible but it would depend on how many people the host family can hold and how...

By Nathaniel Barker on February 4, 2019

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Can I apply if I am 17 years old?

You can apply, but you must apply with someone else that is over 18 so that you don't go alone. Hope that helps!

By Carly Freeman on December 28, 2016

What's the minimun age for the program?

I'm not sure there is an age restriction, but for most of the programs you have to get a background check and in my state you must be 18 to acquire one. I would recommend the program only to people 18+ anyways.

By Nell Cummings on July 6, 2016

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Interview

Why did you choose this program?

I chose International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) because of the reviews from previous volunteers as well as their comprehensive website. Everything I wanted to know about the program was right there and very organized.

The reviews were well written and provided insight into the program. All of the reviews I read were consistent with my experience.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) Provided me with everything I needed for my trip.
The program and all of my pre travel requirements were presented in an organized manner. This included a pre-departure webinar ( was EVERYTHING!) culture, airport pickup, accommodations, meals, list of what to pack, volunteer placement and transparency regarding fees. They provided me with everything I needed!

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

I will offer two pieces of advice if I may. The first is to be open minded. My host family were amazing!!! But, its much different to being at home. Second, I highly recommend taking a few extra days to go site seeing. Third make friends and have fun!!! Ok, that may be four, but seriously, its a great opportunity yo not only give back, but enjoy the rich culture that country has to offer.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

Once you land you’ll be picked up at the airport, then its off to orientation! It was for me!!!

The next day was a free day for me, so got up and was greeted with the most amazing break-fast (see pics). Hung out with my host family and room-mate (whom i had just met), we explored some on that day, then home for dinner.

On Monday our host took us to the Volunteer center via bus and showed us the route and the cost. I was then taken to the Community Center where I was placed and a tour, but not before helping to unload some donations with the other teachers… back to the community center for Spanish class and another orientation.

The rest of the week, I taught my students, did done site-seeing, took Spanish lessons and hung out with my new friends. Oh! Did I tell you the real reason I went was to give back during my birthday?! Well my host family and room-mate threw me a surprise birthday party!!!

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

There was an article trending on Yahoo that questioned if Americans should travel to Costa Rica - so I had some reservations and in fact was planning not to go evening after paying for everything except purchasing my ticket up until that point.

Luckily I called my program manager! She was very professional during our Teams call and answered all of my questions and let me know that she was reading the same articles as well. After our call I felt comfortable enough to make the trip. I followed all of what was shared in webinar training and orientation.

What was most rewarding about your experience?

Gosh! I had a terrific experience! My host family was amazing, they had breakfast and dinner ready every day (never the sane meal). I made four new friends - one is like famous. Yup!!! Lol Finally, the kids at the community center were everything! Please don't forget to pack some school supplies to donate!!!

Tia Brown

2020 Alum

Emily Gurney

2021 Alum

Karthy Sivalinganathan

2016 Alum

Jessica Kenny

2015 Alum

Milo Palomo

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

What is your role at IVHQ Costa Rica? What inspired you to join IVHQ?

Kim: I am the Director of International Programs here in San Jose, Costa Rica. I have a passion for all things travel, especially in Latin America. After working in the tourism industry for several years, I was looking for an opportunity to really become part of a community in a meaningful way.

What do you enjoy most in your role?

Kim: I love meeting new people every week and getting to know them – volunteers, host families, project directors and being really connected to our community and social projects.

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What is your favorite story of an IVHQ volunteer's experience in Costa Rica?

Kim: I have a new favorite every week so that’s a hard question! I particularly have a soft spot for the kids at one of the orphanages we work with, so anything to do with them always makes me smile. Another thing that always makes me happy is getting emails or messages a couple of days or weeks after a volunteer leaves sharing the impact that their time here in Costa Rica has had on them.

Whether it was their project, their host family or learning a new way of life, watching how travel changes and impacts people is why I love to do what I do. There is nothing better than seeing a person’s first (or second or third) trip abroad change their worldview and their plans for the future—their career ideas, what they want to study, or even where they plan to live.

What should every volunteer considering volunteering in Costa Rica know?

Kim: I suggest that people really prepare themselves. Read up on everything you can about Costa Rica—just start Googling. Spend some time really looking into the city and country, the current events, and the culture and language of the people. Know what the typical foods are and what the weather will be like.

In Costa Rica, the weekend travel is awesome! Look into this before you come, especially if you only have one or two weekends while you are here. There are so many great places to explore and a ton of things to do. The more prepared you are before coming, the more you make the most of your time here.

A few specific things are: a) Study Spanish with us, because your experience is always a little better; b) Be ready for rain (nice and warm) and humidity especially between May and October which is our “green season;” and c) if you have limited time, you should at least get to Manuel Antonio Beach and tour the National Park and get to know the beach there.

What tips/insights do you have for first-time volunteers abroad?

Kim: Book a ticket and just go! There is a whole world out there and a first time for everything.

Location

Location:

San José

Currency:

Costa Rican Colón

Weather:

Jan-Mar

79 F / 57 F

Apr-Jun

81 F / 63 F

Jul-Sep

88 F / 73 F

Oct-Dec

86 F / 73 F

Costa Rica is known for its Pura Vida lifestyle and San José is a great place to get familiar with the lifestyle. One of the best ways to discover San José is through the arts; whether you like theatre, dance, or music, this is the quickest way to the heart of Costa Rica.

About International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) brings people together from all walks of life to make a difference on the adventure of a lifetime. We offer the world’s #1 rated and largest range of volunteer programs with 300+ projects across 40+ countries - from teaching and working with children to medical missions, conservation and wildlife volunteering. For...