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COSTA RICA

Intern and volunteer in paradise in this land of contrasting terrain, expansive coastline, active volcanoes, bustling cities and tropical rainforests!  

Intern & Volunteer in Costa Rica

Discover Kaya’s volunteering programs and internships in Costa Rica, where a vibrant tourism scene has helped raise income levels, but there is still work to continue improvement on environmental and community projects. Whether you’re looking to volunteer on a sea turtle conservation project or take part in sports coaching abroad, there is a project in Costa Rica for you. Kaya offers a wide variety of projects in Costa Rica, such as: marine conservation, teaching, public health or childcare. As an intern or volunteer, you can help make a sustainable difference to local communities, the environment and wildlife.

Additionally, you can volunteer and learn Spanish in Costa Rica or improve your Spanish speaking skills through our Spanish language programs. Kaya offers an intensive one week course to prepare you for your adventure, although this is already included in selected programs! Being able to communicate in Spanish will add to your experience volunteering in Costa Rica and improve your immersion in the culture whether you’re on a sea turtle conservation project or child education project! This will also help the volunteers on certain projects, who have the pleasure of living with a local family during their stay.

In your spare time, you can learn to surf in the wonderfully warm tropical seas or do some whale and dolphin watching along the coast of Costa Rica. Be sure to visit the capital of San Jose, which is home to interesting museums and theaters too. Try fresh, local produce and buy handmade souvenirs at the many artisan markets.

Share your skills and experiences with Costa Rican communities and NGOs to carry out rewarding work on projects while being able to live in a biodiverse paradise; join us as an intern or volunteer in Costa Rica now!

WHY INTERN OR VOLUNTEER IN COSTA RICA WITH KAYA? 

  • You can become an intern or volunteer in Costa Rica on one of our projects for anywhere between 2-12 weeks.
  • Kaya’s internship and volunteer projects in Costa Rica are available to start throughout the year. 
  • All of our projects work towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
  • Kaya provides all volunteers and interns with accommodation for the duration of their trip.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Here are some important facts about Costa Rica:

  • Population – 5.226 million people (2023 estimate)
  • LanguageSpanish is the official language, indigenous languages like Bribri, Cabécar, Maleku and Gyaymí.
  • Religion Roman Catholics, Evangelical Christians and Protestants.
  • Currency – Costa Rica Colón (CRC)
  • Climate The climate is tropical with a dry season from January to March. The south of Costa Rica experiences heavy rainfall during the rainy season from May to November.

FUN FACT ABOUT COSTA RICA

Costa Ricans are considered one of the happiest populations in the world, where the residents have a high life expectancy due to their positive attitudes, healthy diets and ecological advancements. Making Costa Rica one of the planet’s five Blue Zones! Ahh, La Pura Vida! (The Pure Life!).

Costa Rica Travel FAQs

Where can I volunteer or Intern in Costa Rica?

Our volunteer projects and internships in Costa Rica are based in the following areas across the country:

  • San Jose
  • Atenas (just outside San Jose)
  • Bataan
  • Alajuela
  • Rural Esparza
Are there any travel restrictions in Costa Rica?

Tourists from all over the world are allowed in Costa Rica. U.S. citizens do not require an entry visa to Costa Rica; however, like other nationalities, you need proof of a return flight ticket within 90 days. Interns or volunteers wishing to stay over 90 days in Costa Rica will need to apply for a temporary resident permit to work. It is better to consult your local government’s website on the rules for your specific passport!

Is Costa Rica safe?

Costa Rica is a friendly country, the locals are very helpful if you ever need advice on how to get around. We recommend you take the same safety precautions in Costa Rica as you would traveling to any other countries normally. In large cities, stay vigilant of pickpockets and large crowded places. In more rural areas, be careful walking along roads that may not be visible to drivers. We understand that traveling to another country might be daunting, but we have helped hundreds of volunteers and interns go to Costa Rica and they have loved every minute of it!

How do I volunteer in Costa Rica?

Volunteering in Costa Rica is perfect if you want to gain valuable practical experience on animal or environmental science, childcare, social work or sports coaching, all whilst contributing to a brilliant cause. If you are unsure which project you would like to take, you can contact our dedicated Kaya placement advisors before applying. To apply, follow these 4 easy steps;

  • Click Apply Now and express your interest in a selected project
  • Have a telephone interview with our advisors
  • Get accepted into your program and pay the remaining fees
  • You receive your pre-departure information pack and get ready to embark on your next adventure!
When is rainy season in Costa Rica?

The rainy seasons, also known as the green seasons, in Costa Rica are normally considered May through to November. If you’re looking to do some diving on your trip, the best season for diving is also during the rainy seasons, when seas are calm and there is little wind.

Environmental and Community Gap Year Program Adventure in Costa Rica

Join our 10 or 7-week environment conservation and community development gap year adventure program, and explore Costa Rica in an exciting and meaningful way!

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Turtle & Marine Conservation Volunteering in Costa Rica

Join us as a volunteer for this Turtle and Marine Conservation Project in Costa Rica while living the pura vida!

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Sports Volunteering in Costa Rica

Join us in the rural community of Costa Rica and contribute to local education through sports while living an adventure of a lifetime!

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Volunteering for Teenagers in Costa Rica

Spend your holidays doing something different and help others through volunteering overseas. Work on 1 of 4 projects in Costa Rica that accept teenagers from 15 years old.

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Sea Turtle Conservation Volunteering in Costa Rica

Volunteer on this Sea Turtle conservation project and protect female sea turtles, their nests and hatchlings on beaches along the coasts of Costa Rica.

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Childcare Centre Volunteer Project in Costa Rica

Volunteer abroad with Kaya in Costa Rica and get hands-on childcare experience with children who will really benefit from international instruction.

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Mother & Child Nutrition Volunteering in Costa Rica

Join us at nutrition centres improving diets in Costa Rica on this mother and child nutrition volunteer placement.

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Learn Spanish in Costa Rica

Join our unique Spanish immersion language course that enable students to learn the language and at the same time experience Costa Rican culture.

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Community Empowerment Volunteer Program in Costa Rica

Become a volunteer in Costa Rica and join one of our most unique projects in Central America assisting local communities at 2 cooperatives.

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Animal Rescue Volunteer Project in Costa Rica

Volunteer in Costa Rica in a busy animal rescue centre, helping animals that have been neglected, lost their natural habitats or injured and are undergoing rehabilitation.

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Easy 4-step application process

APPLY ONLINE

Apply online and pay your application fee to apply for your space on your chosen project. Our advisors will then contact you to guide you through the next steps.

TELEPHONE INTERVIEW

Once we’ve received your application, we’ll review your details and be in touch to arrange your informal telephone interview with your Kaya Placement Advisor.

CONFIRMATION

Following your interview, we will provide you a placement offer. Once you are ready to confirm your placement and dates, you can pay your confirmation fee to book and secure your space.

GET PREPARED

When you have confirmed your project dates we'll send you your Welcome Pack and lots of other helpful information to assist you with preparing for your placement.