Last Chance! Apply by May 31st to Study Abroad this Year!

The Volunteer Abroad program in Costa Rica will allow you to experience Costa Rican culture first-hand while working on projects* that have an immediate, positive effect on the community.

Experience Life on a Sustainable Co-op 

Help Sustainable Farmers Secure Their Future: Maintaining rural farms while earning a living can be difficult. That's why 12 families in rural Costa Rica joined together to form a self-sustaining co-op where volunteers can contribute to the success of the community. Learn how to make cheese, care for animals, build greenhouses and help with harvest and plant maintenance on this unique volunteer project.

Care and Mentorship for Orphaned Children

Volunteer at a Local Orphanage:  Provide orphans with a connection to the outside world. You'll play games, help children with their homework and assist their teachers in the classroom. As a volunteer you'll be able to help the children in meaningful ways and have fun in the process.

* Community-driven projects are at the core of Ayusa's mission, so the project you will be working on will depend on the needs of the local community at that time.

Explore:

Costa Rica contains 5% of the world’s biodiversity, offering a home to monkeys, large cats, and thousands of bird, reptile, and plant species. Though historically Costa Rica is one of the more disadvantaged countries in Central America, it has become highly progressive in the modern world, priding itself with over 100 years of democracy, over 50 years without a military, and a high level of environmental awareness that placed 25% of its land in protected status. 

Most of the population resides in Meseta Central, the main agricultural valley, and the bustling city of San Jose.  As a volunteer here, you will get a true taste of the Costa Rican life style characterized by warmth, hospitality, and a love for gatherings and celebrations.  

Today, Costa Ricans face the challenge of maintaining their valuable culture and environment in the face of rapid population growth and technological development. As an Ayusa volunteer, you will have the opportunity  to engage with local communities by working on grassroots service projects designed to promote the sustainable growth and wellbeing of the country. This meaningful service work will allow you to gain a greater understanding of your global responsibility while simultaneously immersing yourself in Costa Rica’s intriguing culture. 

Learn:

During Ayusa’s Service Learning Program, you will collaborate with our community hosts and established NGOs on a development project designed to serve the specific needs of the local people. Depending on your skills and interests, you might be involved in wildlife rescue, education, or light construction for schools or health centers. As you work to increase the overall quality of life for the community, you will also be gaining valuable practical skills, building self confidence, and learning first-hand about life in Costa Rica.   

This hands-on learning will be supplemented by relevant curriculum, ensuring that you get the most out of your experience. Each day you will receive one hour of Spanish language instruction from native speakers at the Costa Rican Language Academy so that you can better interact with community members. Volunteers will also attend cultural lectures by local educators and nonprofit workers, and take part in our customized Global Initiative Curriculum. This curriculum is designed to link your service work experience to greater global concepts, allowing you to fully understand and appreciate the spirit of international volunteerism and the true impact of your work.   

Experience

Ayusa programs offer a unique full immersion experience, deeply involving you in Costa Rican life and culture.  You will   collaborate with  locals and your fellow volunteers by working together on community development projects that will directly impact the people you live and connect with everyday. You might work at a school that your host family’s children attend, or improve a health center that they will use.  This in-depth experience in a cross-cultural environment will provide you with valuable skills and a new global awareness.  

Once a week, Ayusa volunteers will also participate in cultural excursions and other group activities. Day trips to cultural and historical sites, hikes through nature reserves, or guided tours will enrich your experience of the country.  These excursions will culminate in an unforgettable two day trip to  Manuel Antonio National Park and its stunning beaches on the Pacific Coast. 

Through this multifaceted approach involving experiential and academic learning, hands-on development work, and cultural immersion, volunteers will grow as individuals and members of the global community. Your adventure in  Costa Rica will enable you to see yourself and the world from a new perspective, and give you invaluable experience to carry with you on your future endeavors. 

Travel and Activities:

  • During their stay abroad, students will be embarking on cultural outings. Possible weekly excursions may include:
  • White water rafting through rainforest canyons
  • Ziplinging through cloudforest canopies
  • Hiking at the base of the world’s most active volcano
  • Program Finale: Manuel Antonio National Park 

Housing:

Students will stay with carefully selected host families for the duration of the program. A home stay provides full immersion into Costa Rican culture and invaluable personal contact with locals. Experienced onsite coordinators will be available to assist with adjusting to host family life. While traveling with the group, students will stay in hotels or hostels. 

Requirements:

  • 15–18 years old
  • 2.5 GPA or higher (4.0 scale)
  • Sound and stable mental and physical health appropriate for international travel and rural accommodations
  • Flexible and mature personality, desire to be challenged, ability to remain open-minded and tolerant of cultural differences

Program fees help support ongoing development projects and include:

  • Roundtrip international airfare from an Ayusa hub city
  • Full time dedicated onsite coordinator
  • Full room and board
  • All domestic transportation upon arrival
  • Global Citizen Initiative curriculum delivery
  • Round table discussion with community members 
  • Community project planning, set-up, execution and follow-up
  • Project donation and purchase of project materials 
  • Cultural and adventure activities throughout the program
  • Pre-trip organizational discussions, orientations, and program materials
  • Extensive staff support throughout all phases of the program

Next Step: Start Your Application