from 1,174€

Excellent 4.8rating (147)

Sustainable Farming and Agriculture Work

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • Work on coffee farms, tea farms, macadamia nut and permaculture farms
  • Help the local community build sustainable and environmentally friendly land
  • Get involved in all aspects of the farm, like picking and weeding
  • Assist with reforestation efforts and community outreach
  • Packaging of the final product for local and international sales

Especially suitable

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+

About the program

We work with NGOs and farming companies that use organic and sustainable practices in their farming methods, as well as traditional agricultural techniques.

Agriculture forms more than a third of the population in South America. However, working environments are less than ideal and the ecological impact can be harmful. We work with NGOs and farming companies that use organic and sustainable practices in their farming methods, as well as traditional ...

About the program

Agriculture forms more than a third of the population in South America. However, working environments are less than ideal and the ecological impact can be harmful. We work with NGOs and farming companies that use organic and sustainable practices in their farming methods, as well as traditional agricultural techniques. On this project you can assist on these projects and learn about eco-farming and sustainable agricultural techniques.


You will get hands on, in this project that will require some hard labour.  You could volunteer at coffee farms, macadamia nut and permaculture farms or help to grow local tea and cacao in communal farming projects.

Daily tasks can differ, depending on Spanish language ability (although this is not essential), responsibility level, and expertise. You will be supervised on the project and this supervisor will put you where you will best be placed.

Location
Volunteers work at offsite projects sites, located 3 to 4 hours outside the city of San Jose. You will likely be working near the Monteverde Cloud Forest or Brunca regions of the Talamanca mountains. These locations may not have reliable internet, but a phone is available in case of emergencies. Our local coordinators will check in with you by phone and in-person throughout your project. You will spend  the first 2 days in San Jose for orientation before your project starts.



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
  • 4-6 hours of volunteer work either in the morning or afternoon
  • Your own lunch at the accommodation or project site
  • Free time
  • Dinner ...

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
  • 4-6 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)

Criminal Background Check

required

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

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Involvement Volunteers IVI

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

Arrival to San Jose

You will spend the first 1-2 nights in San Jose, before heading to the offsite location. Our local team will pick you up from San Jose airport on the Sunday before your project. Sunday night accommodation is included in the fees. 

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. 

Eco Farm project sites and accommodations are located 3 to 4 hours outside the city of San Jose. Public bus transportation to and from the project site is included at both the beginning and end of your program.

We will explain to you how to get to your project site, and you will be given transportation tickets. You will leave on Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning to reach your offsite project. Transportation back is included, and this will usually be Friday evening or Saturday morning.


Accommodation

While in San Jose for your orientation, you stay in a traditional home stay with a pre- approved middle class Costa Rican family in a shared room. You share with 1-3 other people of the same gender. 

At Eco-Agriculture Projects, you stay with one of six farming families that we work with, living on site at a coffee cooperative where they share the land with other families. Accommodations are in shared rooms and are very comfortable, including both warm showers and electricity. While at the coffee project your housing includes three meals a day, seven days a week: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

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

Limited 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

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

2 weeks (min. stay) 1,174€
3 weeks 1,504€
4 weeks 1,809€
8 weeks 2,876€
12 weeks (max. stay) 3,928€
Average fees 457€/week

Program fees

457€ per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

2 - 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.


Meet your organization

Involvement Volunteers IVI

Excellent 4.8 rating (147 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 1989

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Lauren

Spoken languages: English

About the project

IVI are a non profit org with 28 years experience providing responsible volunteer placements in 15 countries worldwide. We help you connect with inspiring opportunities

Meet your organization

Involvement Volunteers International delivers positive social change to developing communities and vulnerable populations through local, national & international volunteering.  Our projects empower the skilled & un-skilled to catalyse the efforts of local partners in creating a better world.


WHO WE ARE

Founded in 1989, IVI is a pioneer of overseas volunteering.  Back when there was no internet and phones were a luxury in many parts of the world, we traveled to developing countries in search of credible NGO's in need of manpower and global volunteer resources.  Some of the many relationships we forged are utilized to this day. 

We are passionate about volunteering and giving back to society and in particular developing communities which are less fortunate than us.  In this way, we combine travelling with volunteering to help people make a positive impact overseas.

SOCIAL EXPERIENCES
All of IVI’s projects have a strong social element at the core.  With more manpower (& womanpower!) we can truly catalyse the efforts of our local partners.  This means you're sure to meet loads of like-minded people from all parts of the world.   This type of experience truly broadens your understanding of the world and yourself, opening your heart to new enlightened ways of thinking .   With your new found travel companions, you'll have plenty of opportunity to explore and have fun!  

