Description:
Costa Rica or rich coast, boasts a warm climate, pristine beaches, as well as tropical forests and mountains. Sometimes referred to as the Switzerland of the Americas it is well known and respected for its natural beauty and political stability. In addition the people of Costa Rica, commonly known as Ticos, are regarded as warm and hospitable. Volunteers will be located in the community of Atenas, a picturesque town situated in the central highlands of Costa Rica, roughly 45 minutes from San Jose. This small town is made up of many surrounding communities that base their livelihood on agricultural pursuits such as coffee, oranges, mangos, and sugarcane. The friendly demeanor of the locals and the surrounding beauty of the area make this an ideal location for volunteering and Spanish study.
Highlights:
There is more visible historical evidence of past eras in Atenas, Costa Rica than in any other Central American country, so if you're interested in ruins, temples and deserted cities, this is the place to go. For pure holiday-making magic, Atenas, Costa Rica's islands and beaches are working definitions of heaven (once you get out of the shadows of the evil multinational hotels). And as for urban delights, the huge metropolis of Bangkok, although it can alarm with its chaos and its scale, tends to so charm visitors with its energy and cultural treasures that the steamy soupy diesel mixture that passes for air in this city is more than forgiven.
Atenas, Costa Rica is an easy country to travel in, with efficient transport, cheap accommodation and a delicious national cuisine. The friendly demeanor of the locals and the clear Spanish accent make this an ideal location for volunteer abroad opportunity.
* Spend your summer or semester working in Costa Rica
* Experience life firsthand as a Costa Rican
* Live with a Costa Rican family and study Spanish while helping the local community
* Be a part of a vibrant culture
* Study Spanish with other interns
* Explore Costa Rica in your free time
* Easy access for travel from San Jose
* In-country intern support services
"The country of Costa Rica and its people are beautiful. The people are easy to befriend. When you walk down the street you are always greeted with a smile and salutation. I love Costa Rica and the wonderful people that live there." - Robyn Glaser
Housing
Volunteers will be housed with local families in Atenas. Each volunteer will be provided with his/her own bedroom. Homestay families will be responsible for providing most meals for students as well as laundry services. Each home is equipped with running water, electricity and indoor plumbing. Most families live within walking distance or a short bus ride of the city center as well as the volunteer's placement.
Qualifications / Skills Needed:
Interns and Volunteers on this program should have a desire to help the people and communities of Costa Rica, flexibility, self-motivation, openness to a new culture and a willingness to learn. Participants should also be willing to live in conditions that may differ from US arrangements.
Minimum Education: High School
Intern Types:
Admin (Recreation, Parks),
Development,
Education,
Field-Study,
Interdisciplinary,
Occupational, Envir. Health,
Social Sciences
and State Park Employment
Languages:
English
and Spanish
Cost in US$: $1,575 (1 month); $1,975 (2 months); $2,875 (3 months) Longer Placements Available *cost may change at any time due to currency exchange.
Cost Includes:
Emergency evacuation services,
Food,
Housing,
In-country staff support,
Language instruction
and Pre-departure orientation/Training
Included: Volunteer Placement and supports, housing at homestay, most meals, laundry, Spanish language training, 1 culinary class, 1 dance class, travel Insurance, airport pickup
Not Included: Round-Trip Airfare, some meals, personal expenses, visa expenses.
Salary / Pay: This is a non-paid internship or volunteer placement.
Experience Required: no
Typical Volunteer Projects:
academic reinforcement,
childcare/children,
community centers,
community development,
culture,
eco-tourism,
education,
English teaching,
environment,
historic preservation,
homelessness,
indigenous issues,
literacy,
parks,
primary education,
social services, social work,
street kids,
teaching,
tutor,
volunteering
and youth
Typical Volunteer: A typical volunteer in Costa Rica will assist community leaders, educators, and citizens in the fields of education (at public and private schools), social work, community service, and conservation. Volunteers and Interns will live with local families during their stay.
Age Range: 16+ years old
This Program is open to
World Wide
Participants.
This Program is also open to
Families, Couples and Individuals.
Typical Living Arrangement:
Home-stays
Participants Travel to Costa Rica
Independently
Typically Participants Work
Independently
Or
in Groups of different sizes
Application Process Involves:
Typically The Application Process Time Is 2-3 Months
International Education Programs at Jacksonville University's Mission Statement: International Education Programs (IEP) at Jacksonville University promotes global experiences by engaging students and faculty in study, internship and volunteer programs that will expose them to other countries, cultures, languages and people. International Education Programs (IEP) at Jacksonville University promotes cultural immersion through challenging study programs, relevant internship placements, and life-changing service learning opportunities in 19 different countries around the world. Our number one priority is to consistently offer the support services and resources that enable participants to immerse in the local culture, contribute to the local community, and learn more about themselves and the world through their travel experiences. IEP programs cater to individual needs based on desired length of stay, language competency, location, and academic discipline.
Year Founded: 2000
Costa Rica
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