The Turtle Conservation project in Costa Rica was absolutely amazing. If I could give you any advice, it would be that you should come prepared to work. This is a serious conservation program run by people who have dedicated her life to the protection and preservation of sea turtles. If you are approaching this as a vacation, you will be coming from the wrong headspace. Treat this like a job. Come to the project for the right reasons and take it seriously, and you will feel wonderful. The effort is absolutely worth it, and the local team is a joy to work with. And of course, enjoy the natural beauty and wonder of this project and region.
![Christmas Holiday Experience Volunteer Program in Costa Rica - San Jose](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/projects/costa-rica/volunteer-abroad-in-costa-rica-ivhq-san-jose-holiday-experience-2.jpg?auto=format,compress)
Christmas Holiday Experience Volunteer Program in Costa Rica - San Jose
Purpose
Start dates
Duration
Volunteer hours
Age
Accommodation
!['Who is going' users image](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/avatars/who-is-going-blurred-users.png?w=112&h=40)
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Project details
Ready to put on your party shoes and be a Christmas Holiday Experience volunteer in Costa Rica - San José? International Volunteer HQ’s Christmas Holiday Experience project is a great way for volunteers to spend the Christmas and New Year season while also contributing towards important community initiatives. Volunteers will help out with community celebrations for children and the elderly, beautify community spaces and enjoy having free time to soak in San José’s vibrant atmosphere on public holidays.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
The holiday period in Costa Rica is vibrant, colorful and exciting. This special project is designed to help volunteers enjoy the festive season while pitching in with valuable community initiatives. Many projects are closed at this time of year, but this provides an inspiring way to still do something meaningful and contribute to the local community.
As a Christmas Holiday Experience volunteer, you’ll assist in a number of tasks, such as working with children and elderly, coordinating holiday celebrations for locals, and cleaning and renovating community centers.
Please note, the order of this work may be subject to change based on local requirements. In 2024, this project is only available to volunteers who begin the weeks of 23rd and 30th of December - volunteers should arrive on the day before the project starts.
See the Christmas Holiday Experience Schedule for 2024 to learn more about what to expect.
Why do Christmas Holiday Experience in San Jose volunteering in San Jose with IVHQ?
When you volunteer during the holidays in San José you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Bringing people together during the holiday season
- Providing companionship to the young and old
- Practicing your Spanish
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining childcare, elderly care and event planning experience
- Experiencing the festive season in Costa Rica
- Discovering Costa Rica’s lively capital, San José
Volunteer requirements
- Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program
- Volunteers aged 16 or 17 on their program start date are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.
- All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
- All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
- All volunteers must speak fluent English.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
!['Who is going' users image](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/avatars/who-is-going-blurred-users.png?w=112&h=40)
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Costa Rica photo gallery
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What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
I really enjoyed this experience and I am so glad to have had this opportunity. I met so many nice people and made friends from all over the world that I know I will keep in touch with. The host families were so nice and I am so happy to have met them. My advice to anyone thinking of joining this program would be to open yourself up to new experiences and meeting new people. This is not meant to be a luxury vacation but an opportunity to help a community and be immersed in their culture. I feel this was a wonderful way to learn to grow as a person and I hope I am able to do this again in the future.
From my experience I would say I’ve grown a lot in the past two weeks. Although it was a short time, it felt like I’ve been there for too much and I didn’t wanted to end. I’ve had the greatest time in Costa Rica, I’ve made so many friends from around the world and gained experience and tools that would help me for my professional and personal life. Advice that I’ll give to someone is that don’t hesitate just go for it, you’ll not regret it, it’s once in a life experience and you’ll get a lot from it. Also it’s a really fun and nice way to help the community and environment and to spend time doing something completely different and exciting.
The most memorable moment from my experience in Costa Rica was when we put our palm prints on our Team Manager Melissa's shirt after we finished painting the wall mural at the Children's placement. We were all happy admiring our work. Best high five ever! 😊This experience has given me more confidence to do things on my own. "Be open and flexible" is my new mantra. Thank you IVHQ for leading me to a new path, a new direction. To anyone still wondering if they should volunteer abroad, I'd say try it, you might like it! 😊
I loved working with the children and to get to know the culture, people, and what the country of Costa Rica is really like from an inside perspective. To anyone wondering if they should volunteer abroad, I can say they should go because it is a great experience to learn about the people, culture, and another country.
