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Costa Rica Volunteer with Children!
Are you on a quest to see a new part of the world, while also doing something extraordinary for children in need? Has the beautiful country of Costa Rica been calling out to you?
Costa Rica is a paradise with cool highlands and rolling mountains just a few hour’s drive from steamy jungles and two spectacular coastlines. You can surf, hike, zipline, raft, and explore to your heart’s content.
Sadly, many of the friendly Costa Rican people are also desperately poor. Struggling parents often lack the means to afford childcare, and as they try to work and better their situation these poor kids are left unsupervised and grow up without the care and attention they deserve.
You can help! Join a childcare volunteer opportunity in Costa Rica and provide compassionate care to low-income families so the parents can go to work and make a better life for themselves. You can bring structure, joy, and attention to kids who really need it.
Are you interested in making a positive impact in the lives of children in need? Then contact Global Crossroad today to learn more about volunteering with Children in Costa Rica!
Volunteer Responsibilities & Impacts
You’ll be providing care and supervision to children from low-income families. You’ll organize fun activities and engage the children in creative and positive outlets for their energy. You may help them with their homework or play games and sports. You’ll be making sure these kids are well taken care of while their parents head off to work.
Your time spent while volunteering with children in Costa Rica will have a huge impact on the lives of these impoverished families. The parents will be able to rest easy knowing that their children are safe and happy, and the kids will flourish with such great care. You’ll feel wonderful knowing you are making a difference, and get experience in childcare, too!
Skills and Qualifications
The main qualification to join this program is having a passion for kids, and a willingness to help support poor families that need your help. You also need to be patient, kind, and act as a good role model for the children.
In order to protect these vulnerable kids, you will need to undergo a background check. You’ll also need to be 18 years of age. Volunteers who are at least 16 years old can also volunteer on their own but need parental consent and those below the age of 16 need to be accompanied by their parent, guardian or faculty leader if they wish to volunteer.
Speaking Spanish will be helpful though not mandatory. If you’d like to work on your Spanish while in Costa Rica, you can enroll in our Spanish language program and learn while you volunteer!
Each day volunteering abroad will be a fun and meaningful experience working with these great kids that need your care and attention.
You can expect to volunteer an average of 4-5 hours per day, Monday-Friday. Your actual hours will vary based on your final placement, 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 the childcare center you’ll be working at. You’ll be introduced to the local project staff, and you’ll meet the amazing kids you are here to help!
- Orientation: Learn all about your volunteer project, your schedule, safety measures, and the customs and culture of Costa Rica.
- Weekdays: A typical day as a childcare volunteer in Costa Rica might look something like this:
- 7.00 to 7.30 AM: Start your day enjoying a nice breakfast with your welcoming local host family.
- 7.45 AM: Head out to the childcare center and begin an exciting day of helping care for disadvantaged kids.
- 12.00 PM: Lunch break is a great time to chat with the local project staff, getting to know them better, along with any fellow Costa Rica childcare volunteers.
- 3.00 PM: After a fulfilling day of working with kids, you’ll have free time to relax, or explore the beautiful country you’re in!
- 6.45 PM: Dinner with your host family is a great chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and get a look at daily life in another part of the world. Practice your Spanish and learn more about your new friends!
Program Dates & Fees
Program Dates
Global Crossroad volunteer programs begin every Monday year-round. We still 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 highest quality volunteer trips in Costa Rica. We strive to keep our costs low. The humanitarian side of the business is our passion.
Global Crossroad’s volunteer opportunity in Costa Rica application and registration fee costs US $299. The application fee covers the cost of advertising, program promotion, and office expenses (rent, utilities, and staff salaries in the USA office).
In addition to the application fee, you are required to pay a weekly program fee. You will pay your weekly fee directly to your host family and project (via the country coordinator). This way, the fees that you pay will benefit those who rightfully deserve them, and are not for company profit.
