Volunteer in Costa Rica

The Global Volunteer Network currently has opportunities to work in turtle rescue projects along Costa Rica's Pacific and Caribbean coasts. There are two different programs working with two species of turtles, the Leatherback and Olive Ridley; between them these programs run year round. These programs will give you the chance to make an important contribution to the preservation of these species. This includes assisting NGOs and local communities who carry out conservation work. You will also gain first-hand knowledge about Costa Rica's biodiversity and its culture.

The Program

Volunteers will work with Leatherback turtles between January and July and Olive Ridley Turtles between August and December. The Leatherback turtle is the biggest marine turtle in the world, weighing as much as 1,900 pounds and reaching nine feet in length. Their name is indicative of their backs, which are actually not a shell but a pliable thick leather-like skin. The Olive Ridley, 'Lora' or Carpintera is the smallest of its species, weighing in at 75 pounds and measuring only 2 feet. Both species' populations are in sharp decline due to over harvesting of eggs, beach development, fishing, pollution, and being killed for their meat and leather.

These programs are run by NGOs which employ biologists, and volunteers are supervised by trained personnel, who will pass on their expertise to volunteers on site. The work is very "hands on" and involves close contact with the turtles. Volunteers are not required to have particular biological knowledge, and so the projects are both rewarding and educational. Volunteers are often required to work at night, when turtles lay their eggs, and demanding work during the day under the heat is also needed. Accommodation is very basic, and some of the facilities are built only for the turtle season.

Volunteer roles include beach patrolling, clearing the beach of obstacles, preparing nests, relocation of nests, handling eggs, helping to release baby turtles in season, counting and recording eggs, taking temperatures in nests, repairing protection around nests, and recording the number of turtles arriving. Volunteers will work night and day on a rota basis. This means that each person will work shifts of 4 hours and then rest, and will work 6 to 8 hours a day in total with one free day per week. Days off are negotiable with the director of the project.

In addition, we also offer non-turtle projects for longer-term volunteers who may participate in more than one project during their time in the program. These include working with eco-cooperatives, at national parks and teaching English in local schools.

Program Location

The programs are based in various locations along Costa Rica's Pacific and Caribbean coasts (according to season). If a volunteer plans to stay in the country more than a month, they can be offered the challenge of working on other conservation projects.

Program Requirements

As a volunteer in Costa Rica you must:

• be at least 18 years of age, and not older than 60 years of age
• know at least basic Spanish - this is essential because not all park rangers speak English
• have no health problems

Program Schedule

Volunteers are expected to arrive on the first or middle Monday of each month. You can volunteer anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months. If you would like to take Spanish lessons, you need to arrive a week earlier.

Program Cost

A US$350 application fee (fully refundable if you decide not to go) will secure your place on the program, with your program fee due for payment eight weeks before you begin your placement. You only pay your application fee once and then you can access any of GVN's volunteer programs over the next 5 years.

Your application fee includes the following benefits:

• Personal Staff Support
• Your Costa Rica Program Guide
• Your Fundraising Guide and Software
• Access to Your Own Online Journal
• Online Video - Preparing For Your Trip
• Opportunities for Discounts on Airfares

Once your application fee is paid the remainder of the cost for your time in the Costa Rica program is:

• Cost for 2 weeks - US $815
• Cost for 3 weeks - US $934
• Cost for 4 weeks - US $1047
• Cost for 4 weeks (2 programs) - $US 1147
• Cost for 5 weeks - US $1272
• Cost for 6 weeks - US $1391
• Cost for 8 weeks - US $1581
• Cost for 10 weeks - US $1897
• Cost for 12 weeks - US $2205

The in-country fee covers your meals, accommodation and orientation program. The other costs you will need to meet are your flights, tourist visa, shots, travel insurance, internal transport, and departure tax. You will also need to cater for other expenses like bottled water, personal costs, beverages, and entertainment.

* The in-country fee allows for volunteers staying for more than 4 weeks to attend one or more conservation projects as well as the turtle project during their placement. For volunteers staying for only 4 weeks, but who would like to split their time between 2 projects, a surcharge of $100 can be applied to the in-country fee to cover this option. We offer this because the turtle program requires work at night and can be very labour-intensive, and we also find that volunteers enjoy seeing different regions of Costa Rica. For more information about the non-turtle projects please see the FAQs. Once you sign up to the program our partner will provide you with more information on the specific projects.

In addition, volunteers in the turtle program between March and July will be required to pay an extra US $35 inscription fee on arrival. This is because the only turtle project available during this season charges the extra cost.

Your program fee includes the following benefits:

• Your In-Country Fee
• In-Country Support
• 24hr Emergency Line
• Membership To The Change Makers Club
• International Travel Advice
• Letter Of Completion

Apply for the Costa Rica Program

Your application process is free and seamless and if you are successful we will provide you with a choice of application fee payment options that include a secure online service. We also are one of the few organizations that offer a full money back guarantee on your application fee if you decide not to go.
Click here to apply for the Costa Rica program.

Frequently Asked Questions

We have put together the following page, which answers the majority of questions people have.
Click here

Online Spanish Lessons

Global Volunteer Network has established a partnership with the Spanish school Instituto Exclusivo, which offers GVN volunteers a 5% discount off their online Spanish lessons. This is not like other courses which give you pages of web material or recordings of various phrases to repeat. You will speak to, and see your instructor as he/she is giving you a private lesson, tailored to your level of Spanish.
Click here

Volunteer Journals

If you would like to read about the experiences of some of our volunteers who are currently overseas, you can do so here. This journal service is provided free to all our volunteers.
Click here

Articles

Read an article written about one of our volunteers in Costa Rica.
Click here

Application Process

All applicants will be notified by email as to whether their application has been successful.

(1) Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form below. Upon receipt of the form we will assess your suitability for the program within two working days.

(2) Contact You: If you are successful we will then email you a letter of acceptance.

(3) Decision Point: Once you have read through the letter of acceptance and we have answered any questions or concerns that you might have, it is time to pay your US $350 application fee to secure your place on the program. Please note that we will fully refund your application fee if you decide not to go.

(4) Confirmation: Once the application fee is paid, our volunteer partner will contact you to ensure everything is organized. We will also send you the link to our program guide which covers topics such as country information, travel links, visa application process, fundraising ideas and much more!

(5) Communication & Support: Throughout the application process, we are committed to working with you to answer any of your questions or concerns. During your placement we are also available as a form of support to you as a volunteer and will email you while in country to discuss how the program is going.

To apply for this program, click here