from 1,094€

Perfect 4.6rating (72)
  • Life On Land

Local Wildlife Helper

location
2 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Perfect 4.6  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Good response rate

Highlights

  • Stand shoulder to shoulder with endangered animals, working to safeguard the Earth's incredible creatures.
  • Champion the cause of environmental preservation, leaving an indelible mark on our planet.
  • Elevate your resume with international volunteer experience, showcasing your commitment to global conservation.
  • Immerse yourself in Costa Rica's extraordinary biodiversity and awe-inspiring landscapes, nurturing your love for nature.
  • In your free time, set out to explore Costa Rica's amazing destinations, each a unique gem.

Especially suitable

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+

About the program

Help local wildlife, like monkeys and sloths, in Costa Rica and get involved in this amazing Animal Rescue Center. 🐒

The Program

The Animal Rescue Center in Costa Rica is dedicated to protect and help endangered Costa Rican wildlife indigenous to our beautiful country. First and foremost, their goal is to ensure the welfare of injured animals and help them recover from their physical and psychological wounds. They ...

About the program

The Program

The Animal Rescue Center in Costa Rica is dedicated to protect and help endangered Costa Rican wildlife indigenous to our beautiful country. First and foremost, their goal is to ensure the welfare of injured animals and help them recover from their physical and psychological wounds. They rescue, rehabilitate and ultimately release the animals back to their natural habitat. It is a non-profit organization. The center has an on-site hospital staffed by dedicated vets/interns and comfortable living quarters which can house up to 60 volunteers at anytime. The animal enclosures include but are not limited to an aviary, sloth gardens and monkey cages all surrounded by nature in order to allow the animals a place as close to their natural habitat as they recover from their wounds.

The Animal Rescue Center takes care of a variety of animals including monkeys, sloths, anteaters, possums, birds, and more - basically anything that needs help! (Note: Animal population is subject to change and cannot be guaranteed).
The Location
The volunteer project is located in the Alajuela region near Turrucares, in a beautiful natural setting. The area is characterized by small rivers, extensive meadows, hills and rich flora. Turrucares is located pretty much right in the middle of Costa Rica not too far from the capital, San José. The Pacific coast with its dream beaches is also not far and is ideal for a weekend trip.
What we expect 
  • Be tolerant 
Please do not put prejudices of the foreign culture and other people into your luggage. You do not need that during your stay abroad! On the contrary, tolerance is a very important feature if you want to be successful and have fun while volunteering abroad. Respect the foreign culture, the other habits and the different mentality with great respect. While the other way of working may not always make much sense in your eyes, the goal of volunteering abroad is not to criticize or smile at people for acting and doing, but to work with them for a good cause. 
  • Be adaptable 
On a trip abroad, especially in developing countries, you leave your home comfort zone. It is very important that you are ready to adapt to a different life situation. In Latin America, you certainly will not find the usual standards of home again. Especially volunteer projects in developing countries are often located in very secluded areas in the middle of beautiful nature or you live with a local host family, who belongs to a foreign culture. But that's the exciting thing about volunteering abroad! Immerse yourself in a foreign land, experience culture, traditions and people up close, learn from them, just let go and adapt to the other life circumstances. A unique experience that will mature and grow you as a person! 
  • Team spirit 
In a voluntary work, the team idea is always over self-interest. Working in a team is fun and brings good mood and variety! So, for your volunteer work abroad, you should bring along a great deal of team spirit, because you always work together with other people, be it volunteers from other countries or local project staff. However, when so many foreign and diverse cultures meet, teamwork can become a whole new challenge. Even more important, that you have the ability to communicate in a group, work constructively and fairly and do not want to punch through your will at all costs. 
  • Be helpful and responsible 
For most projects, volunteers who "do a good job" are most appreciated. By participating in a voluntary service abroad, you are consciously choosing to work in another country. You are not on a vacation trip. So, you have choosen to offer your help and valuable time to other people, nature protection or animals welfare. What really matters is your helpfulness! A really very important and unavoidable trait is the sense of responsibility. The volunteer project is counting on your support and your cooperation has been tightly scheduled. A high level of responsibility is the alpha and omega. During your volunteer work in Latin America, you are assigned to certain areas of activity that you must do on your own. Please take your role as a volunteer very seriously and carry out your tasks in the project conscientiously and carefully. 
  • Be flexible 
Be prepared for the fact that volunteering in Latin America is much different from what you know or are used to at home. The Latin Americans have a completely different order, time and work understanding. Even their logic of approaching certain things may not always make much sense in your eyes. The different language and culture can quickly lead to misunderstandings or communication problems. An important principle for you: always be flexible and spontaneous! You will soon realize that there is a solution for all situations and that you can quickly develop a plan B from a problem. 
  • Be proactive and take initiative 
During your voluntary work abroad, do not expect someone to explain to you in a big way what needs to be done, where and when. Often there is only a brief introduction and then your proactivity and initiative are asked. Get actively involved, offer your help and see where you can best apply your skills and strengths. It is always great when volunteers constructively and friendly affix ideas and suggest their own small projects.

