Why Volunteer in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica’s renowned biodiversity, laid-back culture, and breathtaking landscapes make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Latin America. Costa Rica is home to 5% of the world’s biodiversity, while occupying only 0.25% of the world’s landmass. The Costa Rican people, affectionately known as “Ticos,” have a well-deserved reputation for being friendly, fun-loving, and welcoming to foreigners. Despite its natural beauty and wonderful people, Costa Rica experiences the problems that plague many Latin American countries. Many nonprofit organizations that work to improve conditions in local Costa Rican communities lack funding and volunteer support. With eco-tourism ranking as Costa Rica’s main industry, education and environmental conservation are essential to ensuring a bright future for the Costa Rican people.
The Value of Volunteering Abroad
World Endeavors’ international volunteer programs have lasting benefits for both host communities and individual volunteers. Volunteering abroad is a valuable way to contribute energy and enthusiasm to projects that host communities have identified as important. In addition to serving the needs of communities around the world, volunteers gain a better understanding of other cultures and become more engaged global citizens.
Program Highlights and Links
Volunteers in Costa Rica will live and work in the city of Atenas, located on the western edge of the fertile Central Valley.
World Endeavors volunteers in Costa Rica can contribute to the following projects:
Childcare and Orphanage Assistance in Costa Rica
Community Development in Costa Rica
Environmental Conservation in Costa Rica
Sustainable Agriculture in Costa Rica
Perspectives
The people involved with World Endeavors were very friendly and supportive of my trying to learn. I felt very comfortable there from the beginning. I never felt lonely or out of place.
-Julia, Environmental Conservation Volunteer in Costa Rica
Stories
Miya volunteered abroad in Costa Rica with World Endeavors assisting at an orphanage and teaching English at a school.