Despite making up only 0.03% of the world’s landmass, Costa Rica is home to nearly 5% of the planet’s biodiversity.
It is naturally rich in ecosystems and species; however, many environmental NGOs consider the country’s natural environment fragile and vulnerable.
You will work with park rangers to improve access to national parks and volunteer with the innovative young people of Costa Rica to help preserve its natural resources.
In Costa Rica, 2 out of 100 people are indigenous and represent the 2.4% of the population. Indigenous groups in Costa Rica are the most marginalised members of society, largely excluded from the country’s political, social, and economic developments.
Raleigh Expedition connects young people with these communities to work together to tackle their challenges. Through our projects, we aim to increase access to education, raise awareness through campaigns and workshops, and improve access to water and sanitation.
Emma | Raleigh Alumni
You can get involved in up to 3 phases (Community, Environmental and Trek).
For a full itinerary of what a 10-week Expedition could look like, download a Guide.
Improve access to education in indigenous communities and support young people to develop the tools to prosper in later life.
Children in indigenous communities often face major barriers to accessing education, with illiteracy rates being considerably higher in indigenous areas in comparison to the rest of Costa Rica. You will work to support access to education by constructing educational centres and classrooms in indigenous communities, helping to provide the space for young people to develop the tools to prosper later in life.
Partner with expert organisations to support biodiversity preservation and development in indigenous territories.
You will work with experts to develop skills and tools to become Active Global Citizens. Become part of a generation of defenders of the natural environment, to protect biodiversity and increase the resilience of disadvantaged rural communities. The climate emergency is one of the greatest challenges facing our planet. But with us you can get support to become leaders in the fight against climate change.
Our Adventure Leadership projects take teams on challenging treks through rainforests and up volcanoes on a variety of stunning routes that tourists don’t get access to.
No matter what trekking experience you have, everyone starts and finishes trek together – come rain or shine! Supporting one another, not giving up and sharing your achievements together will be some of the most memorable and defining moments of your Expedition.
Everyone’s Expedition is slightly different – depending on how long you stay when you go and where. This is an outline of what you can expect from a 10-week Expedition. For a more in-depth description of life on a Costa Rica Expedition, including camp life and project info, download your sample itinerary.
Arrive at San José airport
You will be met by the country team
Induction and training (3-4 days)
Get to know your fellow volunteers and prepare for Expedition life. You’ll receive essential training on topics such as health and safety and cultural awareness.
Community Project (19- 21 days)
Volunteers work together on community projects agreed with partners and community leaders. You will be staying in a school classroom which is set up as a bedroom. You will be using all the school facilities (bathrooms, showers, kitchen).
Debrief at base camp (2-3 days)
At the end of each phase, everyone returns to the training centre for a few days before moving on to your next project. You’ll catch up with the rest of the Expedition team and start to prepare for your next project. Project groups will change between each phase, this is an important part of the Expedition experience.
Adventure Leadership Project (19 – 21 days)
On this trek, every day is different, including the weather and the accommodation. Go from camping on top of a mountain and sleeping under the stars to camping in a community centre.
Environmental Project (19 – 21 days)
Volunteers will support the maintenance and conservation of existing ecosystems and assist local communities to preserve such a biodiverse nature.
Final review at base (2 days)
All Expeditions end with everyone coming together for a final few days back at the training centre. Catch up with friends and celebrate all you have achieved together.
We run three cycles every year. You can choose between different Expedition lengths:
10-weeks: The most immersive and popular Expedition. Take part in all three full phases.
7 weeks: Take part in two full phases. You’ll be assigned either the Community or Environmental project with the Adventure Leadership Trek.
4 weeks: Take part in a full phase of a Community Project or Environmental Project (assigned) with a shorter 5-day trek.
10 Weeks
12th February – 18th April 2024
£3,995$5,300$4,900$4,900
7 Weeks
A: 12th February – 29th March 2024
B: 4th March – 18th April 2024
£3,600$4,975$4,575$4,575
10 Weeks
24th June – 29 August 2024
£3,995$5,300$4,900$4,900
7 Weeks
A: 24th June – 9th August 2024
B: 14th July – 29th August 2024
£3,600$4,975$4,575$4,575
4 Weeks
A: 24th June – 22nd July 2024
B: 25th July – 22nd August 2024
£2,450$3,520$3,120$3,120
10 Weeks
8th October – 13th December 2024
£3,995$5,300$4,900$4,900
7 Weeks
A: 8th October – 23rd November 2023
B: 30th October – 13th December 2023
£3,600$4,975$4,575$4,575
A full breakdown of whats included and not included along with a welcome pack to help you prepare will be provided on application.
Fill in your online application form and tell us why you want to go on Expedition!
