This is one of the best decisions I have made in my life and I am very thankful for having trusted IVHQ. Everything was as it was explained and it was very reassuring as I traveled alone in an unknown country. The whole experience has made me feel even more confident and humble. It was such an enriching experience and I met so many interesting and inspiring people on the way.
Women’s Empowerment Volunteer Project in Costa Rica - San José
Purpose
Empower women to access education and financial independence
Start dates
Programs start every Monday
Duration
Choose from 1-24 weeks
Volunteer hours
4 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Accommodation
Local homestay
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:
Compassionate, open-minded individuals who are passionate about gender equality and community development. It suits volunteers who enjoy working closely with people and can share their experience within education, business, social work, or simply have a desire to help!
Project details
In Costa Rica, many single mothers, migrant women, and women from indigenous communities face systemic barriers that limit their access to education and employment. As a volunteer, you’ll stand shoulder to shoulder with these women supporting their journey toward personal growth, professional empowerment, and stronger, more vibrant communities.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
Work alongside women to help level the playing field and build brighter futures together! You’ll have the chance to promote growth, nurture professional development, and uplift entire communities. Through your contribution, you’ll help expand opportunities and empower women to shape independent, purpose-driven futures.
Volunteers can join scheduled workshops at the project site and assist local facilitators throughout the program. Typical volunteer tasks include:
- Support workshops: Assist with activities such as soap-making, baking, crafts, and other hands-on sessions.
- Share your skills: Help teach basic financial literacy, marketing, computer skills, makeup application, or any practical skill you have.
- Encourage and connect: Spend time with participants, helping to build confidence and foster a supportive environment.
- Promote leadership: Help facilitate group discussions and activities that strengthen community leadership.
To make the most of your experience, it’s helpful to have some Spanish language skills, as many of the women involved have limited or no English.
Why do Women’s Empowerment volunteering in San José with IVHQ?
When you volunteer with women in San José you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Help tackle barriers that limit women’s access to education and economic independence
- Support local initiatives that uplift single mothers, migrants, and indigenous women
- Lead and assist with workshops in English, business skills, and community outreach
- Improve your Spanish and develop a deeper appreciation for Costa Rican customs and values
- Work alongside women from diverse backgrounds and learn to connect across cultures
Volunteer requirements
Volunteers need to be 18 years to participate in this program. If you are under 18, IVHQ offers alternative volunteer opportunities for teens. Visit our High School Volunteer Abroad to explore these options.
Volunteers aged over 18 on their start date are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
All volunteers must speak English and have adequate volunteer travel insurance.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
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.
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IVHQ Animal Care project
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IVHQ Eco-Agriculture project
IVHQ Healthcare project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Christmas Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Dentistry project
IVHQ Eco-Agriculture project
IVHQ Healthcare project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Christmas Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Dentistry project
IVHQ Eco-Agriculture project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Christmas Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Dentistry project
IVHQ Eco-Agriculture project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Christmas Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Christmas Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Exploring Costa Rica during the weekend
Academic course credit
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
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 travelling 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 11am 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 or Monday.
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 socialising.
Volunteer schedule example
First day
You will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working with.
Weekdays
During the week, you will have either a morning or afternoon shift, which lasts 4 hours. Your volunteer work and hours are dependent on the location and type of project you are participating in but a typical morning schedule is as follows:
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast with your host family. |
| 9:00 AM | Leave home and travel to your placement. You will join the local staff and will receive a duty roster and plan for work. |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch at a local restaurant. |
| 1:00 - 6:00 PM | Work at the placement usually ends. You are free to travel back to your accommodation, go sightseeing or take Spanish lessons. |
| 7:00 PM | Dinner with the host family. |
Please note that the schedule may occasionally change due to weather, public or school holidays, or other unforeseen events that could affect your placement. We recommend checking in advance whether your intended travel dates coincide with any public or school holidays.
Weekends
Whether you want to explore or relax on your weekends in San José , there’s plenty of opportunity to do both. Stroll down the bustling Central Avenue in downtown San José and take in a museum, listen to street performers or do some shopping. Then check out the stunning architecture of the National Theater of Costa Rica, taste-test the city’s fabulous coffee or sample a brew from San José ’s blossoming craft-beer industry.
It’s worth noting that Sunday is a religious day of rest and many stores and restaurants will be closed. Costa Ricans tend to devote Sundays to spending time with their family. If you wish, you can accompany your host family to their local church, as a Latin American church service is a unique and special experience for many volunteers.
On long weekends you may choose to travel around the rest of Costa Rica and the many cities, volcanoes, jungles, coffee plantations and beaches which are more than worth a visit. Many of these are only a short trip from San José .
Most IVHQ volunteers choose to take advantage of our Costa Rica tours and experiences in their free time. Please note that volunteers on more remote projects such as Turtle Conservation and Eco-Agriculture Conservation will only be able to join these activities before or after their program.
Looking for more ideas of things to do in Costa Rica? Check out our Costa Rica Tours & Experiences!
Accommodation and WiFi
In San José 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.
Single occupancy private rooms are available upon request for an additional cost, offering you the ultimate comfort and privacy during your stay.
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$14 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.
