The Costa Rica Volunteer Experience

  Costa Rica

Rural Areas

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: various

Description: Aged between 16 and 19?
Do you want to:
- Learn skills that can help you get ahead at university!
- Go abroad this summer?
- Develop yourself and experience meaningful travel?

Now's your chance!

Our 2-week summer projects are the ideal way to live and work with like-minded students on an array of exciting ventures across the world. Our Costa Rica placement is a wonderful opportunity to get involved with turtle conservation on the Central Pacific Coast in Costa Rica. In addition to 24 hours worth of language lessons you also get a 2 day excursion to the beautiful area of Montezuma to enjoy the beach, and take a canopy and waterfall tour.

Located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica lies a turtle conservation project that aims to monitor and protect the turtle breeding population. You will help preserve endangered species of turtles by preparing hatcheries, clearing beaches and conducting nightly beach patrols. You may also get the opportunity to collect eggs from nests and transfer to them to the hatchery.

Turtle poaching is very common in Costa Rica and before conservation projects started up the poaching rate was over 95 percent. However, thanks to the efforts of volunteers like you, this has now decreased to 10 percent.

Highlights: The placement is based on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, specifically the villages of Matapalo and Punta Mala. Both are near the stunning Manuel Antonio National Park, which is one of Costa Rica's best known natural wonders.

The conservation projects we work with all desperately need volunteers to help with the protection of the Olive Ridley turtle. Without the help of volunteers the species would be pushed one step closer to possible extinction. You will find yourself doing rewarding and important work in one of the most beautiful, biologically diverse places on Earth.

Cost in US$: $1795

Participants Travel to Costa Rica in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 4-8

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: Founded in 1994, i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 15,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 300 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994