While Costa Rica has made great strides at improving the healthcare of the country, in remote and poorer areas, most people have no access to healthcare and those who do receive substandard treatment. Many people suffer from preventable and treatable diseases there as well. If you are a medically-trained professional or a student, volunteer in the medical/healthcare project in Costa Rica. This is the ideal project to help you gain international and professional experience while giving you and those you help an enriching, productive and meaningful experience.

In the IFRE medical program, you will work in local clinics and hospitals to provide treatment to locals. In the past, our volunteers have had a positive effect on both the people and the local community.

Another positive side to Medical program in Costa Rica with IFRE-Costa Rica is that you can help this local community even if you’re in Puntarenas for only a small amount of time. IFRE-Costa Rica can place you in short-term medical projects.

Volunteers interested in joining our volunteer healthcare program do not need previous healthcare experience or education. Our programs are designed to accommodate volunteers of a variety of backgrounds. Whether you are a student, professional, or retiree, there is a vital role within our healthcare program for you.

While beginner to intermediate knowledge of Spanish is preferred, it is not mandatory. If you cannot speak Spanish, we suggest you enroll in our Spanish language course to make your stay more rewarding – both for you and for the community you are helping.

IFRE arranges room, breakfast and supervision for volunteers for the entire duration of the volunteer in Costa Rica program. In Puntarenas, you will have the option to stay with a well-screened host family or in an apartment-style room. Our host families are respected members of the community and are well-versed in the art of hosting international volunteers. Host families offer a safe home with private rooms (occasionally rooms will be shared with other same-gender volunteers), shared bathroom facilities, and a “western” style toilet. You may ask your host family to do laundry for you for a nominal extra fee. You will receive three prepared traditional Costa Rican meals per day. If you will be out of the house during lunch hour, you can request a lunch "to go" that you can take with you or eat out on your own. The city of Puntarenas is located on the Pacific coast, and it boasts miles of beautiful coastline popular with surfers. This area of Costa Rica is known for its nature reserves and islands, many of which are great day trip destinations. Puntarenas also has a wide variety of annual festivals and parks, along with restaurants that specialize in ceviche.

During the volunteer project, our local staff will stay in contact with you either with face-to-face visits or via email/telephone. The volunteer coordinator lives just minutes away if you need anything during your stay. Volunteers are always welcome at the local office, as well. We request that you stop by the office once a week to keep us posted on how you are doing with your home stay and project. If you any advice or have any issues you need to discuss, you can talk to your coordinator.