Volunteer work

Volunteer Work in Costa Rica

Our volunteer projects give you the opportunity to actively contribute to social, animal-related, and community-focused fields while gaining valuable life experience.

Whether you enjoy working with children, supporting older adults, helping animals, or exploring medical or sustainable projects, we help you find the placement that fits you.

Depending on your interests, skills, and length of stay, you can combine your volunteer work with a Spanish course or focus fully on your project.

All projects give you the chance to experience Costa Rican culture more deeply, improve your language skills, and make a positive contribution to the community.

Here you will find an overview of the different placement options, local tasks, and requirements.

All Projects

Choose an area and find the matching projects with tasks and requirements below.

Work with children, teenagers, and older adults

English lesson with children

English lessons with children and teenagers

Help children and teenagers improve their English skills and connect learning with joy.

Tasks
  • Support English lessons
  • Playful learning support
  • Motivation and creative lesson design
Requirements
  • Good English skills
  • Creativity and joy in working with children
Volunteer supporting a child while learning

Academic support

Support students in everyday school life and help them in math, science, and Spanish.

Tasks
  • Support in math, science, and Spanish
  • Learning support for elementary students and teenagers
Requirements
  • Spanish skills
  • Basic knowledge in the relevant subjects
Volunteers with children during a shared activity

Childcare

Accompany children in their daily routine, plan creative activities, and create meaningful shared experiences.

Tasks
  • Play with the children
  • Plan creative activities
  • Prepare materials
Requirements
  • Enjoy spending time with children
Therapeutic work with a child

Therapy support for children

Support children in therapeutic processes in Alajuela and gain valuable experience in this sensitive field.

Tasks
  • Support therapy sessions for children
Requirements
  • Experience in pediatric therapies is welcome
  • Enjoy playing with children
Volunteer accompanying an older person in an activity

Senior care

Give older adults time, attention, and companionship in everyday life.

Tasks
  • Accompany walks
  • Have conversations
  • Support during meals
  • Paint and create together
Requirements
  • Enjoy spending time with older adults

Animal Projects

Work in a veterinary practice

Work in an animal clinic

Ideal for anyone who wants practical insight into animal care and veterinary routines.

Tasks
  • Sort products
  • Clean cages
  • Hold animals during treatments
Requirements
  • Experience in animal clinics is an advantage
Volunteer caring for rescued dogs and cats

Care for rescued dogs and cats

Help care for rescued animals and support important animal welfare measures.

Tasks
  • Clean cages
  • Distribute food
  • Walk dogs
  • Support adoption and spay/neuter campaigns
Requirements
  • Love for animals
Work in a wildlife station

Wildlife rescue centers

Work with rescued wildlife outside Atenas and support their protection and care.

Tasks
  • Create enrichment for animals
  • Repair fences, cages, and enclosures
  • Clean paths
  • Prepare food and feed animals
Requirements
  • Great love for animals

Community & Sustainability

Emergency medical assistance at an ambulance

Emergency medical assistance

An exciting field for anyone who wants insight into medical emergency situations.

Tasks
  • Support in medical emergencies
Requirements
  • Experience is an advantage
  • Good physical condition
  • First-aid certificate
Helping package coffee products

Work in coffee production

Gain insight into an important part of Costa Rican culture and support local production processes.

Tasks
  • Organize and package coffee products in the community
Requirements
  • Interest in mechanical processes
Wildlife station as a symbol of conservation work

Sea turtle conservation

Actively support the protection of sea turtles and their natural habitats outside Atenas.

Tasks
  • Clean coastal areas
  • Monitor nesting sites by day or night
  • Repair simple infrastructure
  • Clean paths
Requirements
  • Good physical condition
  • Enthusiasm for life on the coast

Still unsure which project fits you?

We are happy to help you find the right placement for your interests, skills, and goals.

Request advice