Food, Lodging and Travel
Conservation volunteers live at the research centre – the property itself is on 42 hectares of reserve which borders the Pacific ocean and the Terraba. The facilities currently hold 15 people in the main centre, in addition to a private residence used for conferences and training. Facilities are of high quality. Volunteers live in large, spacious and clean rooms, all have fans and new orthopaedic mattresses. You also get free internet usage, 1 free laundry wash per week, a purified water system, education and a small research library area is also available for volunteers. From Monday to Friday, all lunch meals are provided for you, but you will need to prepare your own breakfasts and dinners and weekend meals alongside other volunteers/staff members. All food will be provided.
Requirements and Free Time
All volunteers should be at least 18 yrs old age (however, we do accept under 18s if they are part of a family group from the age of about 6 yrs upwards, and we also accept 16 & 17 yrs olders with parental consent). English is required and Spanish is very helpful, even if basic, but a small amount of Spanish would go a long way. A strong interest in conservation is required, as is good team work spirit and flexibility. You should also be in good health and fit – you need to be able to work 2-3 nights per week (during turtle season) (rest the next day) and walk several kilometres on soft sand.
You will be allocated a free day every week, during which time you may decide to take surf lessons, Spanish lessons, go horseback riding, or explore one of many other local sights, or simply to use the day to rest. These activities need to be arranged separately and are at an additional cost. During the other six days of the week, it is expected that you will be fully engaged with the work schedule. There are also local shops and restaurants within walking distance.
How to get there?
International flights to San José from Europe are usually either with American Airlines via Miami or with Iberia via Spain, or via Amsterdam with KLM. Please remember not to look for San Jose in California, it is San José International Airport (Juan Santamaria) – code SJO. We can help to arrange your travel and accommodations in Costa Rica such as your hotel for the first and last night in San Jose, airport pick-up and drop off, and tickets (bus, air, or private shuttle) to and from the Reserve. Any questions, please email: Victoria.McNeil@workingabroad.com
