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Costa Rica Medical Volunteering Program
Do you have a passion for healthcare and a desire to make a meaningful difference in communities lacking access to medical resources? Have you thought about volunteering abroad to broaden your expertise and make a positive impact on global health?
Are you prepared for an enriching experience in Costa Rica, where you can utilize your medical skills to assist underserved populations and gain valuable cross-cultural insights?
Costa Rica is renowned for its breathtaking beaches, vibrant rainforests and majestic mountains. It's a destination where you can fully immerse yourself in nature and experience the genuine warmth of the locals.
However, despite its beauty, Costa Rica still has segments of its population facing barriers to accessing essential medical services. Particularly in rural areas, many people struggle to reach urban centers where healthcare facilities are available. This lack of accessibility disproportionately affects individuals with limited financial means. Additionally, there is a need for increased public education regarding sanitation and health practices, as this can help prevent certain health issues from arising.
Global Crossroad partners closely with local healthcare professionals, such as doctors and nurses, to deliver essential care to disadvantaged patients. By joining a medical volunteer program in Costa Rica with Global Crossroad, you'll collaborate with these committed professionals. During your time, you'll shadow local doctors and medical staff as they provide treatment to patients, providing you with firsthand experience and insights into real medical cases. This practical learning experience not only enhances your knowledge of healthcare practices but also enables you to positively impact the lives of those in need.
Contact Global Crossroad today to learn more about this exceptionally rewarding program.
Volunteer Responsibilities & Impacts
As a Medical Volunteer in Costa Rica, you'll have the opportunity to shadow and observe local healthcare professionals as they provide essential care to patients in need. Your role will be vital in supporting medical facilities and improving access to healthcare for underprivileged communities.
Volunteer Responsibilities:
- Shadow and observe medical professionals during patient care in clinics, living facilities, HIV centers, rehabilitation centers, or ambulance projects.
- Dedicate 3-4 hours per day, Monday to Friday, with work hours varying based on the specific project.
- Assist with general check-ups, support physical therapy sessions, and take vital measurements like blood pressure.
- Organize patient records and prepare materials and equipment for medical procedures.
- Participate in medical campaigns and contribute to healthcare education initiatives in underprivileged communities.
This project has huge impact. Your work directly impacts the lives of underprivileged patients, providing them with improved access to healthcare. You will gain invaluable experience in a medical setting, relevant to future healthcare careers. You will contribute to enhancing the well-being of those in need, offering support, encouragement, and hope for the future.
Skills and Qualifications
To participate in our Costa Rica Medical Volunteer Project, you should have a background in healthcare or a related field, such as being a medical student or holding certification as a physician, nurse, EMT, or from a similar accredited institution. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and possess a compassionate attitude towards patients, along with a genuine desire to assist them. Flexibility, a positive mindset, and the ability to connect with patients are also important qualities. While basic Spanish skills are beneficial, they are not mandatory, as many patients may not speak English.
Each day as a volunteer in Costa Rica will be a fun, rewarding and learning adventure.
You can expect to volunteer an average of 4 hours per day, Monday-Friday. Your actual hours will vary based on what’s going on from day to day at the project, but here’s a sample schedule to give you an idea of what to expect.
First Day : On your first day, our in-country coordinator will bring you to your project and introduce you to the local project staff. You’ll be provided with helpful orientation.
Orientation: Learn all about the work you’ll be doing, what the project is about, your schedule, safety protocol, and quickly go over the customs and culture of Costa Rica.
Weekdays: A typical day volunteering might look something like this:
7.00 to 7.30 AM: Start your day with a hearty breakfast shared with your fellow volunteers.
7.45 AM: Get ready for an exciting day of work.
12.00 PM: Break for lunch and use this time to bond with your fellow Costa Rica volunteers. Make like-minded friends from around the world!
