PROJECT INTRODUCTION
Start your journey with a healing farm stay in Costa Rica, where you can relax with a cup of coffee.
Coffee is an essential item for modern people! In this farm stay project, you can experience the coffee industry at an eco-friendly coffee farm in Costa Rica, a country known for producing some of the world’s most beloved coffee. At the same time, you’ll enjoy the leisurely life of a quiet rural farm.
Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and find time to heal in the green, natural environment!
Costa Rica, which has designated and manages about 28% of its land as nature reserves, allows you to enjoy untouched nature up close and experience a living ecosystem. Once you step outside the capital, San José, you'll find yourself a step away from civilization and will encounter many people living a nature-friendly life.
Experience a life full of healing in a rural village in Costa Rica, a country known for its natural beauty. By helping out at the coffee farm each day, you’ll learn about Costa Rica’s coffee industry, and during your free time, you can relax in nature. Through this farm stay, you’ll rediscover the peace and happiness you may have forgotten.
Costa Rica is the only place in the world where only 100% Arabica beans are grown. Other varieties are legally prohibited. Thanks to the country’s policy of handling only the highest quality coffee beans, Costa Rica offers coffee that is rich in flavor and recognized worldwide.
Moreover, Costa Rica leads its coffee industry in an ethical, environmentally friendly manner, pursuing a green and sustainable market. As a coffee lover, you can enjoy your coffee with peace of mind, knowing it’s produced sustainably.
Experience the coffee of the future at Costa Rica’s eco-friendly coffee farms!
The most perfect way to fully enjoy your farm stay is to try the various activities Costa Rica has to offer. In Costa Rica, you can find a wide range of tours and activities that take advantage of the country’s natural beauty. These include hiking in nature reserves, volcano tours, waterfall tours, bungee jumping, zip-lining, ATV rides, hot springs, and rafting.
Head out with friends you’ve made at the coffee farm to enjoy these activities in Costa Rica. The time you spend in the beautiful natural surroundings will become a special memory.
* Activity costs may vary depending on the participant’s choice.
PROJECT ACTIVITIES
This project is a farmstay project in a coffee farm in San José, Costa Rica where you can experience coffee farming and take a break in nature. Create memories with fragrant coffee in a new and unfamiliar land, Latin America.
* A word from the planner The coffee farm in Costa Rica where participants will be working adopts eco-friendly farming methods. Not only does it continue the traditional farming techniques that have been passed down for hundreds of years, but it also strives to protect the environment in various ways, such as using organic farming methods for sustainable growth. Such eco-friendly farms require more labor compared to general industrial farms, so the participation of volunteers is essential to achieving sustainable goals. Experience eco-friendly farming led directly by your hands! |
Activity Guide
Main Activities |
Harvest coffee beans directly from the coffee trees |
Dry and process the harvested coffee beans | |
Take care of coffee tree seedlings | |
Plant and prune coffee trees | |
Package and sell coffee | |
Participate in other supporting tasks |
* The above is an example for better understanding. The actual activities may vary depending on the local conditions and the time of participation.
First Day Guide
Additional Information
English Requirement ★☆☆☆☆
Physical Requirement ★★★☆☆
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SUPPORT
Local Orientation | Online Orientation | Online Consultation | Certificate of Completion |
KGY Certification | Pre-Departure Care | KGY Consultation | KGY Mission |
24hr Emergency Care | Flight Ticket Booking Assistance | Real-Time Consultation Service | KGY Note Book |
Project Registration and Participation Fees | Gap Year Mission Scholarship | OT Materials | One-Way Airport Pickup Service |
Local Accommodation | Local Dedicated Manager | Local Meals | Round-Trip Transportation from City to Activity Site |
Detailed Support
■ Accommodation and Meals
* During the two-day orientation, two meals (breakfast and dinner) will be provided daily. Afterward, three meals a day will be provided at the activity site.
■ Project Activities
■ Care Services
■ Certificates and Recommendations
* Issuance of certificates and recommendations from local institutions will be provided upon request after project completion. The format and issuance conditions may vary depending on the local institution.
* Certificates and recommendations will be issued upon proper completion of the project and submission of a review.
Exclusions
* Please book your flight and transportation after the project participation is confirmed and you have received the final departure schedule.
INSTITUTION INTRODUCTION
Since 2003, this organization has been active in Costa Rica, offering various volunteer programs aimed at providing people from around the world with a unique opportunity to experience Latin America. They help participants fully immerse themselves in the local culture, ensuring that the time spent in Costa Rica is not just another trip, but a life-changing experience.
A Word from the Local Coordinator
We welcome you to join us. We strive to make every moment you spend in Costa Rica an unforgettable experience. During your time with us, you will challenge yourself, learn, grow, and have positive experiences that can change your life. We hope to share this valuable journey with you.
ACCOMMODATION INTRODUCTION
■ Local Orientation & Pre-Project Accommodation
* Photos are for reference and accommodations may vary.
