For those interested, we have several volunteer projects to choose from. Many positions ask for a minimum time commitment (often at least one month), and may require students to cover their own room and board. Relevant work experience and/or degree may also be necessary (please bring your CV and a letter of reference). Information about specific placements is available upon request.
It is important that students set realistic expectations for volunteer programs. There are several things which will help you have a more meaningful and rewarding experience, and increased interaction within your placement. These include:
- the concrete and communicable skills you bring to the position that make you a valuable resource to the organization (for example: teaching qualification; construction experience; advanced professional degrees; experience teaching technology, sports, arts & crafts; music: photography or other short-term skills; library management; community development experience; etc)
- your Spanish level (intermediate or higher greatly facilitates training and interaction)
- the time committment you can make (the longer you can stay the better, as this helps justify the significant investment in time and human resources that is required to properly train volunteers)
- your willingness to learn and work in any and all areas that need help, and to understand that your ability contribute is defined in large part by the above factors.
Intercultura's Volunteer Agency offers two program types to possible volunteers:
Option 1: We will help you arrange your placement
after arrival in Costa Rica and provide a variety of support services during your program (orientation meeting and initial placement, access to local volunteer coordinator for advice, etc) for $50 per volunteer, of which we contribute 20% ($10) to local charities. If you think you may want to take this option, please bring your resumé (CV), letters of recommendation, and any other information that may be relevant to your future volunteer supervisors.
Option 2: For those that prefer, we offer a
pre-arranged volunteer program, for which we charge $125. This includes pre-departure counselling for placement selection, increased list of placement choices, email communication with coordinator before arrival, and the regular orientation meeting and on-site access to volunteer coordinator
In addition to our regular program, Intercultura
co-sponsors the non-profit CREAR Foundation.
Started in 2005 at Intercultura's Playa Sámara campus, CREAR's
After School Program (ASP) is a creative supplementary
learning project designed to offer local children
new educational and artistic opportunities, giving
them the chance to explore and develop their
talents in a variety of creative fields. Subjects
include: dance, music, health, theatre, horticulture,
woodwork, computer studies, English and folklore.
Each student pays a minimal monthly fee (less than $10
per month), and many receive full or partial scholarships.The
majority of the program is funded by local businesses
and individuals,
and by the efforts of our volunteer teaching staff
and assistants. Students are welcome to contribute
their time and skills for as little as one day
or as long as they choose! This can be arranged
after arrival at Intercultura and involves no extra
charge ($50 fee waived for this placement). For more
information on the program or how you can help, see www.asociacioncrear.org
Current positions include the following:
- Ministry of Culture: participate in cultural activities, events, and government sponsored culture initiatives.
- Ministry of Education: teach or assistant teach English (EFL) in local primary and high schools.
- Orphanages: work with children at local orphanages, leading games, activities, sports & English classes.
- Drug Rehabilitation: work with local youth in addiction recovery programs (sports, English, games/ administrative support).
- Special Education: assistant teach in special ed programs at local schools.
- Retirement Centers: help care for and interact with the elderly.
- National Parks: assist with trail maintenance, construction, beach patrol and administrative support in national parks and reserves.
- Eco-Farms: support in production processes at eco-farms in rural areas.
- Women's Cooperatives: administrative and production process support in rural and urban areas.
- Animal Shelter: clean, care for and exercise animals at a local shelter.
- Turtle Protection: beach patrol, nursery care, and support services for turtle protection entities.
- Butterfly and Orchid Gardens: tours, admin and maintenance in local butterfly and orchid gardens.