I was hesitant to volunteer abroad, too. There will be an adjustment period at first, but don’t let this worry you! If you go in with an open mind, you will adjust smoothly, and you will have an incredible volunteering experience! The local team and other volunteers are so kind and are always there to support you with anything you need.
I really enjoyed chatting, singing, dancing, and playing games with the elderly at a recovery center. Seeing the smiles on their faces made me smile! I can say that stepping out of my comfort zone to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate left the deepest impression on me after this experience.
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Academic course credit
![Academic course credit through International Volunteer HQ and Intern Abroad HQ.](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/pages/academic-credit/academic-college-credit-header.jpg?w=600&h=250&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress)
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditLocation
![Volunteer Abroad in Costa Rica San Jose with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/projects/costa-rica/volunteer-abroad-in-costa-rica-ivhq-san-jose-location.jpg?w=800&h=400&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress)
Location
San José is Costa Rica’s modern, metropolitan, cultural hub. The capital city has been hailed as one of the most visited destinations in Central America and is the central point for tourists arriving in Costa Rica. It’s got excellent eateries, an interesting variety of museums, markets, shops, parks and nightlife and is only a short trip to any of the numerous natural attractions and adventures in the region.
Arrival and orientation
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San José on the Sunday before your start date.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and taken to the volunteer accommodation in San José. This is included in your Program Fee.
We recommend that volunteers under the age of 18 travel internationally with a notarized letter from their parents to support their documentation. If you are traveling in Costa Rica prior to your program, the local team will pick you up at your San José accommodation the day before your orientation.
Your check out is at 11:00 AM on the last Saturday of your program. The compulsory program orientation is hosted by our Costa Rica team at their offices in San José on Sunday.
Orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Costa Rica – an introduction to Costa Rica, its customs, language training details, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in Costa Rica, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.
Volunteer schedule example
WEEK 1:
Sunday, December 22nd | Arrival & Orientation - Arrival, pick-up, transportation to housing and orientation. |
Monday, December 23rd | Community Beautification - Paint, garden, work on light repairs or construction work. Work varies depending on community needs. |
Tuesday, December 24th | Holiday Party for the Elderly - Spread the Holiday Spirit at an elderly home by playing games, preparing a special holiday snack, dancing, and providing much needed company and conversation. |
Wednesday, December 25th | Christmas Day - Enjoy the local festivities or explore on your own. |
Thursday, December 26th | Children’s Holiday Cookout - Accompany children to a local park to get fresh air and have a little holiday fun. Come ready to grill and distribute food and gifts to the kids! |
Friday, December 27th | People with Special Needs Holiday Party! - Spread the Holiday Spirit at a special needs home with activities and games, special holiday food, Santa, gifts, and socializing. |
Saturday, December 28th | Departure |
WEEK 2:
Sunday, December 29th | Arrival & Orientation - Arrival, pick-up, transportation to housing and orientation. |
Monday, December 30th | Community Beautification - Paint, garden, work on light repairs or construction work. Work varies depending on community needs. |
Tuesday, December 31st | Holiday Party for the Elderly - Spread the Holiday Spirit at an elderly home by playing games, preparing a special holiday snack, dancing, and providing much-needed company and conversation. |
Wednesday, January 1st | New Year’s Day - Enjoy the local festivities or explore on your own. |
Thursday, January 2nd | People with Special Needs Holiday Party! - Spread the Holiday Spirit at a special needs home with activities and games, special holiday food, Santa, gifts, and socializing. |
Friday, January 3rd | Children’s Holiday Party - Show the kids a great time for the holiday! Play games, arts and crafts–celebrate by bringing gifts and food to the project. |
Saturday, January 4th | Departure |
Accommodation and WiFi
In San Jose volunteers are accommodated in homestays with local families - it’s an immersive experience that connects you with an authentic insight into the Costa Rican way of life. You will find living conditions are comfortable and you can expect your accomodation to have electricity, drinkable running water and western bathrooms. Low pressure showers are common and the water is not always heated. Bedrooms have single and bunk beds with bedding provided. You can expect to share a room with up to six other volunteers of the same gender in most homestays It is possible for volunteers to upgrade to a private room (double bed, shared washroom) for $62 per person, per week.
