About Environmental Conservation in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is home to some of the greatest biodiversity Central America has to offer. But the rainforests and coasts of Costa Rica are threatened by human population growth and pollution. Erosion harms the health of the country’s rivers, and the rainforests shrink every year as land is cleared for agriculture and cattle grazing. World Endeavors volunteers help to stop this environmental degradation through education and collaboration with local communities. Volunteers may choose to concentrate on one project or participate in several. The projects include promoting recycling and composting, doing outdoor work in national parks, and leading community outreach efforts. By assisting with these projects, volunteers make a difference for Costa Rica’s environment and for local conservation workers.

A Typical Day in the Life of a Volunteer in Costa Rica

World Endeavors volunteers inCosta Ricacan expect their days to be a combination of meaningful volunteer work, cultural experiences, and free time for relaxation and reflection.  The sample schedule below represents a typical day for a volunteer inCosta Rica.  Keep in mind that when volunteering abroad, a typical day can be anything but typical!

8:00 am – 8:45 am: Breakfast with your host family.  Breakfast in Costa Rica often consists of gallo pinto (rice and black beans), eggs, fried plantains, and fresh fruit juice or locally-grown coffee.

8:45 am – 9:00 am: Travel by public bus or walk to your volunteer placement.

9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Work at volunteer placement.

12:00 pm– 12:30 pm:  Head home for lunch with your host family or eat lunch at your project site. Lunch is the main meal in Costa Rica. A typical lunch is a casado (rice, beans, meat, tortillas, and a salad).

1:00- 3:30 pm: Work at volunteer placement

3:30 pm: Walk or ride the public bus to Spanish class.

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Spanish class.

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Free time to explore the city, take a stroll through the central park, browse the vendors’ stands at the market, get some ice cream, go to the internet café, or swim in the local public swimming pool.

7:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Dinner with your host family.  Dinners in Atenas often include gallo pinto, meat, vegetables, and tropical fruit. Dinner is usually a smaller affair than lunch.

8:00 pm – 10:00 pm: Relax at home, watch a movie and practice Spanish with your host family, prepare for tomorrow’s volunteering, or plan a weekend trip to go swimming along the Pacific or Caribbean coast, hiking in the rainforest, visiting one of the numerous volcanoes, or white water rafting and zip-lining.

Project and class schedules, meals, and free time activities may vary depending on the details of your placement.

Eligibility

Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older, though exceptions to this age requirement may be made on a case-by-case basis. Successful volunteers are hardworking, flexible, and open to truly immersing themselves in Costa Rican culture.