from 1,094€

Great 4.4rating (78)

Wildlife Rescue Assistant

location
2 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Great 4.4  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Good response rate

Highlights

  • Experience an up-close encounter with exotic wildlife.
  • Immerse yourself in the relaxed "tica way of life," as the locals affectionately call themselves.
  • Ignite your passion for cultures and countries beyond your own. You'll gain invaluable insights into the world's rich tapestry, nurturing your curiosity for international diversity.
  • Embark on extraordinary journeys through Costa Rica's breathtaking National Parks and pristine beaches.
  • Elevate your resume with international volunteer experience that showcases your commitment to positive change and adaptability to different environments.

Especially suitable

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

About the program

Help take care of exotic animals that have been rescued and assist with environmental education! Experience the Costa Rican rainforest!

If you are an animal lover and you always wanted to be around exotic animals, this project in the rainforest of Costa Rica is just the thing for you! Here you can immerse in a fascinating world and promote animal protection and plant biodiversity. 

The Issue

This privatly owned animal Wildlife ...

About the program

If you are an animal lover and you always wanted to be around exotic animals, this project in the rainforest of Costa Rica is just the thing for you! Here you can immerse in a fascinating world and promote animal protection and plant biodiversity. 

The Issue

This privatly owned animal Wildlife Rescue Center in Costa Rica receives no funds from the government, depending solely on volunteers and donations. Limited by a tight budget, the center has been working hard to improve the conditions of the animals little-by-little. The center strives to conserve, protect, reintroduce, and raise several wild species that have been removed from their natural environment as a result of repossession, hunting, habitat destruction, and the ignorance of humans.

The Center

In 2006, the center won the Ford/Jaguar Cars International Conservation Award from the Jaguar Conservation Trust, a grass roots program dedicated to providing grants and funding projects that promote the preservation of the company's namesake and the jaguar’s habitat. The staff also runs an environmental education program to promote awareness among local citizens. The Wildlife Rescue Center is home to approximately 500 animals, over 100 of which are free to roam on the 11 hectares (27 acres) of property. There are over 80 species, such as, monkeys, tapirs, birds (green macaws, scarlet macaws, toucans, etc.), various reptiles (snakes, crocodiles, iguanas, etc.), spiders and different types of felines. (Numbers and species are subject to changes!)

The Location

The volunteer project is located near Aguas Zarcas de San Carlos, La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano, about halfway between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and about 100km north of San José. Due to the many scenic attractions, this area is very popular among tourists and offers good touristic infrastructure. On excursions you can discover the evergreen nature with its exciting wildlife, visit national parks and do lots of outdoor sports and outdoor activities. 

From the capital, San José, you will need about 2.5 hours by bus to the volunteer project site. The province of Alajuela has a tropical rainforest climate. This type of climate is characterized by rather warm temperatures and regular rainfall throughout the year.

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

During this project, you will work on teams and help make a difference while also raising awareness for the protection of animals in Costa Rica.

The main focus of work at the rescue center is the well-being of the animals. Project staff, employees, and volunteers work hard every day to improve the ...

Typical day

During this project, you will work on teams and help make a difference while also raising awareness for the protection of animals in Costa Rica.

The main focus of work at the rescue center is the well-being of the animals. Project staff, employees, and volunteers work hard every day to improve the living conditions of the animals. Daily tasks may vary, but will most likely revolve around reintroducing animals into the wild and caring for injured animals. The tasks are divided into different areas: 

  • Reintroduction into the Wild 

The rescue center’s highest priority is to reintroduce as many animals as possible back into their natural habitat. In order for this to be possible, the center has to meet certain requirements and the animals’ natural instincts have to be trained. The project staff take special pride in the number of cubs born at the center each year. These animals in particular need extra training and help in discovering natural instincts, such as hunting, so that they can live an independent life in the wild one day. 

  • Reintegration 

Animals that have been quarantined are nursed back to health and reintegrated into the group as soon as they are back on their feet. 

  • Rescue 

It is also a major concern of the project to free animals that are threatened, hunted or mistreated by humans and to enable them to live in a sheltered and species-appropriate habitat in the sanctuary. 

