This experience was truly unforgettable. I had never traveled internationally on my own before, so I was nervous not only about being in a foreign country alone but also about staying in someone else's home. However, from the moment I arrived in Costa Rica, I was welcomed with open arms at my homestay, and the local team was incredibly supportive. Volunteering abroad has always been a dream of mine because I’m passionate about social justice and helping others, and I feel so fortunate that IVHQ made this dream come true in such a remarkable way. This trip is something I will cherish for the rest of my life, and I definitely look forward to volunteering with IVHQ again.
Medical Campaign in Costa Rica - San Jose
Purpose
Start dates
Duration
Volunteer hours
Age
Accommodation
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
Part of a group that wants to do Medical volunteering in Costa Rica - San José? International Volunteer HQ’s Medical Campaign project enables groups of eight or more to do outreach volunteer work in communities in and around San José. These week-long campaigns involve visiting communities alongside local professionals to provide basic health services to those who might not otherwise have access to them. The campaign can be customized for specific medical specialties and levels of experience.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
A special project for groups of eight or more, this is an opportunity designed for groups who want to do specific health outreach work in San José. You can help to treat and educate patients, provide check ups and help with health education. If your group has a medical speciality, then your campaign can be tailored to provide particular specialist services. Groups can be student or independently-led, and the level of care you provide can also be customized to the experience of your group.
A volunteer Medical Campaign involves visiting and working with up to five communities throughout the week. The campaigns mean both children and adults are able to receive basic medical services in their own neighborhoods.
Why do Medical Campaign volunteering in San Jose with IVHQ?
While volunteering on the Medical Campaign project in San José you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Improving access to healthcare in San José’s neighborhoods
- Developing your teamwork and communication skills
- Gaining medical and community health experience
- Practicing your Spanish
- Immersing yourself in the Costa Rican culture
- Exploring the fabulous beaches of Costa Rica
Volunteer requirements
- To join a Medical Campaign volunteers must be either students in training at pre-medical and pre-nursing level and above, or fully qualified medical professionals.
- Volunteers must be a part of a group of eight or more.
- Volunteers need to be 18 years or over to participate in this program. If you are under the age of 18, IVHQ offers alternative volunteer opportunities for teens. Visit our High School Volunteer Abroad page to learn more.
- All volunteers are required to speak fluent English, have adequate volunteer travel insurance and provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
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?
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
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
I feel as though I gained a new understanding of the various cultures around me and this trip further reinforced my belief that practicing my Spanish is worth it. I left with many valuable memories.
Going out of your comfort zone and volunteering in this environment might be a scary idea, but you don't grow as a person by not trying new things.
I feel like I have learned to appreciate the small things in life more. If someone is hesitant, I would tell them to embrace the hesitancy because that is how you will dive into another countries culture and make a true difference. It is definitely worth the trip! Amazing experience.
Just do it! The trip and crew were amazing from planning to the actual mission trip!
I feel I gained insight on a different culture and if you're hesitant to join this program, DO IT! The experience is amazing and life changing. I feel it taught me to be more patient and understanding.
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Medical specialties
Campaigns can be customized for the following medical specialties:
- Dentistry
- Nursing
- Physical therapy
- General medicine
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 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 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 socializing.
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 a morning or afternoon shift, which will last around 3 to 5 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. |
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 - Travel and tour add-ons 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.
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.
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 CA$7 and CA$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.
Pricing
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately CA$442) 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.
The Medical Campaign program fee is CA$1250 per person for the week, and includes 24/7 support, accommodation, meals, airport transfers, Medical Campaign, private transportation to placement daily, program orientation and discounts on language lessons. All programs attract a Registration Fee (from US$299) on top of the Program Fee. A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
Popular add-ons & experiences in San Jose
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ San Jose program.
Immerse yourself in Manuel Antonio’s stunning natural beauty and thrilling activities on this 6-day adventure
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.
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
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 CA$111) per week
San Jose Language Lessons:
- 2-hour Small Group Classes: US$158 (approximately CA$233) per week
- 1-hour Private Classes: US$207 (approximately CA$306) per week
- 2-hour Private Classes: US$402 (approximately CA$595) per week
Check what's required to visit Costa Rica
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 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).