Costa Rica offers different types of volunteer projects but a larger number of programmes focus on conservation.

Costa Rica is one of the few regions in the world that has an amazing diversity of flora and fauna. Situated in Latin America, Costa Rica has some of the most beautiful and mysterious wild life living in the tropical forests or rain forests. By Moe Tamani

Some of the tropical mammals found here include sloths, monkeys, tapirs, and then wild cats like jaguars. There are over 850 species of birds, 200 species of animals, 35,000 species of insects, 200 species of reptiles, and 9,000 species of plants. 25% of the country landmass is considered as a protected area and there are several national parks like the Rara Avis Reserve, Whale Marine National Park, Santa Rosa National Park, and Corcovado national park among many others.

As a volunteer in Costa Rica, you will get to become a part of their vibrant and unique culture, which will provide you with the base for fostering a meaningful working relationship with the local community. Costa Rica offers different types of volunteer projects but a larger number of programmes focus on conservation. You will also get an opportunity to be a part of their environment and take back home more than just a certificate of completion.

The different types of projects available include:

• Teaching: There are many schools in the rural areas of Costa Rica who don’t have enough funds or resources to facilitate a good education system. As a volunteer, you will get the opportunity to share your learning over the years with the students of these schools. Subjects can vary from teaching English to science, arts, sports and others. There are plenty of opportunities in far off regions like the Guanacaste province.

• Wildlife Conservation: Wildlife conservation is one of the integral conservation projects in Costa Rica. There are several species of wildlife that are considered endangered including the Jaguar. As a volunteer, you will get an opportunity to work with wildlife rescue centres in the Alajuela or Guanacaste provinces in Costa Rica. Depending on the type of conservation projects, you will get to work on marine turtle research, research on Jaguars using camera traps, research on migratory birds etc. There is no technical experience required. The important thing is that if you love to work with and around animals then you will be fine and might have a better time in the rainforest than in a crowded city.

• Orphans: Working with orphaned children can be demanding as well as satisfying. As a volunteer in Costa Rica, you will get to work with orphaned children and this can include everything from taking care of them to imparting education and take them on an adventure tour.

• Street Children and Youth: There are several youth programs in Costa Rica that you can volunteer for. These programs are targeted at making life better for the troubled youths and the street children who have experienced every form of depravity. As a volunteer, you will be living with these children and share a part of their life. You will help them to change their lives.

The minimum age for volunteering in Costa Rica should be 18 or older. For conservation projects, the maximum age limit is 50. The standard duration of most projects is 5-8 weeks although they can also vary from 1-2 weeks or 9-12 weeks. A high level of fitness is required for working in wildlife and conservation projects.

There is a fee attached to each of the projects that you volunteer for. The fee is charged in advance and covers: accommodation, emergency evacuation services, food and meals, travel insurance, transportation within the region, emergency support, training materials, supervision by local staff, orientation on arrival and local sightseeing and recreational activities.

Volunteering in Costa Rica will bring you closer to nature and wildlife and also the warm people who are ever ready to help you become a part of them. As a volunteer, you will get to enjoy the limitless opportunities and attractions that Costa Rica has to offer.