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. 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.
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Where will I be volunteering?
You will be in working in 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.
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 am I going to be doing?
You will be involved in a range of tasks such as digging holes for the foundation, laying roof tiles, mixing cement or building septic tanks. You should not mind getting your hands dirty doing anything that is asked of you. The exact task you will be doing depends on which stage the building process is in when you join.
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 also be provided a local phone card for emergencies, as well as 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: 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 »
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: Josh Lowe, USA
They did not speak much English, and my Spanish was definitely beginner level. Read My Full Testimonial »
- Program Name: Volunteer
- Project Name: Volunteer Building Homes For Low Income Families in San Ramon, Costa Rica
- Project Category: Care and Community
- Project Location: San Ramon
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Project Testimonial: Dina Rickman, British
I feel like I’ve done something genuinely worthwhile and I’ve had a fantastic time. Read My Full Testimonial »
- Program Fee: A 2 week experience starts from $765; add $120 for each additional week
- Program fees include:
- Airport Pickup Service
- Welcome Orientation and debriefing
- A volunteer project
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Program Activities
- Project Donation
- The best in-country coordination support
- 24/7 emergency hot line
- Letter of Recommendation
- Certificate
- Items not included: Flights, travel insurance, vaccinations, visa costs, personal expenses, and any other expense not listed above
- 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)
- Language Requirement: Basic Spanish
- Accommodation Type:
- Meals: 2 Meals Breakfast and Dinner
- 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: Yes
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Project Testimonial: Charlotte Rankin, British
Before the volunteer project started my friends and I decided to spend four weeks travelling Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Read My Full Testimonial »
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