Costa Rica – community development and infrastructure This remote community faces limited job opportunities due to its challenging accessibility, restricting its economic resources. During your visit, you’ll collaborate with local residents to build essential infrastructure, cultivate community gardens and support sustainable development initiatives. UN Sustainable Development Goals Zero hunger End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture Sustainable cities and communities Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable Life on land Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
Costa Rica – Environmental Conservation and Community Work Although Costa Rica makes up just 0.03% of the Earth’s surface, it is home to 6% of the world’s biodiversity. However, this rich biodiversity is under threat due to human activity. Your work here will contribute to conservation efforts, including regeneration, camera trap monitoring, and projects aimed at promoting eco-tourism in the area. You will also have the opportunity to collaborate with the community, helping to build new classrooms for the school and improving local infrastructure. UN Sustainable Development Goals Zero hunger End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture Climate action Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts Life on land Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
What is the accommodation like in Costa Rica hotels? Students stay in shared hotel rooms with either private or shared bathrooms that include hot water and sit-down toilets.
What is the accommodation like in Costa Rica camps? Our camps are rustic, built in the traditional local style. Rooms are dormitory-style with bunk beds. Bathrooms have sit-down toilets, and showers are cold but refreshing.
What kind of service work in Costa Rica do students participate in? Students take part in sustainable, conservation and community projects: Conservation: Forestry regeneration and preservation, wildlife protection, wildlife monitoring and marine conservation Infrastructure: Building school infrastructure, sanitation facilities and water systems Livelihoods: Supporting sustainable farming and small businesses
How long is a typical service day for projects in Costa Rica? Students work for around six hours per day, split into: Morning: 3 hours of service Lunch break: 1 to 2 hours Afternoon: 3 more hours of service
How physically demanding is the program in Costa Rica? The program involves both service work and adventure activities, requiring students to be physically active throughout the trip.
Will there be access to drinking water in Costa Rica? Yes! Unlimited drinking water refills are available throughout the trip. Students must bring a refillable water bottle.
What currency is used in Costa Rica, and how should students handle money? In Costa Rica, students can use US dollars, but change will be given in colónes. Any leftover foreign currency should be exchanged at the airport before returning home.
What expenses should students budget for in Costa Rica? Students should budget around $150 for personal gifts, snacks, phone calls, and internet access.
Can students do laundry during the trip in Costa Rica? There are facilities for hand washing clothes in camp. You are unlikely to be able to get clothes laundered during your trip.
