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Participants will collaborate in a country located in Central America, between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It borders Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the southeast. Almost 5 million people live in Costa Rica. The capital city is San José, which is also one of the most populous cities. The official language is Spanish.
Costa Rica has much to offer; it is a very safe country with good infrastructure, making it easy to get around. It is one of the few countries in the world without an army, having more teachers than police officers. It also boasts one of the most beautiful natural environments in South America, ranking fifth globally in the 2012 Environmental Performance Index.
Costa Rica is in the Central Standard Time Zone (CST), which is UTC-6.
The official currency of Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colón. 1 colón is approximately equivalent to 0.001 euros.
In Costa Rica, the volunteer programs are divided into several locations: Escazú, San Ramón, Quepos, the Caribbean, and Alajuela
The stay begins when the participant arrives at the destination and is picked up.
Meals provided at the accommodation are included in the project/destination. However, meals are not provided during journeys to the destination or during excursions.
The specified pick-up times in each destination/project must be respected. Participants arriving outside the pick-up time/day will be subject to an additional cost depending on the destination.
In Costa Rica, the volunteer programs are divided into several locations: Escazú, San Ramón, Quepos, the Caribbean, and Alajuela.
Escazú is a canton located in the province of San José, Costa Rica, known for its rich biodiversity and beautiful natural landscapes. Throughout its territory, you can find mountains, rivers, and green areas, such as the Quebrada Ganado National Park, ideal for ecotourism. Additionally, Escazú has great historical significance, with places like the Church of San Miguel, which dates back to the 18th century.
The Teaching, English Teaching, Construction, Childcare, Women’s Empowerment, and Special Needs Support volunteer programs are located in San Ramón, in the Central Valley of the Alajuela province. San Ramón is a medium-sized city, traditionally known for coffee production, just 45 minutes from the capital, San José. The city is situated right in the heart of Costa Rica.
The turtle conservation programs are located in the Pacific or Caribbean regions.
The Wildlife Rescue program is situated in Alajuela.
Participants should arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport in Alajuela (airport code SJO), where they will be picked up by local staff and then transported to the accommodation.
For the programs in Escazú, arrivals are scheduled every Friday starting in June 2025.
Volunteers participating in the San Ramón programs should arrive every other Friday (see dates in the box) from 7.00 am to 6.00 pm for pick-up, in the case of homestay accommodation.
Volunteers participating in the Turtles programs can arrive any day of the week (Not included in the price).
Volunteers participating in the wild animals rescue programs can arrive any day of the week (Not included in the price).
Given the diverse nature of Costa Rica, the volunteer will enjoy a fusion cuisine of indigenous and European culinary traditions. The staple ingredients are corn, beans, potatoes, rice and yucca. The casado is one of the most typical Costa Rican dishes, consisting of boiled rice served with beans, fried banana and meat. Another traditional dish that can be enjoyed by the volunteer during their stay in Costa Rica is the gallo pinto.
Costa Rica is situated in a unique natural location, with a geography that is brimming with protected areas and natural parks. Many of the tourists who come to Costa Rica are attracted by eco-tourism. Nature is the main attraction for tourists visiting Costa Rica. However, many people also visit the country to relax on its several beaches.
The Turtle and Wild Animal Rescue programs start every Monday.
For the programs in Escazú, arrivals are on Friday, and the program starts on the Monday following the arrival Friday.
For volunteers who opt for the San Ramón programs, pickup takes place on Fridays from 7.00 am to 6.00 pm. The San Ramón programs will work from Monday to Thursday. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays will be free time for excursions and getting to know the area.
Arrival days San Ramón:
2025 Fridays
January: 10 & 17 & 31
February: 14 & 28
March: 14 & 28
April: 18 & 25
May: 9 & 30
June: 13 & 27
July: 11 & 25
August: 8 & 22
September: 5 & 19
October: 3 & 17
November: 14 & 28
December: 12
Volunteers can participate in the program for a minimum of 2 weeks and a maximum of 6 months.