  • Safe Custody 

Animals that are unfit for reintroduction into the wild due to heavy injuries, abnormal behavior, or non-existent natural instincts are thoroughly being taken care of by volunteers at the center. As a volunteer at this project, you will assist the team of the rescue center where ever help is needed. Your main tasks will involve preparing food, helping the employees with feeding the animals, and maintaining enclosures, cages, and the grounds of the center. Since the center also gets visited by tourists and students on a regular basis, guiding them through the park and helping raise awareness for animal and nature protection could also be within your duties. Take action, be active, and help raise awareness for animal protection and welfare in the middle of Costa Rica's rainforest! Breath taking views and an experience that will last a lifetime are guaranteed. 

Please 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

Weekends are the perfect time to enjoy an exciting hike through Costa Rican nature since the main attractions of Costa Rica is its system of national parks and protected areas, which cover around 25% of the national territory, in order to protect the rich variety of flora and fauna, which is ...

Free-time activities

Weekends are the perfect time to enjoy an exciting hike through Costa Rican nature since the main attractions of Costa Rica is its system of national parks and protected areas, which cover around 25% of the national territory, in order to protect the rich variety of flora and fauna, which is estimated to contain 5% of the world's biodiversity in less than 0.1% of the planet's land mass. In addition, Costa Rica has countless amazing beaches on both the Pacific and the Caribbean Ocean. 

Costa Rica is the perfect place to combine volunteer work with tourism, enjoy activities like:

  • Adventure sport
  • Dream beaches
  • Ecotourism
  • Local culture
  • Bird / wildlife watching
  • Visits to unique National Parks
  • Rural tourism
  • Sightseeing and history in San José


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 Spanish (basic level) or English (basic level)

Education Requirements

at High School level

Required Documents

CV and Volunteer Questionnaire

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 South America Inside

Program fees include:

  • Homestay, single room
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Airport pick-up in San José with overnight stay in San José (incl. homestay single room, breakfast, dinner )
  • Transfer to bus station in San José from accommodation in San José
  • 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

                            You will be picked up upon arrival in San José and brought to your overnight stay accommodation in San José (Homestay with breakfast & dinner). After your orientation session the day after arrival, you will be brought to the bus station where you start your journey to the volunteer project site (costs for your bus ticket are not included).

                            Accommodation

                            During your stay, you will live with in a local homestay in a private bedroom and shared bathroom. Homestays usually host more then one volunteer.

                            Food & Beverages

                            Breakfast, lunch and dinner is provided. Meals usually consist of typical Costa Rican food, such as rice, beans, sweet corn, meat, pasta, vegetables, and seasonal fruits.

                            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 volunteer work can be joined throughout the year. The start and end date can be set flexible, according to your availability and travel plans. Ask our experienced staff to coordinate your participation in this meaningful volunteer project.

                             

                            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

                            Great 4.4 rating (78 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.

                            78 reviews · rating4.4

                            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 ...
                            GERALDINE QUIRKE rating3.2

                            2024 at Work in a National Park

                            When I scheduled volunteer time the indication was that there was a limited number of volunteers based on the projects/work to be done. As more and more volunteers arrived i realized that we were more valued for the money we paid than for the limited amount of work to be done. Also, I felt that ...
                            lyne bourbonnais rating3.8

                            2024 at Eco Farm Worker

                            j'ai bien aimé mon expérience à Antigua qui est une superbe ville facile à visiter. Vivre dans une famille, y prendre les repas est une très belle incursion dans la vie guatémaltèque. et quoi de mieux pour l'immersion en langue espagnole! eco farm: bien qu'au départ je n'ai pas bien saisi ...
                            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!! ...
                            Emilie Hasni rating4.2

                            2023 at Help Save Sea Turtles

                            Magnifique expérience avec les tortues et avec les autres volontaires aussi. Le cadre est magnifique, les couchers de soleil et les balades dans la nature autour du lieu du volontariat sont superbes. Petite info : si tu veux avoir internet, le seul réseau qui fonctionne est Kolbi. Nous on a ...
                            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, ...

                            Location


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                            Contact Marion
                              Good response rate
                            English, Spanish, German

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