For the first two days of the project, participants will stay with a host family in downtown San Jose. After orientation and pre-project training, they will move to the volunteer accommodation in the project area.
1-3 people per room / Breakfast and Dinner provided / Shared Bathroom / Basic Bedding & Towels |
Participants will stay in a family home located in the heart of San Jose, where they can experience the typical Costa Rican lifestyle. The accommodation is conveniently located near the local organization where orientation takes place, allowing participants to comfortably adapt to their new routine before heading to the project site. Enjoy learning and immersing yourself in Latin American culture while living with your host family.
■ Volunteer Accommodation
* Photos are for reference and accommodations may vary.
Participants will stay with local families in one of several farmhouses located on the coffee farm. Experience the daily life of a Costa Rican coffee farm firsthand while living with families who take pride in their multi-generational farming tradition.
You will share common rooms with other participants and enjoy three daily meals of Costa Rican home-cooked cuisine.
It takes about 5-15 minutes to walk from the accommodation to the project site.
* Note: Since this project takes place in rural areas, you may find yourself in unfamiliar surroundings.
LOCATION INTRODUCTION
| Location : San Jose, Costa Rica
San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, is centrally located in the country, making it the perfect starting point for trips to both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. With its diverse mountains, volcanoes, tropical rainforests, waterfalls, and beaches, it's easy to set off on beautiful journeys. Moreover, the city itself is full of various activities, allowing you to enjoy a vibrant and exciting experience every day.
| Recommended Destinations
01 National Theater of Costa Rica
The National Theater of Costa Rica is a historic gem, boasting a grand stone building that resembles a scaled-down version of Paris's Opera House, evoking a European atmosphere. The interior is richly decorated with marble, bronze, and gold, delighting visitors with its splendor. Surrounded by a central plaza and various attractions, it is an ideal starting point for exploring San Jose.
02 La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Costa Rica is home to hundreds of waterfalls, ranging from towering 200-meter drops to countless renowned beauties. La Paz Waterfall Gardens is one such stunning location. As one of the largest animal reserves in Costa Rica, it offers a variety of tours to explore its lush surroundings.
03 Manuel Antonio National Park
This national park offers a unique combination of beaches, tropical rainforests, and diverse flora and fauna. Often considered one of the most beautiful regions in Costa Rica, it is a fantastic spot for hiking, strolling, or relaxing on the beach. Look out for monkeys and sloths moving through the trees! It’s a great place to experience Costa Rica's nature up close.
SCHEDULE AND PRICES
■ Projects start every Monday.
■ The minimum participation period for this project is 2 weeks.
■ The costs below include project fees, accommodation, meals, one-way airport pickup service, and more.
Duration | Participation Fee |
2 weeks | 2,170,000 KRW |
3 weeks | 2,620,000 KRW |
4 weeks | 3,010,000 KRW |
5 weeks | 3,310,000 KRW |
6 weeks | 3,600,000 KRW |
7 weeks | 3,890,000 KRW |
8 weeks | 4,180,000 KRW |
9 weeks | 4,480,000 KRW |
10 weeks | 4,770,000 KRW |
11 weeks | 5,060,000 KRW |
12 weeks | 5,350,000 KRW |
■ Eligibility and Requirements
■ Gap Year Mission Scholarship (▶ Learn More)
■ Payment Plan Information
If you are unable to pay the full amount upfront, you can make a prepayment of 500,000 KRW and pay the remaining balance within 2 weeks. Based on the date of the initial payment, the process for confirming your participation will begin, allowing us to check availability and TO (Terms of Occupancy). To secure your desired dates and duration, it is important to act quickly! (No refunds once participation is confirmed)
* Note that if the start date is approaching, the schedule for paying the remaining balance may vary depending on the circumstances.
■ Early Bird Discount and Urgent Application Information
We recommend applying for all Gap Year projects at least 3 months before the project start date, and no later than 2 months before the start date as a general rule. If you have an urgent need to join the project, you can opt for the urgent application service by paying an additional fee. This will expedite the application process as much as possible.
* While we strive to expedite the process, please be aware that communication with local institutions and the time required for participation confirmation will still apply. Those using the urgent application service must cooperate actively with the Korea Gap Year team.
** Those who apply more than 180 days before the start date can receive an early bird discount.
*** Urgent application services can be selected from the options above, and for inquiries regarding urgent application services, please contact koreagapyear@gmail.com.
- Included: Automatic application for Gap Year mission and notes / OT materials provided immediately upon confirmation / Additional urgent staff allocation / Support with necessary documents, if required * For those having difficulty with date calculations, please use the Naver date calculator >> Naver Date Calculator |
** Note: In cases of extremely urgent applications, there may be no available TO depending on local circumstances, and the refund policy will apply. Additionally, any issues arising from participant non-cooperation are the participant’s responsibility.