If you arrive outside of the pick-up hours, there will be an additional cost of 50€.
The motorways in Costa Rica are relatively congested and not particularly safe. For volunteers, the easiest way to get around is by car. However, it’s important to note that journeys may take longer than expected due to the poor state of the roads. In any case, buses are an alternative for those who prefer not to use a car, but it’s not strongly recommended because there are limited bus lines, and the buses do not run very frequently.
For volunteers participating in the teaching, community education, and disabled children support programs, it’s possible to walk to work from the volunteer house. However, for those involved in the orphanage, construction, and sports volunteer programs, there is a daily commuting cost of approximately €1.
Our educational support program in Escazú is an initiative dedicated to fostering the academic and personal growth of students of various ages. As a participant, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the holistic development of children and young people through educational, recreational, and school support activities.
The program focuses on providing academic support, organizing workshops, conducting extracurricular activities, and supporting students in their learning process. Participants can collaborate in various areas, such as mathematics, science, languages, and sports, helping to strengthen both academic and social skills.
This program not only benefits the students but also offers participants an enriching experience by being part of an educational community that values cooperation, inclusion, and individual development.
To participate in this project, you must be a student or hold a degree in an education-related field.
Available starting June 2025.
You will have the opportunity to collaborate in daycare centers for children between 3 and 8 years old in Escazú and the surrounding rural areas.
The objective of these centers in Costa Rica is to provide childcare services for working families who cannot afford private preschools. The centers offer basic supervision, meals, and a safe space for children to play during the day.
You will assist the caregivers at the center with their lessons, working hand in hand with the children of Costa Rica during activities, playing with the children, helping during snack and lunch time, working in the kitchen, and with maintenance activities.
Available starting June 2025.
We collaborate with several daycare centers in San Ramón and its surrounding rural areas. These centers are operated and funded through a partnership between local governments and community resources. The primary aim of these centers is to offer childcare services to working families who are unable to afford private nurseries for their children who are not yet of school age.
These centers provide essential supervision, meals, and a safe environment for children to play during the day. Typically, the nurseries cater to children up to the age of 6. As a volunteer, you will assist the center’s caregivers in delivering their classes, working closely with Costa Rican children during various activities. Your responsibilities will include playing with the children, assisting during meal times (lunch and snacks), helping in the kitchen, and contributing to maintenance tasks. Previous volunteers who participated in this program have contributed to the creation of a garden.
Therefore, by volunteering at our centers, you will play a part in enhancing the facilities for future generations. Please be prepared to share and teach any form of art or handicraft skills that you may have. Your contributions are greatly valued and appreciated.
LOCATION: San Ramón.
REQUIREMENTS: Program only available for women.
MINIMUM DURATION: 2 weeks.
CLOSED:January and February, Holy Week, July school holidays, and Christmas
English is a high national priority in Costa Rica, as is the case for most Central American countries. English forms part of the national curriculum throughout a child’s time at school. However, most of the English teachers are not native speakers, and many students can’t speak English correctly by the time they leave school.
The English teaching program gives the volunteer the opportunity to teach general English classes to Costa Rican students, helping them with conversational English, correct pronunciation, new vocabulary and colloquial phrases.
The students are aged between 7 and 18 years old (primary and secondary education). If the volunteer has knowledge of other languages such as French, German or Mandarin Chinese, they may also teach these languages to the students. The volunteers will be able to organise activities, put forward ideas and teach the students as they deem fit. Besides teaching in the schools, the volunteer is also expected to assist teachers and give their own English classes in schools or clubs for adults (aged 18+).
As a teaching assistant, you will help the children with conversational English, correct pronunciation, new vocabulary and colloquial phrases. Besides helping to improve the level of English in the community, the aim is for the volunteer to gain an insight into the Costa Rican education system and for them to enjoy an enriching cultural experience.
