Overview
Volunteers in the Childcare Program work in child care centers, orphanages,community child care centers, community soup kitchens and day care centers` in Santa Barbara De Heredia. Due to a regular and consistent migration of people from nearby poor countries such as Guatemala, there has been an increase in poverty and homeless people. The Orphanages and child carecenters support and protect the homeless children and also those who are under fed and malnourished.
As a volunteer you will help the local staff in providing love, care and much needed attention to the children. Volunteer work varies from day to day but you would be generally acting as mentors for the children, provide individual love and affection for the children, organize different activities for the children, help the local staff in their work and make suggestions to them for improvement. Volunteers spend their time taking care of children, usually playing games and reading them books. Also, volunteers will assist the staff as needed. The volunteers will work from Monday to Friday, at least 4 – 5 hours a day. At times, the volunteer will work more or less hours, depending on the coordinators needs. The volunteer should wear proper clothing; formal clothing and long pants are preferred. During the weekends , you will have free time to explore the beautiful area of Heredia as well as San Jose.
Program Requirements
Volunteers must be 17 years or older at the time of joining the project. Participants should have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. Volunteers need to be flexible, open-minded and have a passion for working with children. You should also be proactive and have the ability to take initiative All volunteers must provide a clean criminal background check report prior to joining the program. A parental consent form shall be required for Under 18 participants joining the program. A beginner-intermediate level of Spanish would be an added advantage for the participants in the program.
Living
Being an International Organization, we try to make sure that our volunteers are given the kind of comfort and flexibility they seek. In terms of airport pick up, stay, local travel or work and even city tour, we help our volunteers and facilitate everything for them.
Airport Transfer
Volunteers are picked up from the San Jose International Airport by the local coordinator or representative. Those volunteers who are arriving overland or are already in Costa Rica will be picked up at a meeting point decided beforehand.
Accommodation
As a volunteer, you'll have a choice either to stay at the volunteer hostel or with a host family, immersing in the local culture. All meals are provided at the homestay while at the hostel, only 2 meals will be provided.
The volunteer hostel is amidst a coffee farm, with old yet well-maintained buildings. There's a huge garden with ample greenery and freshness. There are two rooms with attached bathrooms, and wifi facilities, as well as a working kitchen, will be available. Each room can accommodate 4 people on bunk beds and there's storage space as well. Living at the hostel will give you an opportunity to connect with other volunteers and know about them. There's a common eating space where all the volunteers can gather, share their meals and catch up.
If you choose to live with the host family, you'll get to know more about the local culture & lifestyle. It'll also be a great opportunity for you to polish your Spanish skills. Comfortable safe accommodation is ensured for all volunteers.
Orientation
All volunteers are given an Orientation beginning on their project start date. Orientation is conducted by the local staff and covers topics such as Costa Rican Customs, Rules and Expectations, Safety and Introduction to your project and placement.
Meals
Volunteers are provided with three cooked meals a day at the host family house. Local Costa Rican cuisine is a fusion of cuisines from different parts of the world. Common foods are Rice, Vegetables, Beans, Pork, Meat, Chicken etc. Those staying at the volunteer hostel are provided with two meals a day.
During your Free Time
Volunteers are free to visit and see places or do shopping during their free time. You can explore the local markets or travel to the beaches which can be visited on the weekends. The country offers unparalleled natural beauty, active volcanoes, rainforests, and a wide range of national parks and eco-tourism. In addition, Costa Rica has over 1,000 miles of gorgeous white-and-black sand beaches. Visit these things you can do in your leisure time.
Program Cost
Please Note: -An application fee of $199 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment. (A 4% international banking fee is charged at the time of payment)
What are you Paying for?
- 24 hrs Assistance and support from VS Staff
- Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
- Pickup from San Jose International Airport and transfer to accommodation
- Orientation on arrival
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Certificate Of Completion (Upon Request)
What's NOT included?
- Airfare
- Visa and Visa extension fee
- Airport taxes
- Local Transportation
- Any personal expenses
- Return Airport Drop
Program Dates
| Months | 2021 | 2022 |
| January | 0317 | 0216 |
| February | 0721 | 0620 |
| March | 0721 | 0620 |
| April | 0418 | 0317 |
| May | 0216 | 0115 |
| June | 0620 | 0519 |
| July | 0418 | 0317 |
| August | 0115 | 0721 |
| September | 0519 | 0418 |
| October | 0317 | 0216 |
| November | 0721 | 0620 |
| December | 05 | 0418 |
FAQ's
FAQ's Application and Program Details
Volunteers must be 17 years or older for Teaching, Childcare, and Spanish Immersion at the beginning of the program. For all other programs, you need to be 18 years or older.
Volunteers joining the medical volunteer project must be either Pre-Medical, Medical or Nursing student or possess other qualifications related to medical and nursing field. Medical professionals such as doctors and nurses are also welcome to join the program.
Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.
The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.
The participant must be in good health.
Knowledge of Spanish (basic to intermediate) is necessary for all the programs.
When do I need to arrive in Costa Rica for my program? What will happen once I arrive in Costa Rica?
To add to the project experience, you can also join the Spanish Immersion Week which gives you a crash course in Spanish and even tests your current Spanish skills which would help you in volunteering, and you would also get a chance to experience Costa Rican culture, learn cooking and Latino dancing before beginning the program.
Note: Host accommodation is located in suburbs of San Jose in the Heredia and Santa Barbara areas, along with your projects placements.
The Childcare, Teaching and the Medical Healthcare projects are located near San Jose, primarily in the areas of Heredia and Santa Barbara.
The Turtle Conservation project is located in both Pacific and the Caribbean coasts.
The Wildlife and Animal Rescue Center is located 4km away from Puerto Viejo and 220km from San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital.
Flights and Visa
US Airways
Delta
For those flying in from Europe, direct flights are available, and the recommended airlines are:
Condor
Iberia
Health and Safety
If you already have a valid Travel and Medical insurance, you can email us a copy of the same. It is also advised to bring along the Insurance documents during your trip.
Connect with Past Volunteers
To read alumni interviews from past participants, visit ?the Meet a Volunteer section on our website.
Accommodation and Living
Volunteers working in Turtle Conservation Project stay in ranger house, host family or volunteer house accommodations close to the project near the beach. Dorm-style accommodation is provided where you will be sharing rooms with other volunteers (same gender basis). Upon arrival in Costa Rica, volunteers are provided lodging in a host family accommodation in Heredia or Santa Barbara. After completing the orientation and project introduction on the first days, volunteers join their respective Turtle Conservation Project in either Pacific or Caribbean Coast.
For all other projects, volunteers will be staying with host families. More details about the host families would be provided after you apply for the program. Volunteers would be provided meals 2 times a day.
Volunteers working in the animal rescue center project in Puerto Viejo are provided accommodation in a hostel in San Jose on arrival. While at the project volunteers stay at a dorm style hostel accommodation. Meals are not included but volunteers cook their own meals at a fully equipped kitchen.
The local coordinators will be happy to help you with more information.
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