Programme details
| Programme length | Start | End | Price | Age on departure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community Service Programme | August 2008 | February 2009 | $8,250 + 300 | 18 - 25 |
Costa Rica, situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, was named by the Spanish as “the rich coast”. Costa Rica is the wealthiest country in Central America, with a strong American influence.
The people of Costa Rica are called “Ticos” and are proud with strong religious values. Costa Rica is dedicated to peace and is one of the few nations which does not have an army, instead investing in health care and education.
The people are relaxed and friendly. Their greatest joy is to make visitors feel welcome and to enjoy their time. Unlike its neighbours, Costa Rica has a high European population and a hot and sometimes very humid climate.
Family life
Most Costa Rican families are conservative and strictly adhere to the Roman Catholic values. Meal times are family times and most host families prefer just the family and extended family for meals.
Community Service in Costa Rica
Programmes include educating local communities about sustainable development and the protection of natural resources, helping at a women’s refuge, working with low income families to help them build houses and assisting at a shelter for babies and pregnant women.
On top of visa costs, up to $500 worth of document translation costs may apply. A level of basic Spanish is preferred. Smokers, vegetarians and those allergic to animals are harder to place.
