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.
Healthcare Volunteer Project in Costa Rica - Manuel Antonio
Purpose
Improve access to quality healthcare
Start dates
Programs start every Monday
Duration
Choose from 3-24 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+
Accommodation
Homestay or Volunteer house
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 volunteers at any point of their healthcare career journey, who are interested in improving the lives of local vulnerable populations.
Project details
International Volunteer HQ’s Healthcare project empowers volunteers to assist in caring for the elderly and individuals with a diverse range of special needs. Set against the picturesque backdrop of one of Costa Rica’s most idyllic national parks, volunteers will contribute to improving access to quality healthcare for the people of Manuel Antonio by providing essential support and care to those in need.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
IVHQ’s Healthcare project in Manuel Antonio is set in community facilities that care for disabled people and the elderly. The healthcare system in Costa Rica is relatively well developed, however local staff work hard and appreciate the assistance of volunteers as well as the opportunity for cross-cultural learning. As a Healthcare volunteer you’ll be assisting with:
- Providing much-needed companionship to patients
- Engaging in conversation-talk therapy
- Assisting residents during exercise programs and arts and crafts projects
- Supporting staff with feeding, bathing, and changing beds
- Distributing and sorting medication
- Assist with administrative work and filing
- Go on home visits to see patients who are elderly or have mobility issues
Volunteers are required to bring their own PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) to the program, including their own scrubs, disposable latex gloves, surgical masks, and closed-toed shoes.
Why do Healthcare volunteering in Manuel Antonio with IVHQ?
By joining the Healthcare Volunteer project in Manuel Antonio, you’ll be improving the quality of life of vulnerable members in the local community, while also gaining experience through:
- Practicing your Spanish
- Gaining healthcare experience and skills
- Developing your cross-cultural communication skills
- Immersing yourself in Costa Rican culture
- Exploring Manuel Antonio’s natural beauty
Volunteer requirements
- 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.
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IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Medical project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Dentistry project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Dentistry project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Dentistry project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
IVHQ Dentistry project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Turtle Conservation project
IVHQ Teen Summer Camp project
IVHQ volunteer orientation
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
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
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
MG
Maya Gomez-Gribben
07 Oct 2024
...
JF
Jaclyn Fisher
14 Aug 2024
I learned so many things from this experience. I learned about the beautiful culture in Costa Rica, I practiced my Spanish speaking skills, I learned more about sea turtles and about conservation and creating sustainable resources for sea turtle conservation. I would return to our program in the future and I would stay as long as possible. It was amazing!!!
...
NM
Nelson Martinez
13 Aug 2024
What I gained from this experience was how kind people are here in Costa Rica. I could easily live here because they enjoy and live the simple life with animals that are free and about.
My advice to anyone that shows interest in this program is they should follow their heart and instincts. If you are curious to know about different lifestyles, cultures, a different way of living and volunteering with passion behind it, then this opportunity is right here. Volunteer and apply for an adventure of a lifetime and an opportunity to make a huge impact. Volunteering also looks great on any resume. Hiring managers are looking for things like this where not many applicants have volunteered.
...
AS
Alyn Spector
13 Aug 2024
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.
...
WD
William Delmage Jr
19 Mar 2024
I gained a lot from expanding my boundaries and putting myself in uncomfortable situations!
...
HT
Holly Tyte
21 Dec 2023
This was an amazing experience and I’m so glad that I chose to volunteer with IVHQ. Having done 2 projects (Childcare and Healthcare) I felt I was able to learn so much about different systems in Costa Rica. Staying with a host family was so good to be immersed in the culture and learn more Spanish. I’ve met some incredible people and learned lots more about myself as a person.
...
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
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
Costa Rica is in the true heart of Central America, and halfway down its stunning southwestern coast is the popular tourist destination of Manuel Antonio where several IVHQ projects are located.
Manuel Antonio’s main attraction is a small but glorious national park known for the unparalleled biodiversity found at its forests, beaches and coral reefs. It’s a nature-lover’s paradise and adrenaline junkies will also find plenty of adventure to be had in the surrounding area. The small local population relies on the tourism industry for jobs and economic growth.
Arrival and orientation
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose on the Saturday before your start date. Volunteers who fly into San Jose before midday on Saturday will travel to Manuel Antonio that day. Volunteers who arrive into San Jose after midday on Saturday will spend the night in San Jose and travel to Manuel Antonio on Sunday morning. When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and taken to the local team’s offices. 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, you can meet the local team in Manuel Antonio on the Saturday before your program starts.