Typical volunteer meals
Typical volunteer meals
Typical volunteer meals
Typical volunteer meals
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer dinner
Volunteer accommodation dining room
Accommodation homestay kitchen
Volunteer accommodation living room
Accommodation homestay living room
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer bedroom
Accommodation homestay bedroom
Accommodation homestay bedroom
Accommodation homestay bedroom
Accommodation homestay bathroom
Accommodation homestay shower
Volunteer accommodation
Accommodation homestay
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$329 (approximately AU$481), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$329 (approximately AU$481) 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 Fee
Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $555 Equivalent to $79/day |
| 2 weeks | $855 Equivalent to $61/day |
| 3 weeks | $1,165 Equivalent to $55/day |
| 4 weeks | $1,430 Equivalent to $51/day |
| 5 weeks | $1,645 Equivalent to $47/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,860 Equivalent to $44/day |
| 8 weeks | $2,290 Equivalent to $41/day |
| 10 weeks | $2,720 Equivalent to $39/day |
| 12 weeks | $3,150 Equivalent to $38/day |
| 16 weeks | $4,010 Equivalent to $36/day |
| 20 weeks | $4,870 Equivalent to $35/day |
| 24 weeks | $5,730 Equivalent to $34/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately AU$481) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Breakfast and dinner
- Airport pick-up
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country emergency 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
- Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
- Discounts on language lessons
- Discounts on travel, tours, and experiences
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Lunch
- Transport to and from your placement each day
- 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.
Popular tours & experiences in San José
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular tours and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ San José program.
Basic Central America: Guatemala to Costa Rica (17 days, 16 nights)
Soak up the authentic local cultures of Central America on this 17-day whirlwind trip of entrancing scenery and laid-back vibes. Enjoy a blend of public and private transportation as you traverse the Pacific Coast, tropical rainforests, and roads less travelled through Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. From a community guesthouse stay on the island of Ometepe to beach time in El Tunco, get ready for infinite memories to be made along the way.
From AU$2555
Beach and Jungle Mini Adventure - Manuel Antonio
Immerse yourself in Manuel Antonio’s stunning natural beauty and thrilling activities on this 6-day adventure
AU$1347
Coffee & Nature Experience - San José
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.
AU$324
Spanish language lessons
No need to be fluent in Spanish to join the IVHQ Costa Rica program—but imagine how much more you can get out of your experience by learning some basic Spanish! Our tailored language lessons are designed to meet you at your current level and help you feel more confident in everyday conversations. Classes run Monday to Friday, and the best part? They’re super affordable and available exclusively for IVHQ volunteers. Dive deeper into the culture and make your experience truly unforgettable!
Online lessons:
- 1-hour Private Classes: US$75 (approximately AU$109) per week
San José Language Lessons:
- 2-hour Small Group Classes: US$158 (approximately AU$230) per week
- 1-hour Private Classes: US$227 (approximately AU$331) per week
- 2-hour Private Classes: US$442 (approximately AU$646) per week
Check what's required to visit Costa Rica
Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.
Safety and support
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 José |
| 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 José stands at approximately 1170 meters altitude and has a mean annual temperature of 69°F (20.6°C).
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
CM
Caroline Martin
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CL
Chris Lee
Volunteering abroad with IVHQ was one of the most meaningful decisions I've ever made, and I can't recommend it highly enough to anyone considering taking the leap.
From the very beginning, IVHQ made what could have felt like an overwhelming experience feel safe, supported, and genuinely well cared for. They checked in constantly — not just at the start, but throughout my entire trip — making sure everything was okay: my host family situation, the facilities, my volunteer assignment, even the food. That level of attentiveness gave me the confidence to fully immerse myself in the experience instead of worrying about logistics.
Staying with a local host family was, without question, one of the highlights. Coming home each day to home-cooked meals and genuine conversation gave me a window into daily life that no hotel or tourist itinerary ever could. I didn't just visit a new culture — I lived it, even if only for a while. That authenticity is something I'll carry with me forever.
The volunteer work itself gave me the chance to actually make a difference, in ways both big and small, while learning just as much as I gave. And beyond the assignment itself, IVHQ's sheer range of programs across so many countries means there's truly something for everyone, whatever your interests or goals.
What struck me most, though, was how the entire experience pushed me outside my comfort zone in the best possible way. I grew as a person, met incredible people from all walks of life, and discovered skills and passions I didn't know I had. IVHQ didn't just organize a trip for me — they created the conditions for real personal growth, wrapped in a program that felt safe, thoughtful, and genuinely supportive every step of the way.
If you're on the fence about volunteering abroad, I can't recommend IVHQ enough. It's an experience that will stay with you long after you're back home.
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ZG
Zaida Gonzalez
This experience was truly eye-opening and unforgettable. I’ve had the privilege of traveling with IVHQ before, but this was by far one of the best trips I’ve been on. The local team made our experience exceptional - they were incredibly welcoming and always willing to teach us about medicine, Costa Rican culture, and the local community. They created an environment where we felt safe, comfortable, and fully immersed in the experience.
I would highly recommend this program to anyone interested in volunteering in Costa Rica. It was an incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and make meaningful connections. I’m already looking forward to planning my next adventure with IVHQ!
...
LF
Lydia Furman
Volunteering with IVHQ has been a rewarding and memorable experience. It has given me a greater understanding of a new culture, community, and way of life, as well as a deeper appreciation for the commitment and compassion that go into animal welfare.
For anyone who is interested in joining the program but feels hesitant to, I would recommend starting with a short-term placement. It gives you a good idea of what to expect without the commitment of being away from home for an extended time, which can feel daunting. The support network, whether it's the local team or your fellow volunteers, is incredible, and there is always someone you can talk to who will help you adjust and settle in.
Before joining, I would also recommend doing as much research as possible. Reach out to past volunteers, read the program description to understand the types of tasks you may be involved in, and learn more about the location. If you like the program overall but feel that certain tasks are outside your comfort zone, you can usually opt out of specific activities, so try not to worry too much about that.
My final piece of advice is to keep an open mind and fully immerse yourself in the experience. It is an incredibly rewarding opportunity, and you'll gain far more from it by embracing every aspect of the journey.
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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
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