SAGE volunteers will work with an organization that runs a wildlife rescue center and works with many social and ecological projects in rural Costa Rica. Volunteers will choose from a variety of projects and may take Spanish classes alongside their volunteer projects. SAGE offers total cultural immersion programs, where volunteers live with local families in their homes.

Our project site is located on a private eight acre ecological reserve on the edge of the rainforest in Javillos of San Carlos, Costa Rica. SAGE's volunteer program in Costa Rica is completely customizable - you may stay for as little or as long as you like. In your free time, you can visit nearby waterfalls and volcanoes, hike in the rainforest, white water raft, and practice your Spanish with locals in surrounding towns.

Projects Include:

• Care for wild animals rescued from the rainforest. Closely interact with monkeys, kinkajous, parrots, sloths, caimans and more!
• Make banana paper from recycled paper, which are then used to sell to artisans to help support a local women's co-operative.
• Help reverse the damage done by deforestation by preparing tree seedlings for delivery to reforestation programs
• Lend a hand and watch as a group effort materializes into a house, an eco-friendly garden, or a community center. This is a great opportunity to show leadership and commitment to enhancing the lives of others. Teach English in a small rural school. Many times rural schools are not able to fulfill their basic English requirements due to a lack of well trained English teachers. Help these teachers by creating a dynamic learning environment with a native speaker.

Spanish Programs

The Spanish Institute is different from your average language school because it offers personalized instruction, custom designed lessons to meet the needs of the learners, and of course, our native instructors who are open, caring, and knowledgeable. We offer a warm and relaxing learning experience in classrooms that are tucked away in our private ecological reserve. Here you'll be able to take advantage of "nature breaks" and see a sloth or toucan within feet of your classroom.

Program Details:

This program is designed for individuals ages 17 - 30. Participants come from around the world, with a variety of backgrounds.

Prices:

Prices vary based on project & location and additional Spanish courses (optional). SAGE volunteers can customize their program and can volunteer from 1 - 12 weeks. Prices below are approximate, please inquire regarding your individual program.

• $885 for 1-week program
• $4000 for 8 week program

Accommodations

Volunteers stay with carefully screened local families. Host families provide 3 meals per day, laundry facilities, a private bedroom, shared bathroom and a warm and welcoming environment.

Financial Aid

SAGE offers need-based financial aid to students on all of our programs. We also have resources to help you fundraise to cover trip costs.

Travel Arrangements

Students are responsible for their own flight arrangements and coordinating airport transfers with our host organization. Travel to project sites, field trips, and other program transportation is covered in your program costs. Any independent travel in-country will be arranged by the participant and can be coordinated by our partner in Costa Rica.

Application Deadlines

Rolling admission throughout the year.