Volunteer Costa Rica Internship descriptions: With the collaboration of volunteers through internship projects we get the chance to continually improve the development of the investigation projects, pursuing conservation of resources in areas of biological importance in the Central American tropics. We need people who want to have a rewarding experience doing an internship or a gap year project on behalf of the natural resources of Costa Rica and the world. It is also a great opportunity to learn about the culture, language, food and hospitality of Costa Rica in the Latin American context.
Important: Arrival flights must be before 10pm (no exceptions) to San Jose and departure flight should be after 1pm. And arrivals/departures only Mondays to Thursdays, Not Saturday or Sunday.
Mission: Through the Beach Investigation Program, we protect and conserve the nests and carry on a program of investigation which allows us to develop information leading to proper planning of tourist activities and to the efficient conservation and protection of the endangered species.
Participation objective
Apply knowledge in areas of natural sciences in terms of improving and supporting research activities in marine resource conservation in Costa Rica, fulfilling personal and professional academic requirements related to biodiversity conservation.
Duties of the intern
- Assist other volunteers in the roles assigned within the project
- Introduction to the methodology and data collection practices along with the basic biology of sea turtles
- Attend and participate in data collection on the beaches related to the tasks of monitoring species
- Attend the placement activities, harvesting, replanting, removal, monitoring and surveillance of nests according to preset protocols for sea turtle monitoring
- Assist in the release of baby turtles according to protocol
- Perform exhumations in the company of volunteer support
- Record and review the information to be recorded in the formats established by the protocol
- In addition, the intern will have to be responsible for the use and maintenance of tools, equipment and facilities of the project and other activities necessary for the normal performance of the project, considering the comments, recommendations and schedules of the volunteer coordinators in the project.
Important: Arrival flights must be before 10pm (no exceptions) to San Jose and departure flight should be after 1pm. And arrivals/departures only Mondays to Fridays, Not Saturday or Sunday.
Overview
- Project Duration: Only 12 weeks
- Project Dates: Year Round. Arrival/Departures weekends
- Requirements: No Spanish needed, independent bus ride to/from project site.
- Age Limits: Minimum 17yrs or older for solo travelers.
- Minimum Age: 12 to 16 yrs if traveling with parents. Families welcome all ages.
- Mandatory: 17 yrs must get escorted to the program by our staff, it's US$200 extra, round trip (if traveling without parents).
- Arrival airport: San Jose (SJO)
- Accommodation: On-site dorm style, beach cabana
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Airlines: American, United, Delta, US Airways, Copa, Taca, Avianca, Spirit Airways
- Vaccinations: Routine Vac, Hep-A and Typhoid wwwnc.cdc.gov/
Program Schedule
- Program starts and ends in San Jose
- Airport pick up. Project orientation and first night spent in San Jose.
- Transfer to bus station, including bus ticket to project
- Pick up at bus station and escort to project site on arrival at coast
- 6 days a week work shifts.
- Morning and late night volunteer shifts including night patrols.
- Transfer, bus fare back to San Jose. Pick up, last night in San Jose
- Airport transfer to San Jose Airport provided
- Support: Local ABV Director support 24/7 during placement
- Departure: ABV Staff Escorted Airport Transfer
Not included:
- Flights to Costa Rica. Visas and/or entry-exit fees. Vaccinations. Local Transportation. Travel & Health Insurance. Laundry and Internet
