Volunteer Programs in San Jose, Costa Rica
The capital city of environmentally focused Costa Rica, offers unparalleled opportunities for volunteering abroad. Discovered by Christopher Colombus and home to many Spanish immigrants, a heavy European influence is still evident in the culture and architecture of the city of San Jose, contributing to the city’s charm. With a city centre that attracts more than 1 million working professionals each day, it is the focal point of Costa Rica’s economic and political development. There are numerous placement options for individuals who decide to volunteer in San Jose.

56 Volunteer Programs in San Jose, Costa Rica

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
World’s #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!
International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) brings people together from all...
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MAXIMO NIVEL

Top-Rated Volunteer Abroad Programs in Latin America
Maximo Nivel is a locally based organization in Costa Rica, Guate...
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Kaya Responsible Travel
Childcare Center Volunteer Project in Costa Rica
This is an ideal childcare placement if you love working with and...

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
Costa Rica – Sloth and Wildlife Rescue Center
Join the Sloth and Wildlife Rescue Center in Costa Rica, a renown...
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Impact Gap Year
Cultural Explorer Gap Year
Take on an 8-month trip of adventure, community service, and comm...

Raleigh International
Volunteer Abroad in Costa Rica - Adventure with Purpose
Joining a Raleigh Costa Rica programme is a truly unique experien...

Volunteer World
Best Volunteer Programs in Costa Rica
Volunteer in Costa Rica and discover one of the most sustainable ...

Roots Interns
Photography Internship in South Africa or Costa Rica
This is a unique opportunity to gain experience as a photographer...
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Pacific Discovery
Mexico, Costa Rica & Guatemala Gap Semester
Pacific Discovery's Central America Gap Semester is an unforgetta...
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Love Volunteers
Volunteer Abroad & Make a REAL Difference - From US$175!
Find out why more and more people are choosing to become a Love V...

Outward Bound Costa Rica
Custom Course in Costa Rica & Panama (Groups of 5+)
We believe that the best things in life are personalized; so we’v...
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Globe Aware
Orosi Valley Paradise Experience
Costa Rica is a cultural and natural paradise, but most travelers...

Travel For Teens
Travel For Teens: Costa Rica Adventure and Service
Join us in Costa Rica for unforgettable memories and valuable ser...
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AIFS Abroad
AIFS Abroad in San José, Costa Rica: Semester
Spend a semester or academic year in the lively capital of San Jo...

GoBeyond Student Travel
GoBeyond - Costa Rica - Service & Adventure Programs
Travel to Costa Rica with GoBeyond to help improve the harsh cond...
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A Guide to Volunteering Abroad in San Jose
Projects & Placements
A plethora of projects are available in and around San Jose, but the most popular areas for volunteering in San Jose include sea turtle conservation, teaching, and community development. But volunteer placements in San Jose sprawl a range of other areas too, including, but not limited to, working in orphanages, environmental research, health care or even farming or agriculture.
Sustainability is a huge focus of volunteer projects in San Jose, so volunteers should be aware of how they are impacting the environment and local communities through their volunteer work. Eco-tourism programs are also common in Costa Rica in general, and San Jose is not an exception.
Volunteering programs in San Jose vary in length from one week up to one year, and while Spanish is useful, it is not usually required. For those interested in learning Spanish or developing their language skills while volunteering in San Jose, Spanish classes are prevalently included in volunteer programs or at the very least available throughout the city.
Overall individual who choose to volunteer in San Jose will have any placement at their fingertips; many volunteer organizations in San Jose offer placements in literally 20 different focus areas and projects, so if volunteers arrive and decide they’d like to try something new after a few weeks, there will be plenty of options.
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