3.00 PM: Lunch time. Enjoy your lunch and make bond with fellow volunteers.
6.45 PM: Enjoy dinner with your fellow volunteers as the day comes to a close.
Medical Volunteering Costa Rica: Dates and Fees
Program Dates
Global Crossroads volunteer programs begin every Monday year-round. We allow flexibility if you have travel constraints. Volunteers can join our programs from 1 week up to 12 weeks.
Fees
Global Crossroad is committed to offering the most affordable and high quality Costa Rica volunteer trips. We strive to keep our costs low. The humanitarian side of the business is our passion.
Global Crossroad volunteer opportunity in Costa Rica application and registration fee costs US $299. The application fee covers the cost of advertising, program promotion, and office expenses (rent, utilities, and staff salaries in the USA office).
In addition to the application fee, you are required to pay a weekly program fee. You will pay your weekly fee directly to your host family and project (via the country coordinator). This way, the fees that you pay will benefit those who rightfully deserve them, and are not for company profit.
| Duration | Project Fee |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | 320 |
| 2 Weeks | $640 |
| 3 Weeks | $960 |
| 4 Weeks | $1280 |
| 5 Weeks | $1600 |
| 6 Weeks | $1920 |
| 7 Weeks | $2,240 |
| 8 Weeks | $2,560 |
| 9 Weeks | $ 2,880 |
| 10 Weeks | $ 3,200 |
| 11 Weeks | $ 3,520 |
| 12 Weeks | $ 3,840 |
Comprehensive Travel Insurance $3.49/day ( below 28 years) and $4.49/day ( above 28 years)
Spanish Immersion Classes at $75 per week
How your fee is allocated?
Program fees cover:
- Shared Accommodation
- 2 meals per day (Breakfast & Dinner)
- Airport Pick up
- In-country support
- Program Orientation
- Project Management
- Volunteer Certificate
- Discount for returning volunteers
- Weekly Surcharge
Program fees exclude:
- Visas
- Airfare
- Miscellaneous personal expenses, soft drinks, food, etc.
- Daily transportation
- Airport return transfer
The Costa Rica volunteer program fees cover expenses from the first day of your program to the last day of your program. If you arrive before the first day of the program or you decide you stay beyond your program’s last day, you will be responsible for any additional expenses.
Accommodation and Meal
Throughout project days, volunteers will be provided with two daily meals, served within shared group housing. For those desiring additional privacy, there is the option to upgrade to private rooms for an extra fee. Furthermore, volunteers will have the opportunity to attend educational presentations and practical training sessions to acquaint themselves with their tasks.
Free Time and Weekend Exploration
You’ll be volunteering an average of 5 hours per day, so that leaves plenty of free time to enjoy the beautiful country and bond with your fellow volunteers. On the weekends, you can head out and explore more of Costa Rica. Explore the many beautiful beaches and rainforests at a driving distance from the placement.
Discover what to do in your free time and weekends in Costa Rica.
Safety and In Country Support
Your safety is our top priority while you are volunteering at an organic coffee farm in Costa Rica. We plan every aspect of your trip, carefully vet all of our partners, provide airport pick-up, and more. You will also have the guidance and support of our talented in-country team.
FAQs
You’re probably asking yourself a few questions, so we’ve taken the time to put together this list of helpful information to give you the answers you need:
Arrival and Departure
You’ll fly into Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose, Costa Rica. Your airport pickup is included in your volunteer fee.
When you complete your project, you will need to arrange your own departure transportation as it is not included in your volunteer fee.
Visa
You may be eligible for a visa stamp upon your arrival at the airport in San Jose. However, do your research to learn the requirements for your home country before heading out on your Costa Rica volunteer experience.
Most volunteers will be eligible for a 90-day tourist visa. You should know you will need to provide proof of onward travel. If you have a round trip ticket, this will serve as all the proof you need. Research the visa requirements at the official Immigration site of Costa Rica.
Vaccination
No one wants to get sick while they travel abroad, so protect yourself by getting vaccinated before you go. Make an appointment with your doctor a few weeks before traveling to get up to date.
You should be up to date on your routine vaccines, as well as Hepatitis A & B and Typhoid. You can also find information on the CDC website.