If you are traveling as a family, the local team will place you in a separate homestay to ensure all family members are accommodated together.
Please note, volunteers under the age of 18 who are traveling solo will be accommodated separately from those over the age of 18. If there are other volunteers under the age of 18 participating at the same time, the local team will do their best to ensure they are accommodated together.
WiFi is available at the homestays, and you will also have access to computers and WiFi at the local team’s office in San José.
Meals
Volunteers are provided with breakfast and dinner at their accommodation. Breakfast typically consists of toast, fruit, eggs, rice and beans accompanied with tea or coffee. Dinner usually includes: meat (typically chicken), starches and vegetables. Costa Rica’s national dish, Gallo Pinto, is made of rice and beans and served with nearly every meal. Lunches are not provided to San José -based volunteers, as they are typically away from their accommodation at midday. Budget between AU$7 and AU$15 per day to buy lunch.
If you have specific dietary requirements, our local teams and homestays can cater to you, however keep in mind that as a volunteer, there is a need to be flexible.
![IVHQ volunteer meals at homestay in Costa Rica](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-costa-rica/volunteer-abroad-in-costa-rica-san-jose-ivhq-meal-homestay-1.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Meals provided at the IVHQ volunteer project homestay in Costa Rica](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-costa-rica/volunteer-abroad-in-costa-rica-san-jose-ivhq-meal-homestay-2.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ volunteer meals at homestay in San Jose, Costa Rica](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-costa-rica/volunteer-abroad-in-costa-rica-san-jose-ivhq-meal-homestay-3.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Meals provided at the IVHQ volunteer project homestay in San Jose, Costa Rica](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-costa-rica/volunteer-abroad-in-costa-rica-san-jose-ivhq-meal-homestay-4.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ volunteer breakfast in Costa Rica](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-costa-rica/costa-rica-san-jose-breakfast-ivhq.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Volunteer breakfast in Costa Rica with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-costa-rica/ivhq-costa-rica-manuel-antonio-breakfast.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Volunteer breakfast in San Jose, Costa Rica with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-costa-rica/ivhq-costa-rica-san-jose-breakfast.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Volunteer dinner in San Jose, Costa Rica with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-costa-rica/costa-rica-san-jose-dinner-ivhq.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Volunteer dinner in Costa Rica with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-costa-rica/ivhq-costa-rica-san-jose-dinner.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ volunteer dinner in Costa Rica](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-costa-rica/ivhqcosta-rica-manuel-antonio-dinner.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ volunteers dining in Costa Rica](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-costa-rica/ivhqcosta-rica-manuel-antonio-volunteers-dining.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ accommodation homestay kitchen and dinning area in San Jose, Costa Rica](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-costa-rica/volunteer-abroad-in-costa-rica-san-jose-ivhq-accommodation-homestay-kitchen.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ volunteer house living room in San Jose, Costa Rica](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-costa-rica/costa-rica-san-jose-living-room-ivhq.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ accommodation homestay living room in San Jose, Costa Rica](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-costa-rica/volunteer-abroad-in-costa-rica-san-jose-ivhq-accommodation-homestay-living-room.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ volunteer house bedroom in San Jose](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-costa-rica/costa-rica-san-jose-bedroom-ivhq.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Volunteer house bedroom in San Jose, Costa Rica with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-costa-rica/costa-rica-san-jose-volunteer-bedroom-ivhq.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Volunteer accomodation bedroom at local homestay family with IVHQ at San Jose, Costa Rica](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-costa-rica/volunteer-abroad-in-costa-rica-san-jose-ivhq-accommodation-homestay-bedroom-1.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Volunteer accomodation bedroom at local homestay family with IVHQ at Costa Rica](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-costa-rica/volunteer-abroad-in-costa-rica-san-jose-ivhq-accommodation-homestay-bedroom-2.