Typical day

As the name of the program suggests, the day-to-day work of the volunteers revolves mainly around caring for the animals. In addition to procuring food, preparing it and feeding the animals, this also includes cleaning, repairing and expanding the cages and enclosures. Volunteers also help maintain ...

Typical day

As the name of the program suggests, the day-to-day work of the volunteers revolves mainly around caring for the animals. In addition to procuring food, preparing it and feeding the animals, this also includes cleaning, repairing and expanding the cages and enclosures. Volunteers also help maintain the on-site walkways leading to the cages and pens.

  • Volunteers work between 6 and 8 hours per day from Monday to Friday/Saturday. The weekends are usually free and you can travel or explore the beautiful surroundings. Excursions to the dream beaches of Costa Rica are also possible.

  • As a volunteer you should have a deep desire to work hard and understand the situation of the animals as you are responsible for the welfare and daily care of the animals. You will not only be involved in the daily care and cleaning work, but also in construction and maintenance work aimed at improving the living conditions of the animals. The sanctuary also reintroduces animals if they are willing to survive on their own in their natural habitat, although this is not always possible.

  • The animals, especially the monkeys, love to play. Volunteers always have fun designing and making toys for the animals. This helps the animals get over the traumatic experiences they've had in the past and reminds staff and volunteers how great it is that there is a rescue center for these wonderful animals.

  • The animal rescue station is also open to visitors; their entrance fees and donations are important sources of income for the center to be able to finance the work with the animals. From time to time, volunteers also help to look after the guests, educate them about the animals and their dangers and they ensure that everything is in order during a visit.

Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of volunteers, weather, season, current needs of the project, as well as self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.

Free-time activities

The volunteer project is located in the Alajuela region near Turrucares, in a beautiful natural setting. The area is characterized by small rivers, extensive meadows, hills and rich flora.

Turrucares is located pretty much right in the middle of Costa Rica not too far from the capital, San José. The ...

Free-time activities

The volunteer project is located in the Alajuela region near Turrucares, in a beautiful natural setting. The area is characterized by small rivers, extensive meadows, hills and rich flora.

Turrucares is located pretty much right in the middle of Costa Rica not too far from the capital, San José. The Pacific coast with its dream beaches is also not far and is ideal for a weekend trip.

Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

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.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 07:30 - 16:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by South America Inside

Program fees include:
  • Shared room in Volunteer House
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Airport pick-up in San José with 1 or 2 overnight stays in San José (single room, breakfast & dinner)
  • Transfer from San José accommodation to bus terminal for journey to project site *
  • Advice from our experienced staff
  • On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
  • Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
  • Your placement in the volunteer project
  • Pre-departure information
  • Packing list
  • Country handbook
  • Intercultural guide
  • Welcome meeting in San José
  • On-site volunteer coordinator
  • 24/7 emergency number
  • Advice on travel insurance
  • Certificate of participation

Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

Airport pick-up and overnight stay in San José are included in the programm. Volunteers will have an orientation session in San José before heading to the project site. The local travel from San José to the project is not included.

