If you like to help conserving our nature and want to combine the experience of the beautiful Costa Rican landscape as well as practicing your Spanish knowledge, voluntary work in the National parks is the best way.

 

 

What we offer The IECR offers voluntary work in different National Parks of Costa Rica. This program takes at least two weeks and can be extended according to the wishes of the volunteer. If the participants stays longer than two weeks he/she will have the opportunity of getting to know different National Parks by combining different protected areas. In this case the participant gets involved into different environmental projects. The IECR organizes all formalities for a stay in a National Park. We assist you by providing you with information about the specific area and your work tasks. Furthermore we will always be available for you by telephone or email.

Requirements

Minimum age for voluntary work is 18 years.

 

Condition of taking part in this program is enrollment in a four weeks’ Spanish course at the IECR which will set up the preparation for the work in the National Park.

 

The participant has to present two photos passport size and the passport itself to arrange the formalities.

 

Lodging

During the voluntary work lodging is provided with the National Park guardians. During the Spanish course we offer homestay with a Costa Rican family.

 

Payment/Financial Compensation

Voluntary Work is not paid. Participants must cover their room and board.

 

Assignment Fee

The amount of $50 for the assignment is due the first day of the Spanish course as well as payment of the Spanish course and additional homestay during the period of voluntary work.

 

Possible projects in National Parks

We offer programs in the following regions:

• Central Pacific Conservation Area
• Arenal Tempisque Conservation Area
• Tempisque Conservation Area
• Central Volcanic Mountain Range Conservation Area
• Caribbean Conservation Area
• Osa Conservation Area
• Arenal-Huetar North Conservation Area

Your tasks depend on the specific project in the National Park:

• monitoring of flora and fauna
• improvement of infrastructure (trails, viewpoints, signposting)
• cleaning of trails and beaches
• protection of turtles and other animals
• customer care (leaflets, brochures)

Example of participation in a Voluntary Program

Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas, Sector de Playa Langosta

Location: North of the district of Tamarindo, in the county of Santa Cruz, province  of Guanacaste.

Area information: On the northern side is the San Francisco estuary, and to the south a rocky platform. This park was created for being one of the most important nesting sites of the leatherback turtle (the largest marine turtle in the world). Langosta Beach has a length of 1,300 meters, white sand, a strong swell, and is the most important of the four beaches in this park where this turtle nests.

Activities:Investigation and protection project of the Baula turtle, between October and March, for individual volunteers and groups.

 

Operation of the application process for voluntary work

1.	You contact us
2.	We send you the application form for Voluntary Work and the Spanish course.
3.	You return us the filled in form.
4.	Confirmation of your enrollment
5.	Within the duration of your Spanish course, the IECR fixes an appointment with the National Park administration office. During the appointment you will be accompanied by an employee of the IECR. You will be able to make all questions related to the voluntary work and choose the National Park/s of your preference.