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12.2 Week
Based on past participants’ experiences, we’ve organized the common themes of learning, reflection, and growth by time period.
What makes this project special
Grow
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PROJECT INTRODUCTION
San José, Costa Rica, is a beautiful and beloved tourist destination known for its stunning blue seas. While the sea itself is already incredibly beautiful just to look at, what makes the emerald waters even more stunning are the countless marine creatures living within them. Costa Rica is especially famous for the hundreds of thousands of sea turtles that come here each year to lay their eggs.
Due to various environmental issues, sea turtles are facing extinction. Please help protect their habitat! When your efforts add up, the coast of Costa Rica will shine even more brightly.
Costa Rica is known as the safest country to travel in Central America, making it a popular destination for people from around the world. Besides its beautiful natural scenery across the country, it has earned the nickname 'Switzerland of Central America' due to its long history of peace. This makes it easy to find solo travelers here.
Enjoy the safe atmosphere of San José, Costa Rica, and experience daily life in Latin America! By getting used to life in Costa Rica and learning about new cultures and customs during the project, you will gain confidence to venture out into a broader world.
The activity location for this project is a rural coastal area far from downtown San José. Although it lacks the diverse amenities of a city, it is a place where life coexists with nature. You can experience a completely new daily life away from the convenient and familiar environment.
Become friends with foreign volunteers from around the world in a place disconnected from modern civilization! Although the unfamiliar life may feel a bit awkward at first, you can form closer relationships by paying attention to yourself and those around you in the comfort provided by nature. Experience the opportunity to build strong bonds and special friendships in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica means 'Rich Coast' in Spanish. True to its name, it borders the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, offering a diverse marine ecosystem. In today’s world, where climate change and environmental pollution are widespread, Costa Rica is making significant efforts to preserve its marine ecosystems.
Please join us in providing a safer environment for sea turtles in Costa Rica. You can help protect their nests, assist with safe hatching, and clean the beaches. When sea turtle populations recover and the marine ecosystem stabilizes, the beautiful waters of Costa Rica will surely become even richer.
SUPPORT
Detailed Support Information
■ Accommodation and Meals
* During the initial two days of orientation, two meals a day (breakfast and dinner) are provided, and three meals a day are provided at the project site.
■ Project Activities
■ Care Services
■ Certificates and Recommendations
* Certificates and recommendations from the local organization are issued upon request after the project's completion. Additionally, the format or issuance status of the certificates may vary according to the local organization's requirements.
* Certificates and recommendations are issued after completing the project and submitting a review.
Not Included
* Please book your flight and transportation after receiving the final confirmation of your project participation and departure schedule.
PROJECT ACTIVITIES
This project involves environmental conservation volunteer work to protect sea turtles in San José, Costa Rica. You can participate in activities such as safely protecting nests to increase hatch rates and keeping the beaches clean to provide a safe environment for the turtles.
Activity Details
| Main Activities | Patrol beaches to find turtles nesting |
| Move turtle nests to a safe hatching site | |
| Monitor turtle populations | |
| Clean the beaches | |
| Assist with various activities needed to maintain/manage the project |
* The above details are examples for understanding. There may be changes depending on local conditions and the timing of your participation.
* To protect the sea turtles' ecology, lights are not used during night activities.
First Day Information
Additional Information
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English Requirement ★☆☆☆☆
Physical Fitness Required ★★★☆☆
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INSTITUTION INTRODUCTION
Since 2003, we have been active in Costa Rica, aiming to provide people from around the world with special opportunities to experience Latin America through various volunteer programs. We strive to immerse participants in the local culture vividly and to ensure that their time in Costa Rica is not just a trip but a transformative experience that can change their lives.
Message from the Local Agency Representative
We welcome you to join us. We are committed to making sure that every moment you spend in Costa Rica becomes an extraordinary experience. During your time with us, you will surpass your limits, learn, grow, and have a life-changing positive experience. We look forward to sharing this valuable journey with you.
ACCOMMODATION INTRODUCTION
■ Local Orientation & Pre-Accommodation
* The actual accommodation may vary from the reference photos.
