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Volunteer in Costa Rica Underprivileged Children

Do you love kids and want to help those in need? Would you like to volunteer abroad in Costa Rica? Then this project with IFRE is perfect for you!

Costa Rica is a stunning and unique country in Central America well-known for its amazing rainforests, beautiful beaches, exotic wildlife, and friendly people. Everywhere you go, you will be greeted with stunning scenery, rich and amazing wildlife, and welcoming people eager to teach you about their culture and traditions.

Sadly, there are many children in Costa Rica who are struggling on a daily basis. From underprivileged children to children of poor families who can’t afford childcare to kids who have been removed from abusive and dysfunctional homes, there are many young Costa Ricans who desperately need your help.

IFRE teams up with a variety of organizations to help provide the needed manpower and support to help these poor kids. From Underprivileged children to working with child protective services to offering childcare so low-income parents can go to work, we have a variety of Costa Rica childcare volunteer projects you can make a real difference in.

By offering your kindness, care, and compassion to children in need, you will make a profound difference in their lives and motivate and inspire them to reach their full potential and lead happy and thriving lives in the future.

Are you interested in providing relief to poor families, children in need and underprivileged children by sharing your love and passion with them? Then contact IFRE today to learn more about helping Costa Rican children in need!

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Volunteer Responsibilities & Impact

When you join, volunteer in Costa Rica Underprivileged Children program, your duty will be to serve as a caregiver, mentor, and friend to Costa Rican children in need. Your duties will vary based on your placement and the current needs of the project, but you will be providing basic care, spending time with the kids doing fun activities, helping with homework, and more.

These poor kids are either without their families or need care while their families try to make a living tobetter support them. You can feel great knowing you are offering the children the attention and care they deserve and providing a safe, supportive environment for them to develop and grow, which will have lasting long-term effects on their lives.


Skills and Qualifications:

The main qualification to become a Costa Rica childcare volunteer is to love kids and have a passion for helping those in need. You will need to be patient, flexible, and kind. Experience working with kids, especially troubled ones, is a big plus.

Speaking Spanish is not a requirement, but it will be highly beneficial to you in working with the kids, connecting with them, and addressing their needs. If you would like to learn or brush up on your skills, IFRE offers Spanish classes that are conveniently available while you volunteer.


Volunteering with underprivileged children and kids in Costa Rica is an exciting new adventure! Each and every day will be filled with new and fun experiences that enrich your time spent abroad.

Your duties and hours will vary based on your final placement, but here’s a sample schedule to give you a rough idea of what to expect:

First Day: On your first day, you will be brought to the childcare center or facility you will be volunteering at. You will meet the caring local project staff, and the amazing kids you will be working with! You will have an orientation, and you’ll go over your work, schedule, safety measures you need to know, and learn about the customs and culture of Costa Rica.

Weekdays: Your work begins on the second dayand your schedule is going to vary based on your placement. A typical day might look something like this:

7.00 to 7.30 AM: Begin your day with a traditional breakfast with your lovely host family. Usual fare includes rice, beans, eggs, fresh fruit, juice, and coffee.

7.45 AM: You’ll travel to your nearby project start. Begin a fulfilling day of working with Costa Rican children in need.

12.00 PM: Lunch break. This is a great chance to chat with fellow Costa Rica volunteers and make friends that have come from all over the world just like you to help!

3.00 PM: After spending the day volunteering with the kids, you’ll have the evening free to enjoy yourself. Relax at your host family’s home or take the time to explore beautiful and exciting Costa Rica!


Volunteer in Costa Rica Underprivileged Children: Dates and Fees

Program Dates

IFRE programs begin every Monday year-round. If you have travel constraints, you can still start your chosen program on any day of the year.

Our Fees

Since 2006, IFRE has been the most trusted and respected volunteer abroad organization in the world, and also the most affordable. We’re dedicated to providing the highest quality volunteer programs at the lowest fees, which make it possible for everyone, especially students, to volunteer internationally and make a positive impact in the lives of others.