If your application is successful, we send you a booking form and ask for more information and process a deposit of £200$200$200$200
You will be assigned a volunteer coordinator who will send you all the information you need about your Raleigh Expedition.
Get ready for your Expedition – we will support you all the way!
Our Volunteer Managers (VM) are the driving force behind the Expedition and are vital to ensuring the programmes run smoothly and effectively. You can apply for these roles on the main application page.
Over the years Raleigh has made some significant impacts on communities, the environment and people
Here are some of the Raleigh Costa Rica team who will be looking after you
Carlos leads the development of Raleigh Costa Rica and is responsible for the general management of the organisation. Carlos has extensive experience working in the NGO sector, working in several countries across Latin America before joining Raleigh in 2019.
Osman oversees the day-to-day logistics and health and safety of Raleigh’s Expedition programmes, as well as leading on the development and execution of community resilience and youth leadership projects. Osman studied Rural Development and is a Raleigh alumni!
Génecis leads Raleigh’s environmental projects, Latino volunteers’ recruitment, as well as overseeing the day-to-day logistics and health and safety of Raleigh volunteers during Expedition. Génecis is a Venezuelan migrant and geographer.
Volunteering with Raleigh International is an immersive, one-of-a-kind experience. Described by our volunteers as “absolutely life-changing”, it’s a journey you will never forget. Don’t expect tourist hotspots, five-star hotels and 24/7 wifi (we are all about the digital and alcohol detox); instead, expect a memory-making adventure full of fun, rewarding experiences and real world connection.
Apart from team leaders and staff, you will be grouped with people aged 17-24. This is unique to Raleigh.
We're no phones programme so you can share the experience fully with the same group during your trip. Learn to support each other and make friends for life.
You will have the opportunity to take part in up to three phases contributing to community and environmental projects allowing you to gain more skills and experiences.
Volunteers join diverse teams of young people from across the globe as well as volunteers from the country you are based in.
We're booze-free and adventure filled. Raleigh Expedition is an exciting and fun experience that will push you out of your comfort zone (in a safe environment!).
Gain the skills, confidence and perspective to play a leading role in building a better and more sustainable world for everyone.
Whether you have a specific question or want to discuss which Expedition is right for you, schedule a call with a member of the team at a time convenient to you.
On our monthly online info events, we’ll tell you all about Expedition. Have your questions answered, meet other volunteers and find out what Expedition is really like from an alumni.
Find out all about Raleigh International and Expedition in our helpful information guide.
Hear from our past Raleigh alumni's life changing experiences
Frequently asked questions about Raleigh Expedition in our Costa Rica locations
All volunteers are invited to attend a Pre-Expedition Training Event to meet other volunteers and here more about Expedition.
We recommend you learn as much Spanish as you can before you come; this will make communicating with members of the community and partner organisations easier. We also recommend practising hiking in preparation for the trek, but this is not necessary.
Raleigh provides dry and fresh food, and volunteers rotate to cook for the group. The staple food in Costa Rica is rice and beans, which can be accompanied by different vegetables and proteins. Tropical fruits are delicious and very sweet, and we eat them frequently.
We recommend you reserve your place between 5 to 6 months before, although we can accept applications up to three months prior to departure.
Bringing some money is advised as you may occasionally get snack cravings (like we all do). You can also use this money for any drinks and souvenirs you want to purchase. For more information, speak to the expedition team or volunteer coordinators.
OUR ACCREDITATIONS
CONTACT DETAILS
Our mission is to create life-enhancing journeys and transformational experiences for young people through international volunteering – all whilst making a positive, long-lasting impact in the communities where we work.
info@raleighinternational.org
UK +44 333 1886 732
Raleigh International
91 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 4HT
Raleigh Expeditions Limited – company number 14469062
Part of the Impact Travel Group
SUBSCRIBE
No spam, just interesting updates and news.
CONTACT DETAILS
Our mission is to create life-enhancing journeys and transformational experiences for young people through international volunteering – all whilst making a positive, long-lasting impact in the communities where we work.
info@raleighinternational.org
UK +44 333 1886 732
Raleigh International
91 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 4HT
Raleigh Expeditions Limited – company number 14469062
Part of the Impact Travel Group
SUBCRIBE
No spam, just interesting updates and news.
EXPEDITION (17-24)
CONTACT DETAILS
Our mission is to create life-enhancing journeys and transformational experiences for young people through international volunteering – all whilst making a positive, long-lasting impact in the communities where we work.
info@raleighinternational.org
UK +44 333 1886 732
Raleigh International
91 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 4HT
Raleigh Expeditions Limited – company number 14469062
Part of the Impact Travel Group
SUBSCRIBE
No spam, just interesting updates and news.