Accommodation

The volunteers at this animal rescue center in Costa Rica live together in dormitories in the simple but cozy volunteer house. 
  • The house is equipped with the essentials. 
  • There is a dining area where volunteers meet to eat. This area is also the meeting point where volunteers gather to talk, relax or make plans for their free time. 
  • Local cooks, who primarily prepare local meals (including vegetarian and vegan options), provide delicious food.
  • The volunteer house has electricity, drinking water, WIFI internet and a good working cell phone signal. 
  • The washing machine can be used at an additional cost.

Food & Beverages

The volunteer program includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner. Special diatry requirements can be taken care of.

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. We assist you to find cheap flights to Costa Rica. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

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. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

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. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

The project is open year round. Every volunteer can set start and end dates as there is no special day for check- in and check-out.


Before arrival, our experienced team will be at your disposal to assist you throughout the booking process and travel planning. With the booking confirmation you will receive our 24-hour emergency number, so that you can reach us in case of emergency.

In addition to the assistance given by our office staff you will be supported by our partner organization in Costa Rica located in San José, as well as the on-site volunteer coordinator on-site.

Depending on the day of arrival in Costa Rica, the program includes one to two nights in San José in a single room with a host family (including breakfast).

Before you leave for the project site, you will take part in an orientation talk with our colleagues in San José.

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

2 weeks (min. stay) 1,094€
3 weeks 1,406€
4 weeks 1,718€
5 weeks 2,030€
6 weeks 2,342€
7 weeks 2,654€
8 weeks 2,966€
9 weeks 3,278€
10 weeks 3,590€
11 weeks 3,902€
12 weeks 4,214€
24 weeks (max. stay) 7,958€
Average fees 439€/week

Program fees

439€ per week 2 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Duration

2 - 24 weeks

Deposit

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.

Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with South America Inside during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

Meet your organization

South America Inside

Perfect 4.6 rating (72 reviews)

Agency - founded in 2003

Verified by Volunteer World

  Good response rate

Coordinated by

Marion

Spoken languages: English, Spanish, German

About the project

South America Inside promotes intercultural, linguistic and educational exchanges. Its volunteer programs are addressed to students, professionals and retirees.

Meet your organization

South America Inside is an intercultural management agency, founded back in 2003, which specializes in the promotion of programs abroad, language travel and educational programs throughout Latin America.

Since 2007, to enrich the experience of our global-minded clients and to provide them with even more possibilities, South America Inside has been expanding their program offerings throughout South and Central America.

Working together with some of the best language schools in Latin America, South America Inside provides high quality language courses in almost every Latin American country.

Thanks to a professional team of motivated and friendly staff, South America Inside has been very successful over the past several years and have been able to establish an outstanding network of what we call "Insider Contacts." To enrich the experience of their clients and to provide them with more possibilities, South America Inside has been expanding our program offerings throughout Central and South America, in addition to our well-established Chilean programs.

Volunteer Work

Do you dream of staying abroad while doing something positive? Are you looking for a unique experience that will leave a mark on your life? Then a Volunteer Work program in South America or Central America is perfect for you!

With South America Inside you can combine an adventure abroad with social commitment, and create lasting memories in Latin America. Support the protection of endangered species; help a local community construct new homes; give new hope to impoverished children.

The possibilities to lend a hand are diverse, as there are the many places where help is needed. We have classified our volunteer projects in different areas so you can easily find the one (or more!) projects that best match your needs and interests.

Why with us

There are many persuasive reasons that speak in favor of South America Inside when it comes to selecting your perfect provider of language, study and volunteer travel abroad. Following, we have prepared a short summary so that you can get us to know a little better.

Our Insider benefits at a glance:

•  Regional Experience
Over one decade (established in 2003) of dedication to language, work and study travel programs in Latin America. Thanks to our long standing work and life experience in the South American continent, we know this region really well. Therefore, we can help and inform you in a professional and competent way.