Our projects create a unique platform to experience the true heart and soul of a destination rather than simply the tourist areas.   We'll involve you in meaningful & responsible volunteer work that really benefits the local communities.

AFFORDABLE VOLUNTEER TRAVEL
As a non profit org, we are not motivated by shareholder profits.  Our fee structure is fully transparent to ensure volunteers hard earned money is going directly to the areas where it is most needed.  It is vitally important to us that the presence of volunteers has a positive and sustainable impact on the local communities we work with.   

We charge a one off US$275 application fee per volunteer to cover the running of IVI including administration overheads, project inspection costs, marketing, and salaries.

The program fee starts at $150 p/week and goes straight to the in country management to cover arrival airport transfers, on the ground coordination, orientation, accommodation, meals, in country 24/7 project support, project development, donations and related administration costs.   

In comparison to many of our competitors, our programs are incredible value.

SAFETY & RESPONSIBLE PROGRAMS
With approx 80-90% of our volunteers being single young female travelers, volunteer safety is of the utmost importance.  All of our projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management support contact as well as a dedicated placement manager pre/post journey.  This ensures you will be cared for every step of the way.    The local teams are highly experienced and qualified to manage emergency situations.

All IVI projects have been personally inspected to ensure the standards meet necessary guidelines for quality and safety.  In addition, we monitor and maintain communication with local embassies to oversee potential issues in order to notify volunteers and their families accordingly.   

Our Australian team are available 24/7 and only a phone call away.

Our responsibility also extends to the local people which is why volunteers working in childcare related fields must provide a criminal background check before they travel.   Our ultimate goal is the long term development of the communities we work with, hence we work closely with our local partners to ensure that projects are needs driven and sustainable. 

SUPPORT

From your very first inquiry, right through to your welcome home, you'll have the same dedicated volunteer manager at every stage.  We are experts in the field and will provide you in depth insights about what to expect and how to prepare to ensure you have an amazing experience overseas.  Every project includes a detailed welcome pack which provides all aspects needed such as in country contacts, what to pack, cultural values, basic language guides and much much more.   

On arrival at your destination, you'll be greeted by one of our in-country team and in many cases 1 week orientation is provided to help ease you into the way of life and ensure you're equipped with the right customs to ensure a successful volunteer abroad experience.  

FUN!
Volunteering abroad is quite possibly the most rewarding experience you will have in your life!   We know this not only through our own experiences, but through the testimonies from thousands of volunteers we have successfully placed worldwide over 27+ years in operation.  Volunteering overseas is not only rewarding.   It's fun!   You're meeting new people, you're seeing new sights, and you're expanding your understanding of yourself and the world.  You're experiencing something real and life changing in many ways...  

GET INVOLVED WITH IVI TODAY!

147 reviews · rating4.8

ANNA RATTERO rating4.2

2024 at Kindergarten Teaching Assistant

È stata una bellissima esperienza, stare con i bambini è stato magnifico! Loro non parlano bene inglese quindi ho comunicato con loro usando soprattutto sguardi e gesti. Si ha la possibilità di conoscere persone del posto, conoscere una nuova cultura e offrire il proprio contributo nel fare ...
Errol S rating5

2024 at Turtle Conservation Assistance

It was an amazing week working with a diverse group of volunteers from around the world. We got to experience working with turtles from nearly hatched to around 8 months old. They were extremely cute and you could really see the impact of the volunteering when we released them into the wild. It ...
Gabriele Heumann rating4.8

2024 at Nutrition & Public Health Outreach Assistant

Vielen Dank für die tolle Erfahrung. Ein besonderes Lob für Carrun, ich würde es gerne immer wieder machen. Dankeschön auch am Marie und Masi tolle Gastfamilie. Ich kann sie nur weiterempfehlen ...
Michael rating4.8

2023 at Construction & Renovation Assist

I was doing the building and constraction program in Stone Town Zanzibar. The work was in Binguin school with carpainting, laying bricks and painting with local people. The local team with coordinators was very helpful. The accomodation with staff and food was excellent. ..
Had the most amazing time helping children learn English during daily lessons. I will definitely do it again, as I also met the most amazing people. The staff were so welcoming and created a safe space for everyone. Imporvements... Longer hours to ...
The month I spent in dog shelter Abaj Tacalik in Antigua, Guatemala was amazing! I got to really bond with the people and the dogs at my placement and loved going there everyday. We helped out with walking the dogs, cleaning and just giving them love. Next to that, with fundraised money, I was also ...

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