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This project is run by a foundation that finances rural housing in Costa Rica. They support the development in rural areas of Costa Rica to reduce migration to urban areas. Their main goal is to finance and manage housing construction, all aspects of repairing, building and renovating homes and community buildings. This foundation uses local labor forces and international volunteers for the construction of these houses, which also generates an additional income for most rural families. The foundation is responsible for the application process for applying for a home, supervision of the building process and collecting monthly loan payments.

Where will I be volunteering?

You will be in working in the rural areas of San Ramón, one of the larger Central Valley coffee towns and set in a scenic basin enclosed by rolling mountains. It is a very unique and close knit town. National Geographic Magazine referred to San Ramón as having "the best climate in the world." Located in the Alajuela province, San Ramón is about an hour away from the capital city of San José and Pacific coast beaches. Just south of Costa Rica's cloud forest belt and east of Lake Arenal, San Ramón is the ideal location for travel around Costa Rica. Apart from its weather and central location, the people of San Ramón shine as the friendliest people you will meet in Costa Rica. They are genuinely welcoming to all travelers and are eager to make everyone feel welcome. The University of Costa Rica campus in the town ensures that San Ramón has a vibrant night life.

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Project Testimonial: Rosie Shelton, New Zealand

Arriving in Costa Rica was a bit of a shock for me, being the first non western, non English speaking country I had ever been to. Instantly I was bombarded with the language and culture change but loved every part of this new environment. Read My Full Testimonial »

What will I be doing?

The exact type of building work you will be doing depends on the project and at which stage of the process it is at when you join the project. You will be involved in a range of tasks such as digging holes for the foundation, laying roof tiles, fixing dilapidated buildings, painting walls of schools and community buildings, mixing cement or building septic tanks etc.

What is required to volunteer on this project?

  • Language Requirement: Basic Spanish
    If you are interested in learning more Spanish, we offer Spanish Language Courses that can be taken prior to project placement.
  • Must be 18 years or older.

What will my schedule be like?

uVolunteer believes that you should have a well balanced work and play schedule. This means you will only be required to work 4 days per week (Monday to Thursday) for a maximum of 6 hours per day. For the remainder of your time, you will be free to enjoy the vacationing aspects of your trip.

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Will I be able to communicate with family and friends?

Internet cafes in San Ramón give you the opportunity to communicate with your friends and family members. You will find pay phones dispersed throughout the town, which you can use to make local or international calls with a calling card. You will be directed to areas in which you can purchase international cards to phone home. Depending on your host family, you may be able to accept international calls in your house.

Project Testimonial: Tia Metzger, USA

After graduating this spring from University I knew I wanted to do something different, a change from studying, tests and also to try something exciting before starting a career. Read My Full Testimonial »

What can I do in my free time?

uVolunteer anticipates and encourages your desire for travel and adventure. Your time away from volunteering is open for you to decide your activities. You may decide to take advantage of the local culture and spend time within the community over the weekend. Otherwise, there is ample opportunity to explore Costa Rica and all it has to offer. San Ramón is incredibly beautiful and full of fun activities in which you can take part. It is also conveniently located to beaches and other tourist-friendly areas.

Great weekend trips include:

  • Arenal Volcano National Park in La Fortuna
  • Póas Volcano National Park in Cartago
  • Canopy tours in Monteverde
  • Museums in San José
  • Rafting on the Pacuare River in Turriabla
  • Surfing in Jacó, Puerto Viejo, Tamarindo, and Montezuma

Project Testimonial: Vladimir Aristov, USA

All in all, Costa Rica brings a lot to the table, from construction to teaching English, to relaxing and taking it all in on the beaches of Puerto Viejo, I’ve definitely had my fair share of indulgence. Read My Full Testimonial »

  • Program Name: Volunteer Costa Rica
  • Project Name: Volunteer in Building and Constructing Homes in Costa Rica
  • Project Category: Care and Community
  • Project Location: San Ramon

  • Project Testimonial: Josh Lowe, USA

    They did not speak much English, and my Spanish was definitely beginner level. Read My Full Testimonial »

  • Program fees include:
    • Organizing your Volunteer Placement
    • Accommodation
    • Meals
    • Free Internet Access
    • Airport Pickup Service
    • Travel Insurance, Read Full Policy Details
    • Orientation and City Tour (in-country)
    • 24/7 in-country Support
    • Social Activities
    • Letter of Completion
  • Items not included: Flights, visa costs, transportation (excluding airport pick-up) airport drop-off, dorm lunches and weekend meals and all other personal expenses not listed above.

    • Send me this project's full information packet

  • Project Transport Arrangements: Public bus and taxi
  • Suggested transportation budget: Approximately $20 per week (does not include weekend travel expenses)
  • Working Schedule: Monday through Thursday; 3-7 hours per day (Girls:3-4 hours per day, Boys:5-7 hours per day)
  • Project Closed Dates:
    • Easter Week
    • First two full weeks of July
    • Christmas/New Year vacation
      • Plus local national holidays as shown in your Volunteer Handbook
  • Language Requirement: Basic Spanish
  • Accommodation Type: Dorm
  • Meals: 2 Meals Breakfast and Dinner; Monday to Friday
  • Start dates: Fortnightly, on Fridays
  • Volunteer Gender: Male & Female
  • Minimum age: 18
  • Minimum project length: 2 Weeks
  • Maximum project length: 52 Weeks
  • Maximum number of volunteers: 12
  • Resume or CV required: No

Send me this project's full information packet