Orientation
On Monday you will have a comprehensive orientation meeting. This will cover all essential topics such as banks and money, transport, places to see, safety precautions and work ethics. In this first meeting, you will also have the opportunity to ask as many questions as you wish.
Accommodation and meals
Volunteers stay with local families, in a private room and shared bathroom. The host families are members of the co-operative and they all live in the community, within walking distance, less than 1km from the rescue centre. Included in the programme are three daily meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner. These will be provided by the host families. The meals are based on a Costa Rican diet, food is fairly basic, includes rice, beans, corn, meat, pasta, vegetables and seasonal fruits. Distance to the dairy farm is about 1.5 km. A public telephone is available at the community centre.
Free Time
You will have one day off per week, which can be negotiated with the centre's administration. It is possible to use the telephone with a telephone card and to use the Internet during your day off, or you can go to Arenal to use the facilities there. Some activities you could be involved with include:
- Visiting Arenal Volcano
- A Canopy tour
- Horseback riding
- Bungee jumping
- Visiting Manuel Antonio - one of Costa Rica's most impressive beaches
Project Support
Throughout your stay you will have the support and guidance of a volunteer work coordinator and their team. They will be able to help you with any questions or advice you may need during your time on the project.
In addition, you are also able to contact our UK staff 24 hours a day should you need to, via our emergency contact number.
Project Age Limit
The minimum age to participate is 18 years and there is no maximum age.
Project Requirements
To participate in this project, it is better that volunteers have a basic knowledge of Spanish. Project co-ordinators at the school do speak English and some staff members also speak English.
Volunteers must commit to work in this project for a minimum of two weeks.
You should be willing to work six days per week, Monday-Saturday, usually from 6am-12noon and from 2-4pm. This schedule may vary depending on the specific work to be done.
Volunteers must love working outdoors and also enjoy interacting with others and being part of a community. They should be healthy and have a great disposition to learn, be able to adapt to living in a different culture, and be eager to help in different tasks as required. A wish to make a difference in a local community and a love for animals and agriculture or farming makes this experience most rewarding.