We believe in 100% transparency. Rest assured, we never use middlemen. Your one-time registration fee of $299 covers our administrative costs. The low weekly fee is paid in the host country directly to your host family and project (via country coordinator), and includes housing, food, and minor expenses. IFRE is a non-profit organization, so your program fees are tax deductible.

Volunteer Program Fees (US$)

  Duration   Underprivileged Children Project
  1 Week $260
  2 Weeks $445
  3 Weeks $630
  4 Weeks $815
  5 Weeks $1000
  6 Weeks $1185
  7 Weeks $1370
  8 Weeks $1555
  9 Weeks $1740
  10 Weeks $1925
  11 Weeks $2110
  12 Weeks $2295

+ 10 hours group Spanish is not available in Puntarenas, Underprivileged Children Project

Comprehensive Travel Insurance $3.49/day »

How your fee is allocated?

Program Fees Cover:

  • Accommodation (host family)
  • Food (only breakfast and dinnery)
  • Program Orientation
  • In-country support
  • Personalized project
  • Pre-departure information
  • Certificate of completion
  • Fundraising ideas and letters
  • Discount for returning volunteers

Program Fees Exclude:

  • Visas
  • Airfare
  • Personal expenses on soft drinks and foods
  • Daily transportation
  • Airport return transfer

Airport Pickup /Transfer Packages for Puntarenas and – Ciudad Cortes,

We will manage the following airport transfer services for you:

Option One: If you arrive in international Airport of Juan Santa Maria -SJO, Alajuela early in the morning (before 12 PM), you will be able to come to Ciudad Cortes in the same day by bus. In this case, it is possible to purchase the following pick up service package:

Osa/Pick Up (same day service- for one person): $50

Includes: airport picks up, transfer to the bus station, orientation and assistance and again to the bus station. The last time we recommend leaving from San Jose to Ciudad Cortes is on the bus at 2:30 PM (volunteer should land before 12:00 PM for this option)

Option Two: If you arrive after 12 PM in Alajuela, you will stay one night in Hostel Dorm Room in San Jose, before transferring to Ciudad Cortes the next day.

Osa/Overnight Hostel Dorm Room with Transfer (for one person): $70

Includes: Transfer to a hostel from the airport, where you will spend the night. Dinner will be provided. Overnight stay will be in 10 people mixed gender hostel dorm room, and transfer to a bus station in the morning. The orientation and assistance will be at the bus station.

Option Three: If you arrive after 12 PM in Alajuela, you will stay one night in the family home (private room) in San Jose before transferring to Ciudad Cortes the next day.

Osa/Overnight Family Home with Transfer (for one person): $90

Includes: Picks up from the airport and transfer to a private family home to spend the night. Dinner will be provided. Transfer to the bus station in the morning, and orientation and assistance at the bus station.

The volunteering overseas in Costa Rica program fees will cover expenses that will begin on the first day of the program (usually the first or third Monday of the month) to the last day of the program. If you arrive before the first day of the program or you decide you stay beyond your program’s last day, you will be responsible for the additional expenses, which would typically be around $30 a day for room and meals at a hostel.

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Accommodation and Meal

Our childcare volunteers in Cortes, Costa Rica will have the awesome opportunity to live with one of our welcoming host families in their safe and comfortable home. You’ll be able to immerse yourself in the local culture, and they will also serve you three local meals a day. You will share a room with volunteers of the same gender and have access to modern bathroom facilities.

Learn more about IFRE’s accommodations and meals in Cortes, Costa Rica.


Free Time and Weekend Exploration

When you join volunteering in Costa Rica Underprivileged Children program, you will have your weekends and evenings free to explore Costa Rica and make the most of your time in this tropical paradise! Visit a stunning beach, raft on a river, hike to a waterfall, visit a wildlife sanctuary, go ziplining, and more!

Discover what to do in your free time in Cortes, Costa Rica.


