Safety and Field Support Volunteer in Costa Rica

Our number #1 priority is the safety of our volunteers. We pride ourselves on providing the safest, highest quality, and most professional programs to our volunteers. Our dedicated team works closely from start to finish with each volunteer (and parents/guardians) to ensure a successful, satisfactory, and safe volunteer abroad in Costa Rica experience.

Below is a list of our safety and field support features that will demonstrate the level of support and safety each volunteer will receive while they complete their volunteer work in Costa Rica.

  • Country Coordinator and Field Staff: Global Crossroad has a very strong and dedicated team of country coordinators and local staff members. Each volunteer abroad Costa Rica project is managed by a highly trained local team whose primary care, concern, and job is to meet the needs of each individual volunteer. There will be someone there to greet volunteers upon arrival at the airport, orient them to the country, conduct a language program (where applicable), manage room and board, introduce volunteers to their chosen program, and personally visit and or check-up via telephone every 7 to 12 days.
  • Airport Greeting: Once you clear customs, there will be someone (usually a local staff member, but at times a professional transfer company employee) waiting for you with a sign with your name on it. They will carry some form of valid identification, so that you feel 100% safe leaving with them.

 

  • Host Family Accommodation: The majority of the time, volunteers will reside with a host family. Global Crossroad has hand selected these host families to ensure that they are of the highest esteem and respectable citizens of their community. While Global Crossroad’s host families typically speak very little English, they are financially stable and have experience hosting international volunteers and travelers. This will prove to be a highly rewarding component of your volunteer abroad in Costa Rica program.
  • Comprehensive Insurance and Evacuation Plan: It is mandatory that all volunteers obtain a travel insurance policy when joining any of the volunteer opportunities in Costa Rica. Global Crossroad offers one of the most comprehensive insurance packages. Our insurance policy provides excellent protection in the event that a health-related issue occurs, an accident, or other unpredictable incidences. Please contact us to learn more about our insurance policy.

 

  • Placement with Other Volunteers: Global Crossroad is happy to place volunteers with other volunteers (depending on availability) if this is something that would make you feel safer.

Any international travel requires caution and awareness; a volunteer experience in Costa Rica is no exception. We suggest that all volunteers consult their own government advisory office before making the decision to participate in any volunteering programs in Costa Rica. International travel presents risks, especially with the modern day threat of international terrorism.

The U.S. State Department issues travel warnings and advisories in many countries for American travelers. These travel advisories and warnings frequently change, as situations in each country transform.

These links provide valuable travel information:

It is also wise to consult the Center for Disease Control for health related information and issues that might come up during your time volunteering in Costa Rica. Check out www.cdc.gov for possible health risks. One must also keep in mind that the sanitary conditions in Costa Rica are likely very different from those in your home country.

 

Our in-country coordinator is always available to ensure your safety, comfort, and satisfaction while you are on a volunteer program in Costa Rica. You will have all of the necessary contact information for that person prior to your arrival.

Global Crossroad has been organizing volunteering programs in Costa Rica since 2003 and is adamant about providing you will all of the necessary information and support that will ensure you have the best experience whether you commit to a volunteer teaching English overseas program, a medical intern abroad project, a volunteer with HIV/AIDS awareness program, or a community development project.