Eligibility

Location

Length

Start Dates

What you get

Price

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Our programs outside of the USA are now under the umbrella of our new non- profit organization: ASSOCIATION OF INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EXCHANGE.

AIDE was created in 2007 in order to allow Alliance Abroad Group to expand its reach and to give back to the local and global communities, as well as create socially responsible citizens. AIDE now operates independently from Alliance Abroad Group, but continues to draw from its 16 years of expertise and experience in program management and support.

Check our new website: www.aideabroad.org

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We have many diverse volunteer projects to choose from throughout Costa Rica. Whether you want to help kids through art therapy, taking care of animals at the San Jose Zoo, or assist with conservation at the beach in Tarcoles, you are sure to have an amazing and memorable time in Costa Rica.

While on the program you will live with a Costa Rican host family. Sharing your daily life with them will provide you with experience and insight into the culture you could never have had as a tourist. Soon you will become immersed in “Tico” life and live “pura vida.”

• At least 18 years old
• Eligible to receive a tourist visa to Costa Rica
• Flexible, in good health and have a desire to contribute
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Location:
Spanish classes are in San Jose and volunteer projects can be located throughout Costa Rica

Length of program:
Most programs run from 2 – 12 weeks, though longer programs are always available. We also have programs over spring break and winter holidays.

Start dates:
1st & 3rd Monday of each month
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What you get:

Accommodations:
During your Spanish lessons and/or your volunteer project, you will live with a Costa Rican family. You will be provided with 2-3 meals a day, laundry service and an invaluable insight into the “real” Costa Rica. You may live in a host family by yourself or with a group of other volunteers. A handful of volunteer projects offer on site living instead of homestay accommodations.

Visa Documentation:
Most tourist visas are valid for up to 3 months. If you are interested in a longer program, we will assist you in applying for a work permit. We recommend checking with your local Costa Rican Consulate for the most up to date visa information.

Language Classes:
Optional language classes are available in San Jose. Language classes are a great way to be introduced to a new country, meet new friends, and improve your Spanish skills. Classes are 20 hours per week (4 hours/day) for an additional USD$400/week and include homestay accommodations, meals and transportation to your project upon completion.

Volunteer Projects:
We have volunteer projects throughout Costa Rica. Below is a brief sample of the kinds of projects and locations we offer. If you are interested in volunteering in an area you don’t see below, please consult your AAG coordinator. We do our best to accommodate all requests.

Working with Children
From working with at-risk children in an orphanage, to working at the San Jose Children’s Museum. more details

Teachers’ Assistant
Teaching English to primary school, high school, and college students. more details

Paramedic Assistant
Work with a paramedic company that saves lives. The requirements are the same as all other programs listed here. You will need to sign a letter of relief and understand that you may be exposed to emotionally unpleasant or graphic scenes. more details

Health Projects
Take care of patients, make beds, check blood pressure, distribute food and medicine, weigh babies, and help with other first aid procedures. more details

Ecological Projects
Volunteering at an ecological project and contribution to the Costa Rican environment through cleanup, development of eco-tourism, and environmental education. more details

Working with Animals
Work in a zoo helping with daily tasks such as preparing food, feeding animals, cleaning cages, and much more. Volunteers may also have the opportunity to work with horses in Monte Verde, or help educate others by working with the Animal Protection Association. more details

Organic Farm
Help with the day to day workings of the farm, planting, weeding, harvesting, and possibly serve as a guide to tourists learning about their methods. more details

Museum and Artistic Opportunities
Prepare art exhibitions, help with international fundraising, archiving, and teach children. more details

Elderly Care Center
Lead residents at an elderly care center in various activities, help them cook, distribute food, teach English, and help them garden. more details

*** Please note that specific details, such as exact work hours and the type of work, can only be determined by expertise, skills, attitude, and Spanish fluency. Also, some programs do have special requirements that are needed to be accepted.
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Summary:

• Pre-departure orientation materials
• Guaranteed Volunteer Placement
• Visa assistance (if needed)
• Travel medical insurance [learn more]
• Airport pickup
• Transfer to your accommodations
• Arrival orientation
• Accommodations and meals
• Full-time local representative in Costa Rica
• 24/7 personal support
• Certificate of completion (upon request)
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Price:

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