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Brilliant 4.72rating (254)
  • Good Health And Well-Being

Healthcare & Assisted Living

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Help those who are often stigmatised in society
  • Work in specialised living facilities
  • Help care for patients

Highlights

  • Help those who are often stigmatised in society
  • Work in specialised living facilities
  • Help care for patients
  • Help with activities and day to day care
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Work in local assisted living centres, and other healthcare facilities, such as with the disabled, elderly, special needs or with children with HIV.

    Our healthcare program in Costa Rica is aimed at those who are still studying in a medical field and allows you to gain some hands-on and practical experience whilst giving back to often stigmatised populations, such as those with special needs or the elderly. You will work in assisted living ...

    About the program

    Our healthcare program in Costa Rica is aimed at those who are still studying in a medical field and allows you to gain some hands-on and practical experience whilst giving back to often stigmatised populations, such as those with special needs or the elderly. You will work in assisted living facilities and provide support and care to patients. 

    Healthcare volunteers are typically assigned to either an assisted living facility for the elderly or a special school for children with disabilities. We make every effort to accommodate your preferences, but please understand that the type of facility placement may depend on availability and seasonal needs of our projects. For individuals with Physical Therapy training, specific placements are available.

    As a healthcare volunteer, your primary role is to support the project staff in providing day-to-day care to patients, with a focus on offering general care and companionship.

    At adult assisted living facilities, your responsibilities may include:

    Organizing arts and crafts activities and engaging in talk therapy with the patients
    Accompanying patients on walks
    • Sorting and distributing medicine
    • Changing beds
    • Assisting with feeding and bathing patients
    • Ensuring the overall well-being of patients
    • Helping with administrative tasks and filing

    Please be aware that working conditions can be emotionally challenging, particularly when dealing with terminally ill patients. It's important to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for the one-on-one care you will be providing. 

    At facilities catering to children with disabilities, your responsibilities may include:

    • Assisting as a classroom aide and coordinating activities
    • Providing extra attention and care to the children
    • Focusing on one specific classroom or area of the school during your program
    • Organizing arts and crafts sessions, engaging in playtime with the children, and aiding in physical therapy activities
    • Assisting the children during meal times

    Throughout your project, you will have the support of our in-country coordinators. However, please note that they may not be present on-site every day, so your ability to work independently and exhibit leadership skills is essential.

    For volunteers with Physical Therapy expertise, it's important to be aware that the local practices you'll be joining may have limited resources. Therapy methods could differ significantly from those considered standard in your home country. You'll be working in an underfunded facility, assisting and/or shadowing a professional physical therapist in treating patients with mobility issues. Depending on your experience, qualifications, and proficiency in Spanish, you may have the opportunity to deliver hands-on treatment to either adult or child patients.

    Pre-med and first/ second year students
    Volunteers must keep in mind that work can vary and the tasks that will be given to you will very much depend on your prior skill level and initiative. Those still studying medicine are encouraged to apply .

    Location
    San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica and located in the middle of the country. It’s in a great spot to enjoy the city, as well as trips to the beach on the weekends. Around a 2 to 4 hour drive from the city, you will find rainforests, mountains, volcanoes, and beautiful beaches. San Jose also has plenty of shopping, cinemas, restaurants and nightlife.

    Typical day

    Sunday – Arrival / Welcome and Home Stay Introduction
    Monday – Orientation day
    Tuesday to Friday

    Here is a rough guide on what to expect:
    • Breakfast at the accommodation
    • 3-4 hours of volunteer work either in the morning or afternoon
    • Your own lunch at the accommodation or project site
    • Free time
    • Dinner at ...

    Typical day

    Sunday – Arrival / Welcome and Home Stay Introduction
    Monday – Orientation day
    Tuesday to Friday

    Here is a rough guide on what to expect:
    • Breakfast at the accommodation
    • 3-4 hours of volunteer work either in the morning or afternoon
    • Your own lunch at the accommodation or project site
    • Free time
    • Dinner at the accommodation

    Free-time activities

    San Jose
    San Jose is the capital city and has plenty to do from city tours, watching a show at the theatre, markets, museums, parks, and city walking tours. You can also take day trips to mountains, volcanoes and the beach.

    Arenal Volcano
    Situated about 90 km northwest of San Jose is Arenal volcano, ...

    Free-time activities

    San Jose
    San Jose is the capital city and has plenty to do from city tours, watching a show at the theatre, markets, museums, parks, and city walking tours. You can also take day trips to mountains, volcanoes and the beach.

    Arenal Volcano
    Situated about 90 km northwest of San Jose is Arenal volcano, measuring 1,633 metres high. This scenic volcano is one of the most popular tourist attractions, with daily tours walking around it, plus it’s proximity to the nearby rainforest and waterfalls make it a popular place to visit.

    Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio
    Close by the where a lot of our projects are, this National park is one of the most popular in Costa Rica. With beautiful beaches, rainforest walking trails and an abundance of wildlife, this is a must visit for any traveller!

    Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
    Another stunning destination to visit and a lush oasis of green rainforest and misty fog and clouds sitting at the top of the canopy. There are around 420 different types of orchids, ferns mosses, as well as a large bird population- perfect for nature and wildlife lovers. There are also night time walking tours.

    Corcovado National Park
    A stunning national park with plenty of hiking trails, natural swimming holes, waterfalls, rainforest, wildlife, flora and fauna and camping. Here you will find more than 400 bird species, monkeys, sea turtles, over 40 frog species, 100 butterfly species and perhaps even a jaguar.

    Adventure activities
    Costa Rica has so much to do for those who like to live on the wild side! From ziplining, white water rafting, canyoning, surfing, snorkelling, diving, horse riding and paddle boarding. This is a nature and adventure lovers paradise!

    Beach Hopping
    There is no shortage of beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. From white sand, black sand, beaches that meet jungle and all with crystal clear, blue waters. Many of the beach town have cafes, restaurants, accommodation and places to grab a fresh coconut juice, the perfect way to chill out after a hot day!

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Education Requirements

    Medical at University level

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    Proof of medical training/ or a healthcare student

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    Professionals/ Students of medicine/ related field

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    • Airport pick-up
    • Host family accommodations
    • Breakfast and dinner, 7 days/week
    • 1 day orientation
    • 24/7 in-country support
    • Walking tour
    • Official certificate of volunteer service
    • Letter of recommendation
    • Spanish language tutoring table
    • Tandem Conversation Program
    • WiFi and computer lab
    • Salsa dance classes
    • Cooking classes
    • Free coffee and tea and on-site snack bar
    • Volunteer centre open 7 days/week

    Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

    For San Jose...

    Our local team will pick you up from San Jose airport on the Sunday before your project. Sunday night accommodation is included in the fees. 

    If you arrive outside the pickup times, you can book a private transfer for an extra fee.

    If you want to book any extra nights before or after your program, you can do this for an extra fee. 


    Transportation whilst on your project...

    Most volunteers either walk or take the bus, depending on how far their project is. Journey time varies widely from project to project, and you should expect to spend 15-60 minutes traveling each way. You might also need to change buses during your trip. Taxi’s are also widely available but do cost more than buses. It can be hard to change your project after you start volunteering, so please be ready to travel to your designated project every day. 

    PLEASE NOTE: Volunteers are required to pay for the daily transportation to and from your project. Local buses are very affordable, and a one-way trip will cost around ₡350 (around $0.60) on average. Taxis are more expensive, and costs vary based on how long the journey is. A budget of around US $5 is recommend per day for transportation to and from your project.


    Accommodation

    The majority of our volunteers will stay with a pre-approved middle-class Costa Rican family. You have the option of a shared or a private room. For shared rooms, you are placed with 1-3 other people of the same gender and age group. In San Jose, the host families live in the San Pedro area, which is around a 10 to 60-minute walk or bus ride (depending on where you’re placed) from the volunteer centre. You’ll be given a key to the house and are free to come and go as you please, but you must respect the house rules and practices of your host family

    The host family can help you with washing laundry. There is a small charge of ₡2,500 or $5 per kilo (2.2 lbs) which is paid directly to the family. If you are staying at a student residence, hostel, hotel or apartment that does not have a laundry service available, you can use a nearby laundrette (lavanderia).


    Private Room Upgrade: please contact us directly for options and pricing

    *Please note: Upgrade prices can change, so please check the price with us first

    Food & Beverages

    Breakfast and dinner will be served 7 days a week and will usually be local cuisine, cooked by your host family. The food in Costa Rica is a mix of African, Italian, French, Chinese, and Spanish cuisines. Common food are grains such as rice, corn, and beans and different meats mixed with spices like coriander, saffron, parsley, oregano, thyme and nutmeg. The food is usually mildly seasoned and has plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. We assist you to find cheap flights to Costa Rica. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Costa Rica provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Costa Rica you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Costa Rica. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Program starts every Monday. Arrivals on Sat/ Sun. If arriving on Sat, an extra night is charged.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $1,036 per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    1 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
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    Location

    Americas > Central America > Costa Rica > San Jose

    Meet your project coordinator

    Lauren
    254
    reviews
    4.72
    Brilliant
    1989
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Health Services  >  Medical Training in Costa Rica
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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