The program orientation is hosted by our Costa Rica team at their offices in Manuel Antonio. Orientation is compulsory to attend and is held on Sunday morning or afternoon, depending on what time you arrive in Manuel Antonio.
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
On your first day of volunteering, 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 4 hours. Your volunteer work and hours are dependent on the location and type of project you are participating in. A typical morning schedule is as follows:
| 7:30 - 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 - 5:00 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
With your weekends free you can strap your boots on and explore the phenomenal natural environment of Manuel Antonio, or choose to put your feet up and relax on the amazingly beautiful tree-lined beaches.
You’ll have the unique opportunity to get well acquainted with the Manuel Antonio National Park where you’ll be able to see a huge array of exotic animals and wildlife including monkeys, sloths, anteaters, ocelots, crocodiles, iguanas, snakes and lizards. It’s also a great spot for birdwatching with the chance to see more than 350 bird species. Outside of the park there’s a wealth of other adventure activities including whitewater rafting, ziplining, snorkeling, hiking, fishing and surfing.
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.
Accommodation and WiFi
Volunteers who are between the ages of 18 - 27 are accommodated in a larger dorm-style volunteer house that can fit up to 15 volunteers, and is hosted by a local family. Volunteers who are over the age of 27 are accommodated in smaller homestays that can host 2 - 6 volunteers at a time, alongside a local host family.
In all accommodations, living conditions are comfortable and you will have electricity, running water (drinkable) and western bathrooms. Please note, low-pressure showers can be expected and the water is not always heated. Bedrooms are comprised of single beds and bunk beds with bedding provided. Volunteers can expect to share a room with 2 - 6 other volunteers. You will need to bring your own towel and toiletries.
Please note, volunteers under the age of 18 who are traveling solo will be accommodated separately from those over the age of 18, in a homestay. 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.
Single occupancy private rooms are available upon request for an additional cost, offering you the ultimate comfort and privacy during your stay.
WiFi is available at the accommodation, and you will also have access to computers and WiFi at the local team’s office.
Meals
Volunteers are provided with breakfast and dinner at their accommodation. Breakfast is usually toast, fruit and eggs accompanied by tea or coffee. Dinner usually includes: meat - typically chicken, starches and vegetables. At almost every meal you’ll be offered Gallo Pinto, the national dish of Costa Rica, which is primarily made of fried rice and beans.
Lunches are not provided to Manuel Antonio-based volunteers, as they are typically away from their accommodation at midday. It is recommended you budget between $5 and $10 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.
Volunteer accommodation pool
Volunteer accommodation living room
Typical IVHQ volunteer bedroom
Typical IVHQ volunteer bedroom
Typical IVHQ volunteer bedroom
IVHQ volunteers dining
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer dinner
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately $299), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately $299) 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.
|
|---|---|
| 3 weeks | $1,540 Equivalent to $73/day |
| 4 weeks | $1,915 Equivalent to $68/day |
| 5 weeks | $2,225 Equivalent to $64/day |
| 6 weeks | $2,535 Equivalent to $60/day |
| 8 weeks | $3,155 Equivalent to $56/day |
| 10 weeks | $3,770 Equivalent to $54/day |
| 12 weeks | $4,390 Equivalent to $52/day |
| 16 weeks | $5,630 Equivalent to $50/day |
| 20 weeks | $6,870 Equivalent to $49/day |
| 24 weeks | $8,110 Equivalent to $48/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately $299) 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.
- Airport pick-up
- Return transportation San Jose - Manuel Antonio - San Jose
- US$95 per week for supervision, materials and logistics involved in the project
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalized 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
- 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 add-ons & experiences in Manuel Antonio
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 Manuel Antonio program.
Beach and Jungle Mini Adventure - Manuel Antonio
Immerse yourself in Manuel Antonio’s stunning natural beauty and thrilling activities on this 6-day adventure
$922
Coffee & Nature Experience - San Jose
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.
$222
Mini Adventure - San Jose
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.
$1257
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: $75 (approximately $75) per week
Manuel Antonio Language Lessons:
- 2-hour Small Group Classes: from $183 (approximately $183) per week
- 1-hour Private Classes: from $227 (approximately $227) per week
- 2-hour Private Classes: from $442 (approximately $442) 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 above 2000 meters, 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).
Apply to check if you're eligible!
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