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ accommodation homestay bedroom in San Jose, Costa Rica](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-costa-rica/volunteer-abroad-in-costa-rica-san-jose-ivhq-accommodation-homestay-bedroom-3.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ accommodation homestay bathroom in San Jose, Costa Rica](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-costa-rica/volunteer-abroad-in-costa-rica-san-jose-ivhq-accommodation-homestay-bathroom.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ accommodation homestay shower facilities in San Jose, Costa Rica](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-costa-rica/volunteer-abroad-in-costa-rica-san-jose-ivhq-accommodation-homestay-shower.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ volunteer house accommodation in Costa Rica](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-costa-rica/ivhq-costa-rica-manuel-antonio-volunteer-house-exterioe.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ accommodation homestay outside in San Jose, Costa Rica](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-costa-rica/volunteer-abroad-in-costa-rica-san-jose-ivhq-accommodation-homestay-outside.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
Pricing
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$329 (approximately AU$511) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
---|---|
1 week | $560 Equivalent to $80/day |
2 weeks | $945 Equivalent to $68/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately AU$511) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Costa Rica generally find US$150 - US$200 per week to be sufficient for expenses. Please note this budget is for general expenses and does not include money you will need for any weekend activities you plan to do.
- Breakfast and dinner
- Airport pick-up
- Transport to and from your placement each day
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Discounts on language lessons
- Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Lunch
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Free-time experiences & tours in San Jose
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with IVHQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in San Jose! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ San Jose program.
![Beach and Jungle Mini Adventure - Manuel Antonio](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/addons/international-volunteer-hq-tour-travel-add-on-costa-rica-manuel-antonio-beach-jungle-mini-adventure.jpg?w=570&h=260&fit=crop&auto=format,compress)
Immerse yourself in Manuel Antonio’s stunning natural beauty and thrilling activities on this 6-day adventure
![Coffee & Nature Experience - San Jose](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/addons/international-volunteer-hq-tour-travel-add-on-costa-rica-san-jose-adventure-combo.jpg?w=570&h=260&fit=crop&auto=format,compress)
Embark on a full-day adventure exploring La Paz Waterfall Gardens, an animal sanctuary, and a Poas Volcano Tour, followed by a Coffee Farm experience.
![Mini Adventure - San Jose](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/addons/international-volunteer-hq-tour-travel-add-on-costa-rica-san-jose-mini-adventure.jpg?w=570&h=260&fit=crop&auto=format,compress)
Experience a comprehensive 6-day Mini Adventure, featuring Arenal Volcano, the Britt Coffee Tour, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, whitewater rafting, and a visit to the pristine Tortuga Island.
Spanish language lessons
Fluency in Spanish is not a prerequisite for the IVHQ Costa Rica program, however, learning basic conversational Spanish will help you maximise the benefit of your program. The language lessons are tailored to each volunteer’s current level of Spanish and classes run from Monday through to Friday. The cost is very affordable and offered exclusively to IVHQ volunteers. Please note these lessons are not available on the Holiday Experience, Eco-Agriculture or Turtle Conservation projects.
San Jose Language Lessons:
- 2-hour Small Group Classes: US$180 (approximately AU$280) per week
- 1-hour Private Classes: US$205 (approximately AU$318) per week
- 2-hour Private Classes: US$400 (approximately AU$622) per week
Check what's required to visit Costa Rica
Safety and support
![Safety and support with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/pages/volunteer-health-and-safety/volunteer-health-and-safety-ivhq-hero.png?w=600&h=340&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress)
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
Capital | San Jose |
Population | 5 million |
Languages | Spanish |
Currency | Costa Rican Colón (CRC) |
Time zone | UTC−06:00 |
Weather and climate: Costa Rica is unequivocally a tropical country. Although you get much cooler temperatures in the mountains, the average annual temperature for most of the country lies between 71°F (21.7°C) and 81°F (27°C). The coolest months are from November through to January, and the warmest months are from March through to May. San Jose stands at approximately 1170 meters altitude and has a mean annual temperature of 69°F (20.6°C).
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