•  Multifaceted Offers
Over time we have developed new programs to offer a wide array of work abroad opportunities to our clients. We have been pioneers in launching new exchange programs, as we have been the first in offering Work & Travel/Working Holiday and Farm Stays in Chile and successfully introduced these programs into the market back in 2005. Since 2012, we are the only agency to offer this type of program in Costa Rica.

•  Insider Advice
Despite living in the modern era of the internet, we know that reliable and competent advice is still an important criterion for most of us. At South America Inside, you will find the benefits of an internet provider and an independent travel agency. We will be glad to pass on our extensive knowledge and regional experience.!

•  Location
It is difficult to run programs when there is nobody “on the ground” to evaluate existing options and search for new opportunities. So, we are located in Chile, on location, and we know everything that is going on first hand. We know what it is like to live as a foreigner in South America and will be happy to assist you in making your stay unforgettable!

•  Independence
South America Inside is an independent provider of language courses, internships, volunteer work, Farm Stays and Work & Travel programs in Latin America. We neither depend financially nor structurally on any other company, language school, association or organization. Therefore, we are able to give personalized information in accordance to your needs and availability.

•  Multilingual Team

Our team is multilingual and international! We speak fluent English, Spanish and German, as well as some French and Portuguese. With our customers, we can communicate in their native language and we avoid misunderstandings with local partners by communicating in Spanish with them. You can be sure that there will be an English-speaking contact person for you before, during, and after your stay.

•  Customer Service
Excellent customer service is one of the most important goals for South America Inside, and this is evident with the positive feedback we regularly receive from our many happy clients. Emails are answered within 48 business hours and every client is treated with the same friendliness and expertise.

•  Gapless and Accurate Information flow
With South America Inside you will have one and the same contact person before, during and after your trip. With that said, we guarantee a gapless and accurate information flow and you will always be very well informed.

•  Approved Program Places
Many of our program places, especially in the area of internships and volunteer work, are designed in the way that they will be recognized by most universities, colleges or academies.

72 reviews · rating4.6

Floriana D. rating5

2023 at Local Wildlife Helper

Hey there, I love my experience, it is amazing !!! Tomorrow I am going to visit and I am working, it's going very well ! Thank you for everything!! ...
Susan Lund rating4.8

2023 at Teach in an Elementary School

This was a wonderful experience! And I had enough time to do other things in Costa Rica as well. Everything was well coordinated. My ride was waiting for me late in the evening when I arrived, and I had an overview with one of the supervisors the next day. Basically it was a before and after school ...
Ich bin gut auf der Osterinsel angekommen. Wurde von dem Projektleiter am Flughafen abgeholt. Er hatte sogar eine Kollegin mit, die deutsch spricht, sollte ich mit spanisch nicht so gut umgehen können. Echt toll! Die Unterkunft ist gut und ordentlich und groß, sie liegt am Ende der Ortschaft, ...
Laurence M. rating5

2023 at Wildlife Rescue Assistant

The country is magnifique and at this moment all the people who I’ve met are nice. The projet and his place is very cool and the family home stay too! Everything is OK thank you for ...
Alina H. rating5

2023 at Assistant in Childcare

Ich heiße Alina und bin 20 Jahre alt. Ich studiere im 3. Jahr Medizin und da ich sehr gerne mit Babys und Kindern arbeite, hatte ich mich dazu entschlossen ein Monat Freiwilligenarbeit in Guatemala in dem Kinderprojekt zu machen. Dort werden Babys und Kinder versorgt, die an chronischer ...
Sabrina Morici rating5

2023 at Work in a National Park

Hello! We both absolutely love Montezuma and The Wildlife Refuge. The work does not feel like work and the people are lovely. It already feels like home after only 4 days. We are so grateful to be here! Pura Vida, ...

Location

Americas > Central America > Costa Rica > Turrucares Costa Rica

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Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Wildlife Conservation in Costa Rica
Contact Marion
  Good response rate
English, Spanish, German

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