Participants will stay in a homestay in downtown San José for the first 2 days of the project. After the orientation and pre-training, they will move to the volunteer accommodation at the activity site.
| 1~3 Person Room / Breakfast and Dinner Provided / Shared Bathroom / Basic Bedding & Towels |
Participants will stay in a home located in downtown San José, allowing them to experience a typical Costa Rican lifestyle. The location is conveniently close to the local organization for the orientation, providing a comfortable period to adjust to the new daily life before moving to the activity site. Enjoy learning and experiencing Latin American culture with your host family.
■ Volunteer Accommodation
* The actual accommodation may vary from the reference photos.
You may stay in a dormitory-style accommodation near the activity site or continue with homestay. You will live with foreign friends from around the world, experiencing various cultures and immersing yourself in local Costa Rican life.
Meals during the project will include three fresh local meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) provided daily at the accommodation.
The accommodation is within a walking distance of about 10-20 minutes from the activity site.
* Notes: As the activity is located outside the city, you may stay in unfamiliar environments.
LOCATION INTRODUCTION
ㅣ Location : San José, Costa Rica
San José, the capital of Costa Rica, is located centrally in the country, making it the perfect starting point for trips to the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. With its beautiful natural landscapes, including mountains, volcanoes, rainforests, waterfalls, and beaches, it's easy to embark on a journey. Moreover, the city itself is full of various attractions, making each day diverse and enjoyable.
ㅣ Recommended Travel Destinations
01 National Theatre of Costa Rica
The National Theatre of Costa Rica boasts a long history and is a grand, stone building modeled after Paris’s Opera House, giving it a European feel. The interior decoration, finished in marble, bronze, and gold, is quite luxurious, pleasing to the eye. The theatre is surrounded by the central plaza and numerous attractions, making it an ideal starting point for exploring San José.
02 La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Costa Rica’s mountainous terrain offers countless waterfalls, with some reaching heights of 200 meters. Among these, La Paz Waterfall Gardens stands out. As the largest wildlife refuge in Costa Rica, it offers a variety of tours and experiences.
03 Manuel Antonio National Park
This national park offers a combination of beaches, rainforests, and abundant wildlife. It is considered one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful areas, offering hiking, strolling, and relaxing on the beach. Look out for monkeys and sloths moving between the trees! You’ll be able to experience Costa Rican nature up close.
SCHEDULE AND PRICES
■ Projects start every Monday.
■ The minimum participation period for this project is 2 weeks.
■ The cost of this project can be found at the top of this page, where detailed prices are provided by duration and option.
■ Eligibility and Requirements
■ Gap Year Mission Scholarship (▶ Learn More)
■ Payment Plan
If you are unable to pay the full amount, you can make a deposit of 500,000 KRW and pay the remaining balance within 2 weeks. The process for confirming participation will proceed based on the date of deposit, and you will be informed about the availability of slots and participation confirmation. Securing a spot early is important to participate on your preferred dates and duration! (Refunds are not possible once confirmed.)
* However, if the start date is approaching, the balance payment schedule may change based on circumstances.
■ Early Bird Discounts and Emergency Application Information
We recommend applying at least 3 months before the project start date for normal processing and preparation time. Applications should be made no later than 2 months before the start date. If you need to apply urgently, you can opt for the emergency application service and pay an additional fee for expedited processing.
* Although we assist with expedited processing, basic processing time with local agencies and confirmation procedures are required. Emergency applicants must cooperate actively with the Korea Gap Year team.
** Applicants who apply more than 180 days before the start date can receive an early bird discount.
*** Emergency application service is available in the options above. For inquiries about the emergency application service, please contact koreagapyear@gmail.com.
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- Services Provided: Automatic application for Gap Year Mission and notes / OT materials provided immediately upon confirmation / Additional staff placement for emergencies / Support in preparing documents if needed, etc. * If you have difficulty calculating dates, use Naver Date Calculator >> Naver Date Calculator |
** Note: In cases of extremely urgent applications, there may be no available slots depending on local circumstances, and the Gap Year refund policy will apply. Participants are responsible for issues arising from their non-cooperation.
