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Volunteer in Costa Rica
.: The ProgramVolunteers will work with Baula Turtles between October and February and Olive Ridley Turtles between May and September. The Baula Turtle is a subspecies of the Leatherback Turtle, the biggest marine turtle in the world, weighing as much as 1,900 pounds and reaching nine feet long. Their name is indicative of their backs, which are actually not a shell but a pliable thick leather like skin. The Olive Ridley or 'Lora' or Carpintera is the smallest of its species, weighing in at 75 pounds and measuring only 2 feet. Both species' populations are in sharp decline due to over harvesting of eggs, beach development, fishing, pollution, and being killed for their meat and leather.This program is run by a biologist, and volunteers are supervised by trained personnel, who will give training to volunteers on site. The work is very "hands on" and involves close contact with the turtles. Volunteers are not required to have particular biological knowledge, and so the project is both rewarding and educational. Volunteers are often required to work at night, when turtles lay their eggs, and demanding work during the day under the heat is also needed. Accommodation is very basic, and the facilities are built only for the turtle season. Volunteer roles include beach patrolling, clearing the beach of obstacles, preparing nests, relocation of nests, handling eggs, helping to release baby turtles in season, counting and recording eggs, taking temperatures in nests, repairing protection around nests, and recording the number of turtles arriving. Volunteers will work night and day on a rota basis. This means that each person will work shifts of 4 hours and then rest, and will work 6 to 8 hours a day in total with one free day per week. Days off are negotiable with the director of the project. .: Program LocationThe programs are based in various locations along Costa Rica's Pacific Coast. If a volunteer plans to stay in the country more than a month, they can be moved to another conservation project..: Program RequirementsAs a volunteer in Costa Rica you must:
.: Program ScheduleVolunteers are expected to arrive on the first or middle Monday of each month. You can volunteer anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months. If you would like to take Spanish lessons, you need to arrive a week earlier..: Program CostThe costs of the program are as follows:Global Volunteer Network - Application Fee: US $350.00. The application fee covers administration, marketing, program information, and communication. (This fee is paid to us before you leave for Costa Rica). Costa Rica Program Fee:
* Volunteers in the turtle program between March and July will be required to pay additional fees: a US $35 inscription fee and $3 per day accommodation costs. This is because the only turtle project available during this season charges the extra cost. To see the cost in your local currency, we recommend that you look here. .: Frequently Asked QuestionsWe have put together the following page, which answers the majority of questions people have.Click here .: Volunteer JournalsIf you would like to read about the experiences of some of our volunteers who are currently overseas, you can do so here. This journal service is provided free to all our volunteers.Click here .: ArticlesRead an article written about one of our volunteers in Costa Rica. Click here.:Application ProcessAll, applicants will be notified by email as to whether their application has been successful.(1) Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form via the link below. Upon receipt of the form we will assess your suitability for the program. (2) Contact You: If you are successful we will then email you a letter of acceptance. (3) Decision Point: Once you have read through the letter of acceptance and we have answered any questions or concerns that you might have, it is time to pay your application fee to secure your place on the program. Please note that we will refund your application fee if you decide not to go. (4) Confirmation: Once the application fee is paid, our volunteer partner will contact you to ensure everything is organized. We will also send you the link to our program guide which covers topics such as country information, travel links, visa application process, and fundraising ideas. (5) Communication & Support: Throughout the application process, we are committed to working with you to answer any of your questions or concerns. During your placement we are also available as a form of support to you as a volunteer and will email you while in country to discuss how the program is going. To apply for this program, click here. |
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Climb Everest In October 2006 you have the opportunity to raise money for the Nepali Children's Fund. We're climbing the Base Camp of Mount Everest and you have the opportunity to join us.