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.

Volunteers can learn Spanish in Costa Rica or improve their 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 a 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 theatres 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 and carry out rewarding work, 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.

close up of a toucan bird with long yellow beak

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Here are some important facts about Costa Rica:

Population – 5.226 million people (2023 estimate)
Language – Spanish is the official language, however, English and indigenous languages like Bribri, Cabécar, Maleku and Gyaymí are also spoken.
Religion – Roman Catholic, Evangelical Christians, Jehovah’s Witnesses and Protestant.
Currency Costa Rica Colón (CRC)
Climate – 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!).

Gallery

Mountain spring break volunteering Costa Rica

Volunteers holding sloths sea turtle conservation Costa Rica

Hatchlings sea turtle conservation Costa Rica

Volunteers in classroom sea turtle conservation Costa Rica

Volunteer taking photos rainforest conservation Costa Rica

Yellow snake rain forest conservation Costa Rica

Turtle on beach rainforest conservation Costa Rica Under 18s

Volunteer cabin rainforest conservation Costa Rica

Tree frog rainforest conservation Costa Rica

Sunset reflected in river rainforest conservation Costa Rica

Sunset over sea rainforest conservation Costa Rica

Jungle river rainforest conservation Costa Rica

Mid air monkey rainforest conservation Costa Rica

Sloth chilling rainforest conservation Costa Rica

Baby turtle rainforest conservation Costa Rica

Volunteer painting a rainbow family community beautification Costa Rica

Volunteer potting plants family community beautification Costa Rica

Volunteers on horseback animal rescue Costa Rica

Our Costa Rica Projects

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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!