Your role: Schools – Motivate the children to practice their English and use the new words that they are taught. You will be responsible for making the students have faith in their ability to talk English. Your role: Adults Club – You will be responsible for preparing the lessons. You don’t need to be a professional teacher to participate in this volunteer program. English teaching in the adult community is one of our most popular projects, owing to the opportunities for cultural interchange.
LOCATION: San Ramón.
REQUIREMENTS: intermediate level of English (B1 and above).
MINIMUM DURATION: 2 weeks.
CLOSED: January and February, Holy Week, July school holidays, and Christmas.
Volunteer programs are vital for the care and management of animals. Participants integrate into a daily routine organized to execute various projects. The center includes areas for food preparation, a dining hall, bathrooms, and other facilities.
This program requires adult volunteers to assist with the conservation and improvement of the center. Volunteers work hand-in-hand with local staff to support all initiatives and improvements proposed for the project.
Alajuela
At this center in Alajuela, you’ll find another amazing opportunity to participate in a Wildlife Volunteer Program!
The project operates Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with breaks between shifts. Work continues daily, although with a lighter workload over the weekend. With prior authorization, volunteers can decide which days they would like to take off.
In this program, you’ll live in a volunteer house with dorm-style rooms featuring bunk beds (4 beds per room), with meals included (vegetarian options available).
The project staff will also recommend many tourist destinations in Costa Rica. It’s important to note that excursions are not included in the volunteer program fee, and volunteers are free to choose where and with whom to go.
Activities:
Important
Activities may vary, and volunteers must adapt to the tasks assigned by the local staff.
The program operates year-round.
Note: Airport pick-up is not included in this program and has an additional cost.
The main goal of this program is to collaborate in the community and environmental development of Costa Rica, aiming to generate as much positive impact as possible. To achieve this, we focus on two fundamental pillars: community and environment.
Our goal with environmental awareness is to promote education and action among individuals and social groups, encouraging an informed and committed approach to the environment. We aim to foster a critical and innovative attitude that drives environmental care, working towards a more sustainable society that is conscious of its decisions and focused on a constructive future.
You will participate in environmental conservation activities, with the opportunity to share ideas in schools through periodic educational talks, as well as with the community.
You will also have the chance to collaborate in community activities that will vary depending on the needs present at the time of your volunteer experience, always following the guidelines of a local team committed to community development.
Available starting June 2025.
The Special Needs Volunteer Program takes place at two different centers within the city. In one center, volunteers will work with individuals aged 21 years and younger, while in the other, they will assist adults.
These centers support individuals with various disabilities, including blindness, deafness, autism, Asperger syndrome, and Down syndrome. The goal is for volunteers to provide specialized support, improving the quality of life of the participants.
For adults, the focus is on teaching professional skills to foster greater independence in Costa Rica. Services offered include physiotherapy, speech therapy, emotional and behavioral support, art therapy, and music classes. Volunteers assist teachers, enhancing the educational experience by providing more personalized attention. They are also encouraged to participate in therapy sessions and outdoor activities.
No specific skills or prior experience are required. Volunteers are valued for their empathy, willingness to help, and compassionate presence, all of which make a significant impact on the well-being of the participants.
LOCATION: San Ramón
MINIMUM DURATION: 2 weeks
CLOSED: January and February, Holy Week, July school holidays, and Christmas
Working alongside local construction workers and other volunteers, you’ll have the chance to work on excavation tasks, roof constructions, restorations of old buildings and residences and the building of retaining walls.
Please come prepared for hard work, expecting to get your hands dirty. By helping to build these buildings and residences, you’ll be of huge assistance for the family members and the local construction workers. It requires enthusiasm, a good sense of humour and a willingness to help your colleagues.
The extent of your participation in the construction tasks will depend on your level of knowledge and experience. During the rainy season, your working week may be affected.
LOCATION: San Ramón. MINIMUM DURATION: 2 weeks.
Volunteers will work on turtle care and environmental conservation tasks along the Pacific coast, covering two beaches based on the needs of the program.
