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.
Christmas Holiday Experience Volunteer Project in Costa Rica - San José
Purpose
Support marginalized & low-income communities
Start dates
Only available the weeks of Christmas and New Years
Duration
Choose from 1-2 weeks
Volunteer hours
4 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 16+ 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 volunteers who want to spread holiday cheer and make a difference to people’s lives over the festive season.
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. See the Christmas Holiday Experience Schedule to learn more about what to expect.
Why do Christmas Holiday Experience volunteering in San José 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, provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.
Those aged 16 or 17 on their start date, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead.
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.
Costa Rica photo gallery
IVHQ Christmas Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Christmas Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Christmas Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Christmas Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Christmas Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Christmas Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Christmas Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Christmas Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Christmas Holiday Experience project
IVHQ Christmas Holiday Experience 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 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.
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 | Arrival & Orientation - Arrival, pick-up, transportation to housing and orientation. |
| Monday | Community Beautification - Paint, garden, work on light repairs or construction work. Work varies depending on community needs. |
| Tuesday | 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 | 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! |
| Thursday | Christmas Day - Enjoy the local festivities or explore on your own. |
| Friday | 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 | Departure |
WEEK 2:
| Sunday | Arrival & Orientation - Arrival, pick-up, transportation to housing and orientation. |
| Monday | Community Beautification - Paint, garden, work on light repairs or construction work. Work varies depending on community needs. |
| Tuesday | 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 | 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. |
| Thursday | New Year’s Day - Enjoy the local festivities or explore on your own. |
| Friday | 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 | Departure |
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.
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 $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.
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 $329), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$329 (approximately $329) 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 | $650 Equivalent to $93/day |
| 2 weeks | $1,045 Equivalent to $75/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately $329) 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
- Transport to and from your placement each day
- US$95 per week for supervision, materials and logistics involved in the project
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country emergency 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
- 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
- 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 $1748
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 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.
$222
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
San José Language Lessons:
- 2-hour Small Group Classes: $158 (approximately $158) per week
- 1-hour Private Classes: $227 (approximately $227) per week
- 2-hour Private Classes: $442 (approximately $442) 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!
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VM
Virginia Manzano
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! 😊
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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
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