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Volunteer Abroad in Costa Rica: In 1502, on his fourth and last voyage to the New World, Christopher Columbus made the first European landfall in the area. Settlement of Costa Rica began in 1522. For nearly three centuries, Spain administered the region as part of the Captaincy General of Guatemala under a military governor. The Spanish optimistically called the country "Rich Coast." Finding little gold or other valuable minerals in Costa Rica, however, the Spanish turned to agriculture.
Mention Costa Rica and people think paradise. The country's Disney-like cast of creatures — ranging from howler monkeys to toucans — is prolific and relatively easy to spot. The waves are prime; the beauty is staggering and the sluggish pace seductive.
Costa Rica, despite being such a tiny nation, draws well over a million visitors every year - and you can see why. The incredibly varied topography means you can cruise a cloud forest one day, climb a volcano the next, and finish passed out on a hot sandy beach.
Costa Rica is a tropical country and experiences only two seasons: wet and dry. The dry season is generally between late December and April; the wet season lasts the rest of the year.
The highlands are cold: San José and the Central Valley get an 'eternal spring' with lows averaging 15°C (60°F) and highs averaging 26°C (79°F). Both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts are pretty much sweltering year-round - get ready for some bad-hair days.
Temperatures vary little between seasons; the main influence on temperature is altitude. The humidity at low altitudes can be oppressive.
Location pages:
* Caribbean
* Pacific Guanacaste Region
* Costa Rica
1001 Dell Lane Suite B, Wyncote, PA 19095, USA Volunteer Abroad Project
Tel: 1-215-780-1845 / Toll Free: 1-866-423-3258 / Fax: 1-215-887-0915
volunteers@abroaderview.org - www.abroaderview.org - info@abroaderview.org
Volunteer Abroad in Limon:
Ideally situated between the Caribbean Ocean to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west, Costa Rica boosts various geography and climate zones from the pleasant interior to the tropical coast lines. Our volunteer placements allow you to work in the National Parks dotting the coast of the Caribbean region and also on the Pacific Coast. As a volunteer you can get involved with organic farming, soil regeneration, rain forest conservation, endangered species, sea turtle conservation projects and more.
North and South Caribbean – Limon Region This province boasts the highest percentage of national parks and reserves than any other region in Costa Rica.
Limon is about 3 hours drive from San Jose, on the shores of the Caribbean.
Limon is the capital of the Afro-Caribbean culture and boasts a Caribbean flavor.
We offer the following programs in Costa Rica: (From 1 to 24 weeks placements – Optional start date)
Volunteer projects are available year round:
* Tortuguero National Park This park is the most important area in the entire west half of the Caribbean for the nesting of the green turtle. Volunteers participate on the sea turtle preservation including monitoring and registering nesting patterns, beach patrols, freeing of the newborns. Experience not required, but anticipate strange work hours (middle of the night!) and lots of time spent on the beach.
* Cahuita National Park Home to one of the most important and developed coral reefs on the Caribbean coast. This park also protects a sample of marshy forest with Yolillo and Sangrillo, as well as white sand beaches of great beauty. Volunteers assist with general park maintenance, trail construction, working in the marshes clearing debris, providing customer service to park visitors.
* Barbilla National Park This park is covered by virgin rain forest and contains a large number of rare and endangered plant and animal species. Volunteers have the opportunity to learn about native wildlife, plants and conservation efforts, participate in gardening, butterfly and animal projects such as feeding, maintaining records and monitoring the numbers of wildlife in the park limits.
* Indigenous Communities Volunteers can teach English and other technical studies in the local communities surrounding the parks. They are opportunities to assist at the local children center, home to 350 youngsters
Program Length: From 1 to 24 weeks
Program Date: Flexible Start & End Date
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8 hour per day
Accommodations:
Meals: Yes, 3 meals a day
Requirements:
Our projects are open to students studying; or those with a keen interest, biology, marine life, animal welfare and conservation efforts around the World. Volunteering in the National Parks of Costa Rica help to solve some of the issues related to the lack of personnel and budget cutbacks that the Costa Rican’s government has to face every year. We know that volunteers play a vital role in the conservation efforts: without outside assistance, these projects would be lost. Come join us and make a difference!
Project Notes:
Most national parks offer on-site shared volunteer accommodations. These living conditions are basic, but clean and comfortable. Most accommodations have electricity and running water, and communal washrooms. Meals are provided 3 times a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner). Spanish proficiency is not required, but volunteers should have a good grasp of the basics. A two week minimum program is highly suggested.
School group projects can be arranged and customized including group tour leader, airport transfers, project placement, meals/accommodations and sightseeing trips. Please inquire about our Spring break and summer vacation programs. Discounts apply for groups of 5 or more traveling together. We can accommodate any project length.
Program Includes:
Homestay or on-site volunteer accommodations. Includes three meals a day. Meet and greet at the San Jose airport, in-country orientation and transport expenses to the project site. Half day Spanish lessons. *Additional Spanish classes can be arranged for you locally. The project coordinator is available 24/7 in case of emergency, health-related or otherwise. They can assist in arranging sightseeing excursion before, during or after the volunteer program.
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
