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
FUN FACT ABOUT COSTA RICA
Gallery
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.
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.