International Volunteer HQ

The dates shown in the table are the check-in and check-out dates for the accommodation.

The projects start on Monday and finish on Friday.

A lively capital and the cultural heart of Costa Rica, San José lies in the fertile Central Valley, surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. The city blends tradition and modernity, offering visitors a taste of authentic Costa Rican life through its museums, local markets, and historic cafés. Its strategic location makes it an ideal base for exploring the country — from lush rainforests and national parks to the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. San José is also a hub for education and social initiatives, with many local organizations leading community, environmental, and educational projects. For volunteers, it’s the perfect place to experience the spirit of pura vida while making a meaningful impact. 

Volunteers will stay in local homestays with Costa Rican families, offering an authentic and immersive cultural experience. Homes are comfortable and equipped with electricity, drinkable running water, and Western-style bathrooms. Bedrooms feature single or bunk beds and are typically shared with up to six same-gender volunteers.

Wi-Fi is available in the homestays and at the local team’s office in San José, where volunteers can also access computers. Breakfast and dinner are provided daily and feature traditional Costa Rican dishes.

Breakfast usually includes toast, fruit, eggs, rice, and beans (Gallo Pinto) with tea or coffee; dinner includes meat (often chicken), vegetables, and starches. Lunch is not included, as volunteers are typically away during the day — budget €4–9 per day for meals. Special dietary needs can be accommodated with prior notice, though volunteers are encouraged to remain flexible.

There are 100 scholarships of €450 available.

The costs vary depending on the duration of the volunteering project and are divided as follows:

1. Application fee: €35 (non-refundable) - required during the program application phase.
2. Deposit fee: €200 - required after the close of applications to confirm the intention to proceed with the enrollment.
3. Programme fee (requested directly from World Endeavors after eligibility confirmation, see table below):
    

   Destination and Project	2 weeks	3 weeks	4 weeks
   Medical & Healthcare Construction and Renovation	US $ 1.315	US $1.720	US $ 2.080
   Animal Care  Teaching English  Women’s Empowerment	US $1.125	US $1.435	US $1.700

Projects in collaboration with local animal welfare organizations and veterinary clinics focused on the care, rehabilitation, and rehoming of abandoned or stray animals, promoting responsible pet ownership within local communities. Most animals under care are dogs and cats, though volunteers may also help with birds, rabbits, and other small domestic animals rescued from neglect or abandonment.

Activities include:

• Daily animal care, including feeding, grooming, exercising, and playing;
• Assisting veterinary staff during consultations, treatments, sterilizations, and minor wound care;
• Cleaning cages, kennels, and enclosures to maintain a clean and safe environment;
• Supporting educational campaigns on animal welfare and responsible ownership;
• Helping with fundraising initiatives and facility improvement projects, such as building fences or play areas.

This program is ideal for patient, animal-loving volunteers — no previous experience required. Participants work closely with local staff, gaining hands-on experience in animal care, improving communication and Spanish skills, and enjoying an authentic cultural immersion in San José, Costa Rica’s vibrant capital.

Construction & Renovation Projects in collaboration with local community initiatives and organizations focused on the construction, renovation, and improvement of public spaces, such as schools, community centers, and shared facilities across San José. These efforts aim to enhance local infrastructure and create more welcoming environments for residents.

Activities include:

• Renovating and maintaining schools and community areas;
• Painting and finishing buildings;
• Landscaping and gardening;
• Laying bricks and tiles, and carrying out basic carpentry tasks;
• Building classroom furniture, such as shelves, desks, and benches.

Volunteers work under the supervision of experienced local foremen, gaining hands-on experience in construction and landscaping while supporting meaningful community projects.

This program is perfect for those eager to contribute through practical work, develop new skills, practice Spanish, and experience authentic Costa Rican culture while helping create healthier, more vibrant community spaces.
 

Projects in collaboration with hospitals, clinics, and assisted living centers for the elderly and disabled, aimed at supporting local healthcare staff and improving patient wellbeing through hands-on assistance and care.

The program welcomes volunteers with no medical experience, pre-med and nursing students, as well as qualified healthcare professionals. Tasks depend on each volunteer’s background, Spanish level, and local regulations.

Activities include:

• Basic care at elderly homes and special needs facilities — helping with feeding, bathing, changing beds, and patient mobility;
• Providing companionship and emotional support, including conversation, light therapy, and recreational activities;
• Assisting with medication distribution and exercise programs;
• For medical students and licensed professionals, placements in hospitals or clinics may include:
  • shadowing doctors and nurses;
  • taking vitals and triaging patients;
  • preparing medical instruments and assisting during checkups.

Volunteers are required to bring their own Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) — including scrubs, gloves, surgical masks, and closed-toed shoes.

This program offers a valuable opportunity for professional growth and cultural immersion, enabling volunteers to gain insight into Costa Rica’s healthcare system while making a meaningful impact on patients and local communities in San José.
 

Projects in collaboration with schools and community centers that aim to expand access to English education for children, youth, and adults from low-income communities. English proficiency is increasingly important in Costa Rica, offering learners greater access to education and employment opportunities.

Volunteer tasks include:

• Teaching English lessons in schools or community centers;
• Tutoring students individually or in small groups;
• Preparing lesson plans and educational materials;
• Organizing interactive games and creative activities to enhance learning.

When schools are closed (mid-December to early February and for two weeks in July), volunteers teach in community centers, churches, and after-school programs within urban neighborhoods.

This program is ideal for fluent English speakers — no prior teaching experience is required. By joining, volunteers help bridge the language gap for disadvantaged communities, while gaining valuable teaching experience, improving Spanish skills, and immersing themselves in Costa Rica’s rich and welcoming culture.
 

Projects in collaboration with local organizations supporting women’s empowerment, particularly single mothers, migrant women, and women from indigenous communities who face barriers to education and employment. The goal is to foster independence, personal growth, and professional development while strengthening community resilience.

Activities include:

• Emotional wellness and personal growth, leading group discussions, guided meditations, and stress management workshops;
• Access to community resources, hosting sessions on labor rights, legal aid, and public services, and helping create resource kits for ongoing support;
• English language instruction, providing interactive lessons, one-on-one tutoring, and developing materials to support independent learning;
• Employment and entrepreneurship, assisting with CV writing, interview preparation, and mentoring in financial literacy and microbusiness development.

This project is ideal for compassionate, open-minded volunteers passionate about gender equality and community development. By taking part, you’ll help dismantle barriers that limit women’s opportunities, gain valuable experience in education and social work, practice your Spanish, and engage in meaningful cultural exchange in San José, the vibrant capital of Costa Rica.