SDPUS offers an exciting program that allows participants to experience the beautiful developing country of Costa Rica, and in a truly meaningful way. SDPUS provides unique opportunities for individuals to volunteer and help contribute to a more healthy, prosperous and sustainable future for all. There is absolutely no better way to gain international experience, while also making the world a better place. Please consider joining the hundreds of volunteers who have already donated time and expertise on  this global mission. Your help will be so very appreciated by many!

Volunteer and study Spanish with SDPUS in a local village in either the mountains or in the beautiful beaches of Costa Rica. Students will choose from volunteering at an orphanage, environmental conservation, wildlife conservation, teaching and community development projects. Costa Rica's vibrant culture, its amazing biodiversity, and breath-taking landscapes make it one of the ideal destinations in Latin America.

Costa Rica is a very small country, with a total population of approximately 4.5 million people. Costa Rica is home to almost 5% of the worlds total biodiversity (flora & fauna). When your visiting the Ticos or natives, who live in rural farming communities--- many visitors often get  the feeling of being thrown back in time.

Despite its beauty and wonderful people, Costa Rica still experiences some of the problems of other Latin American countries. Nonprofit support is always lacking and volunteers are needed. Also, with tourism ranking as Costa Rica's main industry, English education and environmental conservation efforts are essential to a long term.

SDPUS offers an exciting program that allows participants to experience Costa Rica  in a meaningful way while contributing to its future. Volunteer and study Spanish with SDPUS in Tamarindo, or in a nearby town in the region.

Villareal is the typical quaint town located on the Pacific Coast, it's roughly forty-five minutes from the city of Liberia. Villareal and its surrounding communities base their livelihood on ranching, farming and working in the neighboring tourist sectors of nearby communities, such as Tamarindo. Costa Rican tradition and culture are deeply rooted here. Villareal is clean and picturesque, with a laid-back atmosphere.

ORIENTATION: Upon arrival in, volunteers are met at the airport and taken to their  host family's home. Students will receive an orientation that will familiarize them with the town and the surrounding area, the Costa Rican culture, and their program. For student placements of one-month or longer, participants will receive two weeks of free Spanish language training.

Once the placement begins, each of the volunteers will receive an additional mini-   orientation at the project site, which will focus on project opportunities and each of  their responsibilities. For students doing the one month program (or longer), Spanish instruction may be added on to your program, free of charge. 

HOUSING: Homestays with local host families or your own private accommodation

FOOD: Traditional Costa Rican food is included with all homestays with local families

                           VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS
 

TEACHING CHILDREN
Volunteers help shape many young lives in Costa Rica by sharing their English skills and teaching talents. Visiting student volunteers will teach English, along with many other subjects to elementary school children from 5-12 years of age. During the first week of classes, volunteers will shadow a local teacher to become familiar with the school, the children, and the curriculum. If the volunteer is ready at the beginning of the second week, he or she may begin teaching independently.

ORPHANAGE ASSISTANCE
Orphans are deprived of many social and physical opportunities necessary for their development. Through education and compassion, these children are empowered to challenge a life of further poverty and exploitation. Student volunteers will focus on educational training, which consists primarily of English language classes. Volunteers will actively participate in programs such as health education, games and sports----- drawing and painting is also encouraged with children. With such a variety of ways for all volunteers to participate, the orphanage experience will provide volunteers many meaningful ways to approach service.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
Costa Rica, despite its smaller size as a country, is one of the most biologically diverse places on earth. Yet, environmental degradation is a major threat to this  unique and fragile place habitat. Costa Rica suffers from problems such as loss of biodiversity, deforestation, desertification, soil erosion, over-fishing, and pollution are significant. The environmental conservation project address' these issues directly, through community education and collaboration.

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
The loss of natural habitats along with human population growth has put increased pressure on wildlife in Costa Rica. One project in particular focuses on rescue and rehabilitation of parrots, macaws, and other native tropical birds. Another project  allows volunteers to work on a sea turtle conservation project.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Volunteers will assist local communities in Costa Rica with projects that focus on community development. Activities may include home or school renovation or may involve efforts to support sustainable eco-tourism in rural areas.

CONSIDERATIONS
Participants will have the option to enjoy the natural beauty of Costa Rica with    guided excursions, with our one of our local sponsors, CC Vacation Services. Excursions include a beach visit, volcano trip and tours of national park visits.

COSTS                                                                                                       Programs generally start on Monday of each week during the year. Participants can choose when they would like to start and the duration of their volunteer program. A typical program ranges from two to six weeks.  

INCLUDED:

• SDPUS support for any of your pre-trip questions
• In-country travel excursions of weekend
• Accommodations (3 meals per day with host family)
• 2 weeks of Spanish language training (programs 4 weeks & longer)
• Cultural activities (cooking class; rodeos & fiestas; dance class)
• 24X7 Emergency phone support

NOT INCLUDED:

• Passport/Visa expenses and airport taxes 
• Round-trip airfare to Costa Rica (but we can assist if needed) 

 DONATE SCHOOL  SUPPLIES

                                      COURSE OFFERINGS  FOR 2010

   INTERNSHIPS IN    COSTA RICA

APPLICATION FORMS:   VOLUNTEER APPLICATION    CONTRACT AGREEMENT INTERN APPLICATION  INNOVATIVE SCHOOLS