Costa Rica Conservation
Available Dates: All year
Length of Placement: 10 days to 3 weeks or longer
Overview of Project: Stratosphere works with ASVO- a world leader in environmental conservation. ASVO is a Costa Rican non-profit with no political or religious affinity that was founded in 1989. ASVO seeks to raise awareness on natural resource conservation. Volunteer work in Costa Rican national parks helps resolve the lack of personnel and budget cutbacks that the Environment Ministry faces. Participation as a volunteer is a very fulfilling activity as it enables personal growth from an intellectual, emotional and socio-cultural standpoint. It also provides opportunity to share with rangers and volunteers from different parts of the world. Volunteers play a vital role in Costa Rican environment protection.
Level of Commitment: HIGH FLEXIBILITY There is no long term commitment recommended. Schools can change placement location year to year. Groups can choose more than one placement if trips are two weeks or longer. Groups must commit to one week per placement.
Subject Match: Spanish, Social Studies, Science, Biology, Geography, Math
Options available:
1) Quelonios del Caribe- sea turtle conservation project on the Caribbean coast
2) Playa Buena Vista- sea turtle project on the Pacific coast
3) Agrozapotal project- combined forest, organic agriculture and community project
4) Romelia Refuge- forest, beach and sea turtle project on the Pacific coast
5) Playa Matapalo- sea turtle project and community work on the Pacific coast
Flexibility of Program:
- Spanish study: there is the option to include Spanish study with homestay or hostel stay
- Tour addition: there is the option to add 3 to 5 day volcano and national park visits
Expectation of Ability: Participants should be healthy as there is a certain amount of physical activity required. Some members of the group should have basic Spanish. A teacher with strong Spanish ability is recommended.
Volunteer work: preparing for arrival of sea turtles, protection of eggs, trail building, surveying, beach cleaning, site preparation, community work, organic farming, composting, and national park work.
Sightseeing Component: Since most placements occur in national parks there is only a small additional sightseeing component. However, groups can make arrangements for additional tours.
Cost Level: Because there is only a small sightseeing component to the trip this is the least expensive option (approximately $1700 per person plus flights and insurance including 2 teachers) for 2 weeks. As well, flights to Costa Rica are very reasonable and cost approximately $1000 on average.
Please download our Costa Rica brochure here.
More information can be found on the Costa Rica Community Information page.
Check out lots more photos on our Facebook page.
And watch our pretty slideshow video here.