Local Medical and Healthcare Supporter

You will get the chance to work in hospitals, clinics, assisted living, and other healthcare facilities. You also have the chance to volunteer on week-long medical campaigns, vaccination programs, whilst learning the healthcare system in Costa Rica.

Volunteers must keep in mind that work can vary and the tasks that will be given to you will very much depend on your prior skill level and initiative. Those still studying medicine are encouraged to apply and work with mostly be at dedicated living facilities for the disabled, elderly or for children living with HIV. You can help with caring for patients, such as talking with them and putting a smile on their faces, handing out medications, feeding, bathing, and general care for the patients.  You could also be changing beds, doing speaking therapy, workshops (e.g. exercise, dental care), and art and craft activities.

You can also create medical campaigns to educate local disadvantaged communities on healthcare, dental care and personal hygiene.

For experienced professionals and those in the last 2 years of medical school, projects can have a greater level of responsibility. You can work at hospitals, clinics, assisted living, and other healthcare facilities, alongside the local doctors, nurses and other medical professionals. Depending on your previous medical experience and Spanish language skills, you can get involved with shadowing local doctors and nurses, running health check-ups, assist with triage, taking blood pressures and other vital signs, help on administration such as patient records, prepare materials and equipment, and assist during mealtimes.

You can also create medical campaigns to educate local disadvantaged communities on healthcare, dental care and personal hygiene.

San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica and located in the middle of the country. It’s in a great spot to enjoy the city, as well as trips to the beach on the weekends. Around a 2 to 4 hour drive from the city, you will find rainforests, mountains, volcanoes, and beautiful beaches. San Jose also has plenty of shopping, cinemas, restaurants and nightlife.

Monday – Orientation day

Here is a rough guide on what to expect:

San Jose is the capital city and has plenty to do from city tours, watching a show at the theatre, markets, museums, parks, and city walking tours. You can also take day trips to mountains, volcanoes and the beach.

Situated about 90 km northwest of San Jose is Arenal volcano, measuring 1,633 metres high. This scenic volcano is one of the most popular tourist attractions, with daily tours walking around it, plus it’s proximity to the nearby rainforest and waterfalls make it a popular place to visit.

Close by the where a lot of our projects are, this National park is one of the most popular in Costa Rica. With beautiful beaches, rainforest walking trails and an abundance of wildlife, this is a must visit for any traveller!

Another stunning destination to visit and a lush oasis of green rainforest and misty fog and clouds sitting at the top of the canopy. There are around 420 different types of orchids, ferns mosses, as well as a large bird population- perfect for nature and wildlife lovers. There are also night time walking tours.

A stunning national park with plenty of hiking trails, natural swimming holes, waterfalls, rainforest, wildlife, flora and fauna and camping. Here you will find more than 400 bird species, monkeys, sea turtles, over 40 frog species, 100 butterfly species and perhaps even a jaguar.

Costa Rica has so much to do for those who like to live on the wild side! From ziplining, white water rafting, canyoning, surfing, snorkelling, diving, horse riding and paddle boarding. This is a nature and adventure lovers paradise!

There is no shortage of beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. From white sand, black sand, beaches that meet jungle and all with crystal clear, blue waters. Many of the beach town have cafes, restaurants, accommodation and places to grab a fresh coconut juice, the perfect way to chill out after a hot day!