Costa Rica is such a rich, beautiful and diverse country. It’s understandable why many people from all around the world like to vacation here. Most, however, don’t realize their mere presence can have negative effects on the country as a whole.
When tourists visit Costa Rica, they are willing to pay higher prices for goods and services than what national citizens can afford. This has a direct effect on inflation, and an even more direct effect on the ability for Costa Rican families to survive. Wages in Costa Rica are very low. As a matter-of-fact, the average Costa Rican family earns between $3,000 and $4,000 per year. Very quickly, we’re seeing an ever-increasing gap between the "haves" and "have nots." More than 20% of the entire population in Costa Rica is considered to be living in severe poverty.
Armed with this realization, people nowadays are taking part in what is called "responsible" travel. A responsible traveler takes into consideration how they might make a contribution to the place of their destination, while still being able to enjoy the full benefits of exploring and enjoying Costa Rica as a destination. Volunteering is an excellent way to accomplish this.
Most volunteer tour operators develop and maintain relationships with local, nonprofit organizations. They do needs analysis and determine which communities or organizations are in the greatest need of help. Then they market to people who are interested in exploring Costa Rica as a responsible traveler — specifically as a volunteer. The benefit for both the volunteer organization and Costa Rica is the ability to match up skilled volunteers with who can provide assistance for these worthy and under-funded projects.
In return, the volunteer receives a package of benefits often including such things as transportation, training, language courses, medical insurance, tours, lodging and meals — plus the opportunity to:
- learn or develop skills
- explore and experience a new culture
- learn a new language
- gain work experience
- build self-esteem and self-confidence
- strengthen a resume
- help them make new friends
- feel needed and valued
- make a difference in an unmeasurable way
- learn something new about themselves
- express gratitude for help they may have received in the past from others
Among the varied volunteer opportunities in Costa Rica, you’ll find organizations needing help in supporting these and more:
- the indigenous population
- rural communities
- retirement homes
- elementary schools
- orphanages
- shelters (abused women, children, homeless, drug addicts)
- government-run daycare and nutritional centers
- English-learning programs
- recycling and environmental education
- reforestation efforts
- medicinal plant projects
- farming (including sustainable and organic farming)
- beach and river cleanup
- wildlife protection programs
- building houses, painting, and general maintenance
- International Red Cross
- women’s co-operatives
Volunteering is becoming a very popular way to explore other countries, while fulfilling the desire many people have to give of themselves. Because of that, there are many different organizations popping up offering volunteer opportunities. If you are considering a volunteer vacation, take your time to research all the options available to your at your destination. Some things to keep in mind when researching volunteer organizations in Costa Rica are:
- Does the volunteer organization operate at a non-profit, or are they merely a tour operator?
- Does the organization respond in a timely and friendly way to your requests for information?
- Are they willing to let you speak with past volunteers to get an idea of what their experiences have been like?
- What kind of services does the organization have in place in case of an emergency?
- Are the people running and working for the organization from Costa Rica?
- What is their refund policy?
- Will they customize your volunteer experience so you can get the most out of your time there?
- Does the organization accommodate any special needs you have (physically or dietary-related)?
- Are they set up to support family volunteering?
- Do the employees of the organization also participate in the volunteer work?
- Are you supported once you arrive, or are you just "dropped off" to fend for yourself?
If you think volunteering might be a great way for you to see Costa Rica, why don’t you take a further look? We invite you to review our website, and to contact us if you have any questions at all. We’d love to have you join us!