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Brilliant 4.71rating (226)

Local Healthcare Care Assistant

location
3 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Support patients in need
  • Work on specialised living facilities
  • Stay close the beautiful beach!

Highlights

  • Support patients in need
  • Work on specialised living facilities
  • Stay close the beautiful beach!
  • Work with the elderly, special needs or children with HIV

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Work in local assisted living centres, and other healthcare facilities, such as with the disabled, elderly, special needs or with children with HIV.

    Healthcare volunteers are typically assigned to either an elderly care facility or a private clinic in the town of Quepos. However, it's important to understand that the type of facility placement may vary based on availability and seasonal requirements of our projects. As a healthcare volunteer, ...

    About the program

    Healthcare volunteers are typically assigned to either an elderly care facility or a private clinic in the town of Quepos. However, it's important to understand that the type of facility placement may vary based on availability and seasonal requirements of our projects. As a healthcare volunteer, your main responsibility is to directly assist project staff in providing day-to-day care to patients, focusing on offering general care and companionship.

    Healthcare volunteers may be involved in the following activities:

    • Engaging patients in various activities, such as arts and crafts, conversations, and walks
    • Distributing and sorting medicine, and educating patients about their medications
    • Assisting with tasks like changing beds, feeding, and bathing patients
    • Providing support with administrative work and filing
    • Participating in home visits to elderly or mobility-challenged patients

    Working conditions can be emotionally challenging, particularly when providing one-on-one care to terminally ill patients. Mental and emotional preparation is essential for this aspect of the role.

    Throughout your project, our in-country coordinators will offer support, but please be aware that they may not be present on-site every day. Therefore, it is crucial to demonstrate independence and leadership skills during your volunteer work.

    Pre-med and first/ second year students
    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 .

    Location
    Manuel Antonio is a small beachside village, situated right on the Pacific Ocean. There is a nearby National park which is considered one of the most biodiverse parks in the world. You may even spot a howler monkey or a sloth! The area is known for its biodiversity, as well as perfect white sand beaches. There are lots of activities to do in the area, like mountain and rainforest trails.


    Typical day

    Sunday – Arrival / Welcome and Home Stay Introduction
    Monday – Orientation day
    Tuesday to Friday

    Here is a rough guide on what to expect:
    • Breakfast at the accommodation
    • 3-4 hours of volunteer work either in the morning or afternoon
    • Your own lunch at the accommodation or project site
    • Free time
    • Dinner at ...

    Typical day

    Sunday – Arrival / Welcome and Home Stay Introduction
    Monday – Orientation day
    Tuesday to Friday

    Here is a rough guide on what to expect:
    • Breakfast at the accommodation
    • 3-4 hours of volunteer work either in the morning or afternoon
    • Your own lunch at the accommodation or project site
    • Free time
    • Dinner at the accommodation

    Free-time activities

    San Jose
    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.

    Arenal Volcano
    Situated about 90 km northwest of San Jose is Arenal volcano, ...

    Free-time activities

    San Jose
    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.

    Arenal Volcano
    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.

    Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio
    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!

    Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
    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.

    Corcovado National Park
    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.

    Adventure activities
    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!

    Beach Hopping
    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!

    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)

    Education Requirements

    Medical at University level

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    Proof of medical training/ or a healthcare student

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    Professionals/ Students of medicine/ related field

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    • Airport pick-up
    • Host family accommodations
    • Breakfast and dinner, 7 days/week
    • 1 day orientation
    • 24/7 in-country support
    • Walking tour
    • Official certificate of volunteer service
    • Letter of recommendation
    • Spanish language tutoring table
    • Tandem Conversation Program
    • WiFi and computer lab
    • Salsa dance classes
    • Cooking classes
    • Free coffee and tea and on-site snack bar
    • Volunteer centre open 7 days/week

    Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

    For Manuel Antonio

    Our local team will pick you up from San Jose airport on the Saturday or Sunday before your project. It is recommended to arrive Saturday or before 3pm on Sunday, so you can go straight to Manuel Antonio. If arriving after 3pm on Saturday or Sunday, you will stay with a host family for 1 night in San Jose, and transfer to Manuel Antonio the following day.

    The transfer to Manuel Antonio is in two parts. A member of the local team will pick you up from San Jose airport and take you to the bus station in San Jose. You will then get the bus to Manuel Antonio (ticket included), where your host family will meet you at Manuel Antonio bus stop. The bus journey is around 3 hours. 

    If you arrive outside the pickup times, you can book a private transfer for an extra fee.

    If you want to book any extra nights before or after your program, you can do this for an extra fee. 


    Transportation whilst on your project

    Most volunteers either walk or take the bus, depending on how far their project is. Journey time varies widely from project to project, and you should expect to spend 15-60 minutes traveling each way. You might also need to change buses during your trip. Taxi’s are also widely available but do cost more than buses. It can be hard to change your project after you start volunteering, so please be ready to travel to your designated project every day. 

    PLEASE NOTE: Volunteers are required to pay for the daily transportation to and from your project. Local buses are very affordable, and a one-way trip will cost around ₡350 (around $0.60) on average. Taxis are more expensive, and costs vary based on how long the journey is. A budget of around US $5 is recommend per day for transportation to and from your project.


    Accommodation

    The majority of our volunteers will stay with a pre-approved middle-class Costa Rican family. You have the option of a shared or a private room. For shared rooms, you are placed with 1-3 other people of the same gender and age group. In Manuel Antonio you will stay in the Quepos area. You’ll be given a key to the house and are free to come and go as you please, but you must respect the house rules and practices of your host family

    The host family can help you with washing laundry. There is a small charge of ₡2,500 or $5 per kilo (2.2 lbs) which is paid directly to the family. If you are staying at a student residence, hostel, hotel or apartment that does not have a laundry service available, you can use a nearby laundrette (lavanderia).


    Private Room Upgrade: $100 per/week

    *Please note: Upgrade prices can change, so please check the price with us first

    Food & Beverages

    Breakfast and dinner will be served 7 days a week and will usually be local cuisine, cooked by your host family. The food in Costa Rica is a mix of African, Italian, French, Chinese, and Spanish cuisines. Common food are grains such as rice, corn, and beans and different meats mixed with spices like coriander, saffron, parsley, oregano, thyme and nutmeg. The food is usually mildly seasoned and has plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    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

    Program starts every Monday. Arrivals on Sat/ Sun. If arriving on Sat, an extra night is charged.

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

    Program fees

    3 weeks (min. stay) 1,968€
    4 weeks 2,299€
    8 weeks 3,351€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 4,404€
    Average fees 511€/week

    Program fees

    511€ per week 3 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    3 - 12 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 Involvement Volunteers IVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
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    Location

    Americas > Central America > Costa Rica > Manuel Antonio

    Meet your project coordinator

    Lauren
    226
    reviews
    4.71
    Brilliant
    1989
    Founded

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Excellent response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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