Activities:
Night and pre-dawn monitoring and patrols will be conducted, always accompanied by the assigned work group and guided by the local coordinator or manager, who is responsible for handling the species.
Example of a typical day in the turtle program:
The biologist coordinator or manager will also assign activities based on existing and priority needs, such as:
The turtle program in the Pacific will be located in Quepos.
The turtle program in the Caribbean will be located in Batán.
High Season Activities:
Daytime schedules depend on the demands of nighttime work and nesting activity. If several hours are worked at night, volunteers may rest in the morning or afternoon as needed.
Activities to carry out:
IMPORTANT
The women’s empowerment volunteer program supports women in their quest for healthy and sustainable livelihoods. The women’s groups offer a discussion of issues such as family health, women’s rights, access to resources, income generation and other challenges women face in their daily lives.
Volunteers have the opportunity to exchange ideas and collaborate with ongoing projects. They can also provide support in many other ways, depending on their skills and interests and the needs of the local community.
LOCATION: San Ramón
MINIMUM DURATION: 3 weeks
In the Escazú programs, you will stay in shared accommodation, a house with shared rooms with bunk beds, divided by gender. The accommodation has a living room and kitchen and is located relatively close to the volunteer projects.
Three meals a day, seven days a week, are included.
The houses are located in a quiet and safe neighbourhood of San Ramon. Each family hosts 1 volunteer. Meals are enjoyed together with the family and are prepared with local and international ingredients.
Volunteers can do their own laundry, or they can use the laundry service provided by local services (at a cost of approximately 5 dollars).
Volunteers will have two meals a day (breakfast and dinner) included in the San Ramon programs.
There are several restaurants in the city where the volunteer can buy lunch (value approximately 5-6$). At the destination the local coordination team will show the volunteer the different options according to their program.
Alajuela
Volunteers will enjoy a fully inclusive experience by staying with local families. The host families involved in the project will provide delicious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners featuring typical Costa Rican menus.
Accommodation consists of rooms for one or two volunteers, each with a private bathroom for exclusive use.
Wifi is available, and accommodations are typically located close to the project, reachable within 10 minutes by bus (bus fare not included).
IMPORTANT: Drinks are not included in the program cost.
Volunteers will share a bedroom with other volunteers in the volunteer house. Access to all common areas and the communal kitchen is provided. Since this turtle nesting area is remote and separated from urban centers, Wi-Fi connection is not available. However, on the beach, you can use 3G data for continuous communication with family and friends. Participants in this volunteer program are provided with three meals a day.
The total cost of volunteering is divided into two parts: the registration fee paid to book your placement, which is 210€ and the program cost, which is paid afterward.
€315: First week
€315: Additional week
€635: 2 weeks
€235: Additional week
€615: 2 weeks
€225: Additional week
€615: 2 weeks
€225: Additional week
If your currency is not specified in the list you can convert the costs here.
Visa, flights, travel insurance (compulsory), vaccinations, transfer back to the airport, lunch costs, other expenses.
(*** volunteers in Costa Rica usually find that 40 € (US$ 50, approx) is enough for basic weekly expenses) Weekends usually have about 170 € (US$ 200, approx) of expenses due to extra tourist activities.
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Our volunteers will be able to validate university credits with the aim of traveling in a more responsible and economical way.
What does volunteering focused on university practices involve?
At Cooperating Volunteers, we make agreements with different universities to validate university credits with the aim of traveling in a more responsible and economical way.
The specialties we work with are extensive: medical volunteering, nursing, education, social work, psychology, physiotherapy, engineering, architecture…
The practices can be carried out in our designated destinations for this purpose, as well as in Spain.
If you choose an international destination, it’s a unique way to live an unforgettable and enriching experience, as you will have the opportunity to continue your education in another country, with a completely different culture.
Stepping out of our comfort zone and being part of the various projects at the destination will allow us to grow both personally and professionally, creating a more extensive curriculum.
And we are fully convinced that this experience will accompany you throughout your life.