Volunteer Program Fees (US$)
| Duration | San Jose Program Fees (US$) |
Manuel Antonio Program Fees (US$) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Week | $455 | - |
| 2 Weeks | $765 | - |
| 3 Weeks | $1,075 | $1,255 |
| 4 Weeks | $1,345 | $1,535 |
| 5 Weeks | $1,530 | $1,730 |
| 6 Weeks | $1,715 | $1,925 |
| 7 Weeks | $1,900 | $2,120 |
| 8 Weeks | $2,085 | $2,315 |
| 9 Weeks | $2,270 | $2,510 |
| 10 Weeks | $2,455 | $2,705 |
| 11 Weeks | $2,640 | $2,900 |
| 12 Weeks | $2,825 | $3,095 |
Comprehensive Travel Insurance $3.49/day ( below 28 years) and $4.49/day ( above 28 years) »
Spanish Immersion Classes
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica - $150/week
San Jose, Costa Rica - $125/week
Program fees cover:
- Shared Accommodation with host family
- 2 meals per day (Breakfast & Dinner)
- Airport Pick up
- In-country support
- Program Orientation
- Project Management
- Volunteer Certificate
- Discount for returning volunteers
Program fees exclude:
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
When you are participating in the volunteer opportunity in Costa Rica with children, you will enjoy safe, clean, and comfortable accommodations and two healthy local meals a day (breakfast and dinner) as part of your volunteer fee. You’ll be staying with one of our socially respected host families, who will give you an inside look into the local culture and welcome you into your home away from home.
Free Time and Weekend Exploration
You’ll have evenings and weekends free, get out and explore Costa Rica to make the most of your experience! Most of our projects are located in and around San Jose, so use evenings to relax or stroll around the city checking out stores, museums, and restaurants. Weekends are perfect for visiting beaches, volcanoes, and rainforest hikes.
Discover what to do in your free time and weekends in Costa Rica.
Safety and In Country Support
Your safety is our top priority here at Global Crossroad. We carefully vet and plan your Costa Rica childcare volunteer experience, and offer pre-trip guidance, insurance, and the support of our experienced in-country team.
Costa Rica Volunteer with Children: FAQs
If you’ve never traveled with us before, you more than likely have a few questions you’d like answered. Here’s some helpful information to put your mind at ease:
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, and we’ll have someone waiting for you when you land who will take you safely to your accommodations.
When you complete your childcare volunteer program in Costa Rica, you will need to arrange your own departure transportation as it is not included in your volunteer fee. Just speak to the local project staff if you need advice on booking a taxi to the airport.
Visa
You may be eligible for a visa stamp upon your arrival at the airport inSan Jose. However, do your research to learn the requirements for your home country.
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
Kids are notorious for spreading illness, so be sure to get vaccinated before you travel to protect yourself. Make an appointment with your doctor at least a few weeks before you go. 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.
Why volunteer in a childcare program in Costa Rica?
Help children in need
Without the help of international volunteers like yourself, these poor kids would be without supervision while their parents work to support them. Give them the care and attention they deserve!
Gain experience working in childcare
If you think a future career in childcare might be for you, this is a great chance to get some great experience working with kids in a childcare setting. Gain professional experience while helping others and doing what you love!
Travel with a purpose
Nearly 2 million people travel to Costa Rica each year, but how many of them are helping make a difference? Join a volunteer opportunity in Costa Rica and do something amazing while you travel. This year on your vacation, give back by helping kids and families in need!
Immerse yourself in the local culture
From your host family to the kids at the childcare center and the families you are helping support, you will be immersed in the warm and welcoming Costa Rican culture. Experience life in Latin America in a unique way!
Contact Global Crossroad today to learn more about helping Costa Rican kids in need!
Other Volunteer Opportunities Available in Costa Rica:
No matter your passion or interests, we offer a variety of life-changing, volunteer programs in Costa Rica such as
medical,
construction
conservation and environment,
volunteer vacation,
teaching and much more.
For more information on our exciting programs in Costa Rica, contact us today.
Other Children Projects Worldwide
Many children in the world need your support and love. Children are the future and it is crucial that we help provide them with a better future. We organize various childcare and orphanage projects in many different countries, the most popular of which are listed below: