Int’l Internship & Volunteer Network Discover Infinite Possibilities   Discover Costa Rica ~ Premier Programs San Joaquin de Flores, Heredia and San José   In and around San José and Heredia you will find the heart of the business, political, educational, cultural, health and social services sectors of Costa Rica. From busy downtown streets to the cooler slopes of coffee country, the opportunities for an amazing experience await you!   ~ ~ ~   Program & Placement Opportunities Applicant Requirements Start Dates & Duration Program Fees & Inclusions Application Process ~ Benefits of Participation Other Important Information   ~ ~ ~

Program & Placement Opportunities   Interning or Volunteering in Costa Rica is a great way to get involved, improve the community, make friends, practice your Spanish and learn new skills.  Private organizations and businesses, NGOs, and governmental organizations in Costa Rica provide opportunities for participants to be involved in a wide range of their activities.   Placement opportunities include adult education, teaching English and providing support for teachers in the public schools, collaboration in Costa Rica’s impressive national park service, organic farming, social service, rural cooperatives, hospitals and emergency care, turtle rescue, businesses and even the National Congress.   Premier program participants also have an opportunity to spend two weeks living and working with a rural cooperative dedicated to agro tourism on the Pacific Coast, where 70 families are working in social and economic development projects such as tree planting and reforestation, growing of fruits and vegetables and protection of the environment through collective activity. In addition to a biological preserve, the cooperative maintains a rescue center for the care and release into the wild of birds such as the red macaw, deer, monkeys and aguti pacas. The cooperative maintains a small inn and restaurant for tourists, which provides income and training for the members of the cooperative in the tourism industry.

For further details regarding each week of our Discover Costa Rica Premier Program, click on your link of interest below;     Week 1 – Orientation & Language Classes Weeks 2 & 3 – Internship or Volunteer Program Week 4 – Holiday Week   ~ ~ ~   Week 1 – Orientation & Language Classes   The Orientation Week is the first step towards an amazing stay in a new country!  During this week, participants will attend language classes four (4) hours a day, in addition to meeting the local people and becoming familiar with the local customs. The Introduction Week will take place at the Institute San Joaquίn de Flores.   ~ ~ ~

Weeks 2 & 3 – Internship or Volunteer Program   In addition to the opportunities noted above, Our Discover Costa Rica Premier Program offers placements in the following fields.  Should you not find the field you are most interested in listed, just let us know!  It would be our pleasure to customize a program that would meet your needs!   Agriculture Organic Agriculture Dairy Farms   Business Multinational Companies   Education Public Elementary Schools Public High Schools   Environment Reforestation and management of river banks Recycling Turtle Rescue** Rural Cooperatives* National Parks*   Social Service and Health Care Public Hospitals and Clinics - specifically the Cruz Roja, Red Cross Emergency Care and a hospital in Heredia, in which participants may observe and assist in activities related to patient care. Care of the homeless, of which many are mentally challenged. Senior Citizen Care Centers for indigent and drug dependent individuals. Training Centers for families in poverty. Half-Way houses for young girls and adolescent women. Nurseries   *Cooperative & National Park placements are subject to an additional cost for room and board.  Cost will vary depending upon location.   Participants should budget an average of $20 additional dollars per day.   **Turtle Rescue placements are subject to an additional cost for room and board.  Participants should budget an average of $40 additional dollars per day.   ~ ~ ~

Week 4 – Holiday Week   The holiday week is an action packed and fun filled week dedicated to getting to know Costa Rica, and learn why it is recognized as the top “ecotourism” destination in the hemisphere. Participants will experience unforgettable personal contact with wildlife and the rivers, forests, and volcanoes of this endlessly fascinating country where nature is the star attraction!   During this week, participants will be taken on three different trips to three different parts of the country. Tortuguero, the Pacuare River and Arenal.  All meals and lodging is included when traveling to Tortuguero and Arenal. The Pacuare River is close enough to return participants to their accommodations for the night, prior to departing for Arenal.   The first three days participants will experience the Tortuguero National Park, one of Costa Rica’s top wildlife destinations, on the Caribbean coast. This part of the world is an extremely humid habitat (an average of 5000 mm of rainfall annually), and downpours are frequent.

The first day participants will be picked up at the Instituto San Joaquín de Flores and driven to the Tortuguero National Park. On the way we will stop at a major banana plantation and see how bananas are grown, harvested, and transported, as well as a tour of the town created by the company for its workers.  Participants will then travel by boat through the winding canals of the Tortuguero river and see the many species of trees, plants and flowers, jaguars, sloths, monkeys, the famous tiny green frogs, manatees, river otters and a wide diversity of fish, reptiles, and insects. The 31,187 hectare park includes the Caribbean’s largest breeding ground for the green sea turtle. Depending on the season, you may be able to watch turtles laying eggs or eggs being hatched (best time for this is the month of April).  There are over 300 species of birds, including great green macaws, parrots and herons.    The second day, participants will visit the town of Tortuguero, take a trip to the lagoon, and a hike up the Torguero mountain located in the Barra de Colorado wildlife preserve.  This area boasts magnificent views of the forest, canals and the village of Tortuguero.   The third day completes the trip to the Tortuguero area with a visit to the biological station Caño Palma. You will spend your nights in a rustic lodge, the Vista al Mar.   Day 4 takes participants to the Pacuare River.  Located in the central valley, the Pacuare River is one of the five top rivers for rafting in the world thanks to its spectacular rapids and natural beauty.  The river boasts runs down canyons and gorges, surrounded by virgin forest walls high above you, past the Cabecar Indian villages, past jungles teaming with animal life this tropical forest experience offers a unique way to appreciate the beauty that is Costa Rica.  Following your visit to the river, participants will return to their accommodation to prepare for the next day.

During the final three days, participants will enjoy a visit to the Arenal Volcano and surrounding area. The route passes by small homes and farms, and the town of La Fortuna. The highlight of the trip is, of course, the volcano itself and surrounding area. Arenal is currently one of the most active volcanos in Central America, continuously sending clouds of smoke  and sparks into the air. There are options to go on a wildlife spotting tour, visit waterfalls, ride horseback, visit the volcano, and relax in the thermal waters of the volcano at the local Tabacón or Baldi thermal hot springs.  Spend the night at one of the local inns or lodges.   * Holiday Week excursions may vary based on whether conditions.   ~ ~ ~   Start Dates & Program Duration    Our Premier* Programs begin the first Monday of every month, year-round, and are based on a duration of 4 weeks.   Participation may be extended up to a maximum of 6 months for an additional fee per week.   *Programs are not offered during the Christmas Holiday.   ~ ~ ~

Accommodations, Meals & Transportation     Accommodations:  Our Premier Programs in Costa Rica include your choice of the two housing options noted below.   Option A:  Accommodations with a host family in San Joaquín de Flores. Participants will be placed in a single room of a host family and will enjoy 3 meals per day.  All home- stay accommodations are within walking distance of the Instituto San Joaquín de Flores where Spanish class is taught and which is the program base for the participants.   Option B:  Accommodation in the San Lorenzo Inn, a small hotel near San Joaquín de Flores, with breakfast only, offered daily.     Meals:  Participants will enjoy 3 meals per day during their home stay, should they choose this option. Should you prefer to eat out, typical Costa Rican food is inexpensive and quite good. The food in San Joaquín de Flores, Heredia and San José is as diverse as the international population; Italian, Japanese, French, Mexican, American,  and of course, Costa Rican food.  Dining out and sampling all of the different cuisine can get expensive, so please keep this in mind when budgeting for your trip.     Transportation: We are pleased to provide participants with transportation to/from the airport of the host country to their housing location.  There are multiple means of transportation around Costa Rica. There are several airlines that service various airports around the country.  Public and private bus services are very popular and less expensive ways of traveling.  Locally, busses and taxis are the most common ways of getting around town.       ~ ~ ~