You will be able to visit hospitals, schools, centers, orphanages, and participate directly and actively in the daily lives of all those people at the destination, always accompanied by other professionals willing to collaborate hand in hand with you and guide you in daily tasks.
If your university is not part of the agreement with Cooperating Volunteers, you can contact cristina@cooperatingvolunteers.com so that we can get in touch and make this experience a reality.
Corporate volunteering consists of tailored programs for your company, designed to develop teamwork skills.
It is proven that teamwork directly impacts productivity.
Collective effort surpasses individual capabilities, promotes diversity of skills, stimulates creativity, and facilitates problem-solving in the face of various challenges.
Therefore, it not only maximizes efficiency but also enriches the work environment.
We conduct corporate volunteering programs that consist of customized programs for your company, designed to develop teamwork skills, improve performance, and foster unity among employees.
We tailor projects to the corporate identity and size of the company, and we can adjust them to any destination and time of the year.
The advantages of corporate volunteering include:
The future is aligned with a more responsible society, and participating in social projects positions our company among the list of revolutionary businesses that want to be part of the change.
If you resonate with this message, corporate volunteering is a unique experience both individually and collectively, and at Cooperating Volunteers, we accompany you throughout the process to make it a unique journey.
Quality time spent with family strengthens emotional bonds, promotes communication, and contributes to the emotional well-being of its members.
Spending quality time with family and being able to disconnect from our hectic routines is not only enriching but also necessary.
Sometimes we forget to communicate, connect, and dedicate time to each other. Each one of us lives focused on our jobs, schools… And it’s necessary to find the opportunity to pause and take care of ourselves.
Quality time spent with family strengthens emotional bonds, promotes communication, and contributes to the emotional well-being of its members. And of course, it creates lifelong positive memories.
At Cooperating Volunteers, we suggest moving away from those ‘more superficial’ trips (which can also be fantastic), but we invite you to live this experience to bring out our most empathetic and humanitarian side.
Family volunteering gives us the opportunity to be part of a positive impact, promoting values of solidarity and social responsibility.
There are many families who choose to experience these trips focused on cooperation and direct involvement with different communities around the world, where living conditions are very different and sometimes entirely precarious.
Projects are tailored to different ages, allowing us to work together.
An incredible way to fill our suitcase with memories, learning, and knowledge.
And although stepping out of our comfort zone often feels daunting, we assure you firsthand that it’s worth it.
At Cooperating Volunteers, we accompany you throughout the entire experience, from start to finish, to make it unforgettable.
At Cooperating Volunteers, we believe it’s never too late for anything, especially for volunteering and living a unique and unforgettable experience.
There are many people, increasingly so, who opt for responsible travel that involves social work.
Accustomed to organized and mostly touristic trips, at Cooperating Volunteers, we want to advocate for a more enriching experience, one that transforms us from within and allows us to be part of the change the world needs to see.
We can adapt both the destination and the duration of our projects to fit your needs.
It’s an opportunity full of emotions that allows us to significantly contribute to different communities and their evolution. And you can participate in different areas such as education, social support, or assistance in different centers.
Some of the benefits include:
Living this experience will undoubtedly be a before and after.
A volunteering initiative with leadership and impact through the educational action program.
When we talk about social volunteering, we refer to all those actions and activities carried out altruistically, selflessly, and with the aim of addressing multiple problems and needs of different communities, always focused on education and self-sufficiency.
Education is essential because it provides the tools and knowledge necessary for personal, social, and economic development.
Our goal is to create self-sufficient communities and provide opportunities for the future personal development of each member. The message is not to ‘give’, but to accompany in the process of training for self-managed provision.
At Cooperating Volunteers, many of our destinations and projects embrace this type of volunteering. Some of our projects include: community programs, education, women’s empowerment…
And although they are completely different from each other, they share a single objective: progress towards a society that can embrace us all in the same way.
If you are someone who is restless, who needs to see a change in the future, volunteering is an experience tailor-made for you.