Volunteer in Costa Rica

Volunteer in Costa Rica with INLEX and join a dedicated team of international volunteers making a positive impact in various fields. Alternatively, you can intern as well if you have experience in the chosen program or related field.

Why volunteer in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is widely known as a destination of great biodiversity, great beaches, warm culture, and stunning natural wonders. By joining our volunteer program in Costa Rica or internship program you will be able to experience Costa Rica in a very different and authentic way, immersing yourself in the “tico”(Costa Rican) way of life.
You will be working alongside other international volunteers and interns, making a positive impact in needed areas of Costa Rica. There are many fields to choose from including education, construction, medical programs and more. If you don’t find what you are looking for, get in touch with us as new opportunities are always becoming available.

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Why intern in Costa Rica?

Working since 2005, INLEX has created a wide network of opportunities for internships in Costa Rican organization and companies. Internships are available in different fields and some require previous knowledge, see below what we have available.

What is the difference between volunteering or interning ?

Program information at glance

Project options at glance in Costa Rica

+ Volunteer with children

Volunteer with children in Costa Rica by working in a daycare where you will be assisting local staff with cooking, elaborating educational material, playing games, teaching basic colors, letters and creating a safe environment for children from low-income communities. ​

+ Volunteer in education

Volunteer teaching children in schools of after school programs. You can teach a class directly or become a teacher assistant depending on the group, knowledge in a specific field, and other factors. Popular subjects include English teaching, math, art, science, and other core subjects.

+ Wildlife

Volunteer with wildlife in Costa Rica and support rich biodiversity. Volunteers work in wildlife refuges and re-rehabilitation centers with a variety of local species.

+ Sea turtles

Volunteer with sea turtles in the pacific coast of Costa Rica by helping during their nesting season in hatcheries,beach patrols and preservation education.

+ Volunteer in Environmental preservation

Environmental preservation volunteers work in national parks, environmental reservations, and research stations. The work revolves around keeping a healthy Eco-system, educational campaigns and sometimes research.

+ Pre med volunteering / Health care

Pre-med volunteering is perfect for people who are in pre-med stages or are thinking of majoring in medicine or a related field. As opposed to the medical intern program, volunteers in health support schools, elderly homes, chronic pain clinics, and programs for individuals with disabilities.

+ Special education volunteer

This program is designed to make the most out of education tailored to individuals with special needs. Volunteers in this program will be assisting and helping educate of people with various mental and physical disabilities.

+ Volunteer in construction

Are you good working with your hands and creating? Volunteer in Costa Rica in construction. In the project, you can help build or renovate houses, schools, community centers and more. Great for the physically active!

+ Women empowerment

Volunteer in Costa Rica in the women empowerment program that aims to teach low income and vulnerable women to overcome difficult situations; by giving them tools through education to improve their quality of life and heir families.

+ Medical internships

Costa Rica offers free healthcare to its citizens, but resources are limited and help is always needed. In the Medical internship program, you will be working side by side with Costa Rican doctors and nurses to treat patients in rural clinics or hospitals.

+ Microfinance and business training

The microfinance and business internship program is perfect for people with a background in finance, economics, accounting, marketing, and related fields. Interns in this program work to mentor small and medium business owners to have sustainable growth and the right tools to manage their company and small loans.

+ Physiotherapy internships

The physiotherapy internship program is for people that are studying or have completed a degree in physiotherapy, rehabilitation or occupational therapy. The clinic in Costa Rica focuses on individuals with restricted mobility and chronic pain. Interns can also help in physiotherapy sessions at an assisted living facility.

+ Veterinary

The veterinary volunteer program places vet students in clinics where they can assist veterinary doctors and technicians. Volunteers can work with animals by assisting doctors in medical procedures, feeding, bathing, brushing, obedience training, administering medicine, cleaning cages, and animal rehabilitation. Depending on experience, interns can help in vaccinations, surgeries, and diagnosis.

+ Dental clinic internships

Dental internships abroad are a great opportunity to work with seasoned professionals.

Why volunteer in Costa Rica with INLEX?

“Volunteering was always on my to do list and I was glad I had the chance to explore and travel Costa Rica this way. I loved my short time in San Ramon staying with my new family! Thanks to the staff and all the other volunteers for making this such a great experience!”

5/5
Two female volunteers, local staff and children in a small room with mattresses and beds
Two volunteers with local staff and volunteers on a INLEXCA child care project in Costa Rica

Ever wondered what it is like to volunteer in Costa Rica? Here at INLEXCA we have many different volunteer opportunities to fit your skills, desires and time scale. Fancy volunteering with kids? Well, we have a child care program and a teaching English program that might fit you! What about building or working with animals? We have environment, wildlife or construction programs that could interest you! Or, if you are trained in the business or medical field then working in Micro finance or Health and Medical programs might suit you better!

Whatever you fancy doing, you can find it within our INLEXCA program range in Costa Rica. Not convinced? Why don’t you take a look at this video: volunteers taking you through exactly what they do, day-to-day, in their different projects in Costa Rica!

Once that have convinced you, then please take a look at our website and application form to get your next trip signed and sealed!