Construction Volunteer Program (Costa Rica)

Project Summary

Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful countries in the world with amazing natural vistas, stunning tropical beaches and incredible rainforests. It is also home to friendly people and a vibrant culture. As a result, the country’s tourism spots have been built up. However, a large portion of the country remains neglected. Many regions in Costa Rica lack basic infrastructures. Many people living in these underprivileged regions are poor and not able to afford the construction of new buildings and repairs.

The goal of this project is to help develop and uplift the underprivileged communities by building much needed infrastructures so that people can have a better quality of life and gain access to basic facilities. You will work to build and repair schools, clinics, churches and community centers. The construction work ensures that communities have safe living conditions and provides people with renewed hope, your support will have a positive influence in the communities.

Contact RCDP today to learn more about this Construction Opportunity in Costa Rica.

Skills/Qualifications Needed

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and it will be helpful to have basic construction skills but you can still volunteer without a construction background. Volunteers who are at least 16 years old can also volunteer with parental consent. Those below the age of 16 years old need to be accompanied by an adult, guardian or parent. You will also need to be physically fit as you will be required to do manual labor. You will also need to bring gloves, work boots, safety glasses.

Through not mandatory, it will be helpful to have a basic understanding of Spanish for a more immersive experience. If you want to learn Spanish, we offer Spanish classes that you can take while volunteering.

Volunteer's Responsibilities

You will help build or repair homes, community centers or schools. Your responsibilities will vary based on the project needs at the time and your skill set. Construction volunteers will work under the supervision of a professional local foreman and will assist with activities such as digging, laying bricks, painting, mixing cement, plastering, excavating, and installations among other kinds of manual work.

Project Location

The Construction Volunteer Program in Costa Rica is located in San Jose. San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica and the nation's largest city is a cultural hub, whose diversity is one of the attractions of the beautiful country. The presence of numerous historically important buildings and mind blowing museums makes it even more special, along with the fine restaurants and old bars that have been there for decades.

Accommodation/Meals and Supervision

Volunteers in Costa Rica will stay in a volunteer hostel or with a host family. The host family is well screened and used to having volunteers. The local coordinator will place you in the location they think is best. In either location you will have the opportunity to practice your Spanish and meet other volunteers and locals.

If you stay with a host family, you will have a shared room with kitchen and bathroom facilities. You will have the opportunity to do your own laundry or pay a small fee for someone else to do it for you. This can be arranged with your hosts. You will be provided 2-3 meals per day depending on the project, and can request a lunch "to go" if need be.

Throughout the volunteer project, our local staff stays in contact with volunteers either with face-to-face visits or via email/telephone. With longer placements, we visit our volunteers every two weeks (when possible) and volunteers are always welcome to contact the local country coordinator at any time.

On-going volunteer programs in Costa Rica

The Fee and Dates

RCDP Costa Rica Volunteer Programs start every Monday throughout the year.

Volunteer Program in Costa Rica

Every year hundreds of volunteers working with UK and USA based organizations end up paying up to $2500 to volunteer in Costa Rica for 2 weeks. Unfortunately, only a small portion of that money actually goes to host the local projects and host families. The local host projects, childcare centers, schools, and local NGO’s in Costa Rica are poor and need external support to run their programs. In our program, you will pay your fee directly to host families and projects upon arrival in Costa Rica. When you join our program, we will make sure that all of your money goes to the projects and host families. Part of your fees also helps us to cover our expenses. The program fee is divided into a registration fee ($279) and weekly fee for room, food, coordination, and project donation.
Click to find the allocation of $279

In Costa Rica, the weekly program fee is divided between coordination (services of local staffs), host family (room/2-3 local foods a day depending on the project), and project donation. Costa Rica is an expensive tourist destination; therefore, nearly 90% of your weekly fee goes to covering your food, room, and coordination. While 10% of your fee goes to the project as a material donation (not cash). Below is the breakdown of cost in on a weekly basis.

San Jose & Manuel Antonio Program Fees (US$)

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