Safety and in Country Support

IFRE has you covered when it comes to safety on your Costa Rica volunteer trip abroad. Your well-being is our top-priority, and from pre-trip guidance, carefully selected projects and destinations, and the on the ground support of our in-country team who you can reach at all times, you won’t have to worry about a thing.

Learn more about IFRE’s safety and support in Cortes, Costa Rica.


Volunteer in Costa Rica Underprivileged Children: FAQs

IFRE has nearly 15 years of experience in the volunteer world, and we have the know-how and connections to ensure your volunteer trip goes smoothly. We’ll take care of all the details for you, but here are some you should know when traveling with us:

Arrival and departure

You’ll be flying into Juan Santamaria International airport in San Jose, Costa Rica. As soon as you have your flight details for your Costa Rica childcare volunteer trip, forward these on to our in-country coordinator and they will set up your airport pick-up, which is included in your volunteer fee. We’ll make sure someone is waiting for you when you land, and we’ll take you safely to your accommodations.

IFRE does not provide departure transportation, so you’ll need to plan for this. Just speak with the local project staff, and they’ll be happy to offer advice for how to get a bus or taxi to the airport or on to your next destination.

Visa

Getting a tourist visa is a must to volunteer in Underprivileged Children project in Costa Rica. You can visit the Costa Rican immigration office in your home country to secure the tourist visa or can also get visa stamp at the airport. However, it depends on your nationality. Costa Rican government provides a 90 day initial tourist visa and you can extend further up to 90 days while you are in the country. Research the visa requirements at the official Immigration site of Costa Rica.

Vaccination

Getting vaccinated is key to a safe and healthy trip abroad. Since you’ll be volunteering in Underprivileged children project in Costa Rica, many of whom lack access to basic healthcare, you’ll want to take every precaution you can.

To travel to Costa Rica, you should be up to date on your routine vaccines, as well as Hepatitis A & B and Typhoid. Please consult a travel doctor who is knowledgeable about current health issues and epidemics in Costa Rica about your trip and what vaccines you need. You can also find information on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Global Health Canadaor inTravelers' Health United Kingdom.

For further readings:

Vaccination

Volunteer Health and Safety

Safety tips for your volunteer abroad trip

Why volunteer in childcare in Costa Rica?

This childcare project presents a greatly rewarding experience that lets you make a huge difference and fulfill your passion for children while exploring an amazing country and making new international and like-minded friends.

Embrace your passion for kids

If you’ve always loved kids and are passionate about helping those who are struggling, this is the perfect project for you! Play games, have fun, and touch the lives of children in need!

Make a real difference

IFRE has a variety of Underprivileged Children volunteer projects in Costa Rica so we can address the many different areas of need and make the biggest impact, along with our international volunteers. Our goal is to better the lives of children who are in difficult situations, and you can join us!

Meet like-minded people from around the world

Your fellow volunteers and the local project staff all love kids and want to help them just like you. Bond with people from diverse international backgrounds that share a common interest with you.

Help support much-needed efforts

The organizations, centers, and facilities we partner with for our Costa Rica Underprivileged childcare volunteer program are workinghard to provide the best care and a bright future to these poor children. Offer much-needed support, time, and effort, helping make the job of the full-time caretakers and administrators a whole lot easier.

Travel to an exciting new country

Costa Rica is the perfect destination for your volunteer trip abroad! Friendly locals, outdoor adventure, and a natural wonderland awaits you!

Contact IFRE today to learn more about Volunteer in Costa Rica Underprivileged Children program!

Other Volunteering Opportunities in Cortes, Costa Rica

There are many ways for you to make a difference in Cortes. You can work with veterinarians,

provide healthcare,

work on a coffee farm,

help support an indigenous tribe, and much more.

Contact IFRE today to learn more about these exciting opportunities!

Other Underprivileged Children Projects Worldwide

There are children in dire need of care and attention all over the world. IFRE aims to make this problem a thing of the past, and thus arranges childcare projects all across the globe in many different countries. Have a look at the list below for some of our most popular childcare projects:

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