This project has very close ties to the local community and it aims to support the community's needs. The volunteer work section focuses on helping to construct adequate buildings which will be used as educational facilities for the local children. The second week of the project is filled with adventure activities designed to introduce volunteers to all that Costa Rica offers in a fun and exciting way.
For parents: Because this project is specifically designed for teenage volunteers, there is a high level of supervision by well-trained staff and conservation experts.GoEco can recommended specific airlines and flights to group participants together. Recommended airlines will offer a chaperone service, airline-provided flight chaperones who will accompany volunteers on their flight from their city of departure to their program. This chaperone service must be arranged with the airline itself, and the cost varies by airline.
For parents: Because this project is specifically designed for teenage volunteers, there is a high level of supervision by well-trained staff and conservation experts.GoEco can recommended specific airlines and flights to group participants together. Recommended airlines will offer a chaperone service, airline-provided flight chaperones who will accompany volunteers on their flight from their city of departure to their program. This chaperone service must be arranged with the airline itself, and the cost varies by airline.
Location of the Project:
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Project length:
2 weeks
Arrival Airport:
Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)
Volunteer Work:
Community work and construction
Age:
15 - 17
Number of Volunteers:
Up to 16 international volunteers. (This project requires a minimum of 8 participants, any less and the project will not take place).
Important Note:
All applications for this program must be submitted at least 6 weeks in advance of the program start date.
What's Included
Accommodations:
Volunteers will stay in shared rooms in a hostel
Food:
All meals included
Airport Transfers:
Airport pick-up on arrival day
Support:
Comprehensive and professional pre-departure travel guidance, 24/7 GoEco emergency hotline, experienced local field team.
What's not Included
Flights, visas (if required), travel health insurance, personal expenses
Set on the Pacific shores of Costa Rica and only a few hours' drive from San Jose, the area of Manuel Antonio is stunning. The rainforest areas and palm plantations are home to an array of wildlife, including monkeys and toucans which can be seen just about every day. The local town has a relaxed way of life, which makes this area ideal for enjoying Costa Rican culture, sandy beaches and biodiversity.
During the first few days, volunteers will participate in an orientation that includes a health and safety briefing, an introduction to the history of the area and specific training for construction work. Mission trip volunteers will spend the next several days at local schools assisting with construction and renovation projects. The work will involve basic maintenance and renovation work and painting the spaces with colorful murals. Light construction activities may include refurbishing classrooms, moving construction material, building a playground with reusable materials, helping to put in vegetable gardens or anything needed by the community. classes. These types of improvements go a long way towards brightening up the environment and making the rooms more enjoyable. Extra activities in the past years have included rafting, surfing, visiting the national park and other cultural activities like Salsa dancing and local cooking
The second week of the project is filled with adventure activities designed to introduce volunteers to all that Costa Rica offers in a fun and exciting way.
An itinerary will be sent to you before travel so you know exactly what to expect during your adventure week!
The second week of the project is filled with adventure activities designed to introduce volunteers to all that Costa Rica offers in a fun and exciting way.
- Adventure highlights could include (dependent on availability):
- A 3-hour surf lesson followed by relaxing on the beach
- A trip to the Manuel Antonio National Park to observe wildlife
- Mangrove Tour
- Kayaking or white water rafting
- Horseback riding in Turrialba and hiking in the jungle near La Marta
- Zip lining through the forest
- Canyoning & hiking
- Rappelling down waterfalls
- A tour of a botanical garden with more than 250 species from around the world
An itinerary will be sent to you before travel so you know exactly what to expect during your adventure week!
Internet:
WiFi is available at the hostel and at Internet cafes in town.
Laundry:
There are no laundry facilities at the house, but there is a laundromat nearby that can be used for a small fee.
Accommodations:
Volunteers will stay in shared rooms at a local eco-hostel.
Food:
On a rotating basis, volunteers prepare breakfast and dinner for the group. Lunch is provided by a community member. Occasionally, the group will eat in a restaurant and the cost is included in the fee. There will also be a chance to purchase your own snacks at a small supermarket, at your own expense.
Please take note of this project's minimum requirements:
- Age 15-17
- Parental consent
- Police clearance
- Good level of physical fitness
- Flexibility
- Desire to contribute to the project goals
- Good level of English
- Written "Motivation Letter"
- Travel to beautiful Costa Rica and enjoy its beauty while engaging in service work and adventure activities
- Work with like-minded people, and get to know another culture
- Practice your Spanish while getting to know Costa Rica
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