Discover Costa Rica Premier Program Fee & Inclusions   The cost of our Discover Costa Rica Premier Program is $2750.00 USD. In addition to the standard Premier Program Inclusions noted below, this program also includes:   Accommodations - Our Premier Programs in Costa Rica include your choice of the two housing options noted below. Option A:  Accommodations with a host family in San Joaquín de Flores. Participants will be placed in a single room of a host family and will enjoy 3 meals per day.  All home- stay accommodations are within walking distance of the Instituto San Joaquín de Flores where Spanish class is taught and which is the program base for the participants. Option B:  Accommodation in the San Lorenzo Inn, a small hotel near San Joaquín de Flores, with breakfast only, offered daily. Meals - Participants will enjoy 3 meals per day during their home stay, should they choose this option. Should you prefer to eat out, typical Costa Rican food is inexpensive and quite good. The food in San Joaquín de Flores, Heredia and San José is as diverse as the international population; Italian, Japanese, French, Mexican, American,  and of course, Costa Rican food.  Dining out and sampling all of the different cuisine can get expensive, so please keep this in mind when budgeting for your trip.   Holiday Week/Planned Sightseeing Activities - An outline of the final week of your program may be found under Week 4 – Holiday Week noted above.  During this week, participants will have an opportunity to reflect on their project experience and further enjoy the many unique sights that Costa Rica has to offer.   Ground Transportation will be provided to/from the airport and to all planned sightseeing & holiday week activities.  Participants will be on own for any transportation outside of those noted.     ~ ~ ~

Other Important Information    When planning a trip to San Joaquín de Flores, Heredia, and San José, participants should budget for spending between $500 USD to $1500 USD. This will cover additional food, independent travel and transportation/social activities outside of those noted above.     Currency Exchange/Bank Machines/ATM's:  Costa Rica’s Currency is the Colón. Currently the Exchange rate is about 525 Colones / us$ 1, but the rate is not fixed and fluctuates.  Banking Hours are from 9 AM to 6 PM and ATMs are readily available 24 hrs a day.   Language Proficiency & Lessons:   Participants interested in a placement in Costa Rica must possess an intermediate+ Spanish language level, unless the placement of choice requires otherwise.   Language classes are provided four (4) hours daily during the Orientation Week.  Participants interested in taking additional language lessons should contact IIVN for further details and options available.   Vaccinations Required:  We recommend participants personally contact their primary care physician to determine exact vaccinations that are required for their trip.    Additional vaccination information may be found by visiting the following links;   Center for Disease Control - Provides country by country health information for international travel.  Includes vaccine recommendations, health recommendations, updates on disease outbreaks, with descriptions and recommended treatment.   World Health Organization - Can view risks by country or by disease.  Provides vaccination requirements, information on accidents, infectious diseases, and traveler checklist.  Provides health and disease alerts.    Visa:   Participants must obtain a TOURIST VISA to enter Costa Rica.  We strongly encourage participants visit the Costa Rican Embassy web site in their home country for further details in regard to visa & legal document requirements.     ~ ~ ~   Apply for a Program Return to Home Page   ~ ~ ~     Standard Premier Program Inclusions   IIVN & Receiving Organization Program Application Fees.   Preferred Placement Matching ensures each IIVN participant is given placement priority over other programs participants.    Passport & Visa Assistance      Airport Transfers upon arrival/departure in Host Country.   Arrival Orientation to ensure a smooth transition. Will vary based on country selected and may include language instruction, native food & cooking techniques, an introduction to the host countries culture and customs including traditional dance, music, religion & other social activities.   Professional Guidance in securing Int’l Travel /Medical Insurance.     Customized and Professional Program Development - taking into consideration each participant's personal goals, experience and qualifications, in addition to the Host Employer/Association needs.   Confirmed Program Placement - prior to departure.    Pre-Departure Materials - including detailed Participant Handbook outlining important Int’l Travel & Program Information.   Academic Credit – Your higher education institution maintains complete decision making over the extension of credit for participation.  IIVN is pleased to provide your educational institution with information necessary in an effort to assist the institution with this decision.   Certificate of Completion Local Program Supervision, 24/7 Emergency Service and Participant Support - to ensure all of your needs are met.   Project Training & Materials to assist with your assigned project tasks.   IIVN Commitment to ensuring that every participant is 100% satisfied with every aspect of their program!  The highest level of personal attention and service is provided to each participant, prior to and throughout their program duration.  Unless otherwise noted, our Discover Costa Rica Premier Programs DO NOT include:  ·         Passport/Visa Fees or Other Necessary Legal Work/Travel Documents ·         Int’l Travel/Medical Insurance ·         Personal Expenses ·         Immunization Fees (as applicable)  ·         Ground Transportation outside of what is noted above. ·         Accommodation upgrades or housing options outside of what is noted above.   ~ ~ ~