Community Construction and Renovation Assistant
Coordinator | Valy
Coordinator | Valy
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Help the local community and work on public buildings and schools.
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+
Construction volunteers join projects in the San José area to work on public buildings and schools, typically in communities in need of assistance and funding. They are supported by a local, Spanish-speaking project manager who is experienced in guiding and training international volunteers.
Volunteers may be asked to perform a range of activities, such as:
- Renovation work, like painting and plastering
- Small repairs on walls and roofs
- Laying tile or other flooring
- Mixing cement, masonry
- Carpentry, welding, and/or plumbing
Volunteers must be in good health and ready to work hard to join construction projects. They do not need experience, but a reasonable level of fitness and strong dedication to the work go a long way in ensuring that they get the most out of this project.
At Construction projects volunteers are required to wear closed-toed shoes and long pants at all times. Tank tops are not permitted. We recommend to wear clothes you do not mind getting dirty or even ruining. We strongly encourage volunteers to bring work gloves, work boots, and safety glasses. Sunscreen and rain gear are also extremely important.
Our projects are located in the San José area. Walking or taking the bus is the most effective and cheapest way to get to and from the project. Travel time varies widely from project to project, and volunteers should expect to spend 15-60 minutes traveling each way. The average travel time is about 30 minutes. Depending on the project and housing locations, they may still need to change buses. Taxis are also widely available. On the first day at the project, participants travel on local transport with a Maximo Nivel representative who provides all the necessary information on how to get there and back.
Typical day
Working hours vary according to the needs of the project, but volunteers can expect to work 3-4 hours per day, Monday to Friday, in either the morning or the afternoon.
Free-time activities
There are lots of things to do in San José, such as city tours, shows at the National Theatre, the central market, zip-lining, etc. Our local staff always post a monthly events calendar to let participants know about the activities going on around Maximo. Outside of San José, volunteers can hike up volcanos, go whitewater rafting, take a trip to the Pacific or Caribbean coasts, and so much more. There are a lot of options and our staff is well-acquainted with the area and can advise you on the must-see places. Tours and trips can also be easily booked through our on-site travel partner.
Swimming
Concert/
Music
Music
Sightseeing
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Souvenirs
Hiking
Museum/
Opera
Opera
Sports
Yoga/
Meditation
Meditation
Requirements
In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.
You need to speak English (basic level)
or Spanish (basic level)
required
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
What's Included
Our fees include:
- Airport pick-up
- Host family accommodations (shared room with breakfast and dinner)
- Program and safety orientation
- Walking tour
- Official certificate of volunteer service
- Emergency contact number 24/7
- Program management
- Free Tandem Conversation Program
- Free office-wide WIFI and computer lounge
- Free social activities
- Free coffee and tea and on-site snack bar
- Maximo Nivel Institute open 7 days/week
Airport pick up in San José is included. Volunteers find our representative outside the airport bringing a yellow flag with a smiley face on it.
Volunteers stay in a traditional family-stay where you they are placed with a pre-approved middle class Costa Rican family. Breakfast and dinner are included in their home stay.
Guest Family
Volunteers have 2 meals included (breakfast and dinner) 7 days a week.
Limited access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
The nearest airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. We assist you to find cheap flights to Costa Rica.
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Costa Rica provides security and is a plus to have.
If you are intending to volunteer in Costa Rica you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Costa Rica.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Details on arrival
Every Monday, all year round.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 - 50 weeks
Program fees
1 week
(min. stay)
$840
2 weeks
$1,225
3 weeks
$1,600
4 weeks
$1,945
5 weeks
$2,225
6 weeks
$2,505
7 weeks
$2,785
8 weeks
$3,065
9 weeks
$3,345
10 weeks
$3,625
11 weeks
$3,905
12 weeks
$4,185
13 weeks
$4,465
14 weeks
$4,745
15 weeks
$5,025
16 weeks
$5,305
17 weeks
$5,585
18 weeks
$5,865
19 weeks
$6,145
20 weeks
$6,425
21 weeks
$6,705
22 weeks
$6,985
23 weeks
$7,265
24 weeks
$7,545
25 weeks
$7,825
26 weeks
$8,105
27 weeks
$8,385
28 weeks
$8,665
29 weeks
$8,945
30 weeks
$9,225
31 weeks
$9,505
32 weeks
$9,785
33 weeks
$10,065
34 weeks
$10,345
35 weeks
$10,625
36 weeks
$10,905
37 weeks
$11,185
38 weeks
$11,465
39 weeks
$11,745
40 weeks
$12,025
41 weeks
$12,305
42 weeks
$12,585
43 weeks
$12,865
44 weeks
$13,145
45 weeks
$13,425
46 weeks
$13,705
47 weeks
$13,895
48 weeks
$14,265
49 weeks
$14,545
50 weeks
(max. stay)
$14,825
Average fees
$568
/week
Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated.
Maximo Nivel
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.
Your final payment will be agreed with Maximo Nivel during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
Why book with Volunteer World
Volunteer World is the world's leading comparison platform for international volunteer opportunities. We guide you through a safe and easy
application process
- including all necessary payments. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you free access to our:
Quality Assurance
High ethical standards & transparent social impact
Flex Option
Change your reservation at no extra costs
Refund Guarantee
We refund your fees if Maximo Nivel cancels your trip
Support & Mediation
We cover your back no matter what happens
Our services are free of charge!
All program fees are charged directly by Maximo Nivel.
What are people saying about Volunteer World?
Community Construction and Renovation Assistant
Help the local community and work on public buildings and schools.
$568/week
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