Go on a youth humanitarian workcamp in the heart of Costa Rica to join other volunteers from around the world as part of our development project. You’ll live and work in Esparza, where the NGO works on various construction sites depending on the needs of the moment: building schools or community centers, painting, gardening, agronomy…the missions are numerous. The program emphasizes teamwork, as well as education and respect for the environment.
This project has been specially designed for people looking to take part in development missions immersed in local communities. Throughout this project, volunteers will benefit from supervision, training by international experts chosen for their experience and ability to coach and motivate teams. The work proposed by the project can include light construction activities such as renovating classrooms, moving building materials, building a playground with reusable materials, helping to set up vegetable gardens or anything else the community needs. A humanitarian work camp for young people is an excellent addition to your CV! All our programs have short-, medium- and long-term objectives that correspond to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
Volunteers should bring a pair of gloves, even if painting is involved. The NGO has a wide variety of old clothes and shoes, but they are asked to bring at least one pair of old clothes. For minors, it is very likely that the missions will be more focused on painting in schools.
Duration during the week | Budget total mission |
|---|---|
2 weeks | 1290 € |
3 weeks | 1760 € |
4 weeks | 2230 € |
5 weeks | 2700 € |
6 weeks | 3170 € |
7 weeks | 3690 € |
8 weeks | 4160 € |
10 weeks | 5200 € |
12 weeks | 6240 € |
A supplement of €200 applies to participants aged under 18. For more information, meet on the youth area.
Your new home will be one of two newly built eco houses in our centre in Esparza: Jaguar House and Toucan House.
The two houses sleep up to 22 people. Most rooms have bunk beds and are shared on a single gender. One room in each house has a bunk bed with a double bed below, single above, suitable for couples or small families, if needed. (Private rooms can be obtained at additional cost; this must be arranged before arriving for your program).
All doors are lockable, but as rooms are shared, and we carry out regular cleaning, we recommend that you don’t lock your rooms.
There is also a large dining hall/games room/communal area shared by both houses, with free WiFi, and table tennis, and a large garden of tropical plants, including coconut palm, papaya, banana, and citrus
Food Arrangements
Three meals a day on weekdays (two on weekends) are included during your stay. The meals will mainly be a mix of traditional and modern Costa Rican food, so you may experience the Costa Rican take on foods you will be familiar with. Most meals will include either fish, chicken, pork or beef, but vegetarians can be catered for.
Mandatory Orientation Day
On the Monday of your first week at this location, you will join our orientation day, to familiarize you with the surroundings as well as local culture. Your program will continue as usual from Tuesday onward throughout the rest of the week.
Schedule
– Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice and handling of documents.
– Costa Rican Do’s and Don’ts, Costa Rican Culture Lessons and Spanish Language Lessons.
-Tour around the compound and local area; where to find local shops, and arrange a sim-card if necessary
– Lunch
-Introduction to the Project, Project site and start participating on the project (if possible).
– Minimum age : 18
– Level of English required: intermediate (at least B1).
– Vaccinations: Diphtheria, Typhus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A and Polio. Ask your doctor for advice on rabies vaccine and anti-malarial treatments.
To register you will be asked for
– A copy of your passport.
– A certificate of travel insurance.
– A medical certificate signed by your doctor.
– An extract CRB
