Travel the World. Make a Difference.
Costa
Rica Program
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ELCOME TO BUILD ABROAD COSTA RICA!
Thank you for choosing Build Abroad! We hope you are
excited about your upcoming trip to Costa Rica.
As you know, Build Abroad connects volunteers with construction projects in
developing countries. We feel volunteering is one of the best ways to make
a difference in the world. Aside from the physical accomplishments, our
construction volunteers bring home an insight about a different culture. During
your trip, we are confident you will have a blast exploring Costa Rica!
We have put together this packet of information so that you can be fully
prepared when you arrive overseas. It should be very informative, but if you have
any questions after reading it through, feel free to contact us!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
About Costa Rica & Airport Pickup
03
Trip Checklist
04
Accomodations & Meals
05
Itinerary & Travel
06
Health & Climate
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FAQ & Contact
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A LITTLE ABOUT COSTA RICA
Costa Rica is known as one of the most stable countries in Central America. A lot of this economy
depends on tourism, which is primarily because of its beautiful, natural attractions. Aside from
culture, agriculture and electronic exports make up a percentage of the Costa Rican economy.
However, despite the large amount of stability within the country, there are many communities
scattered throughout that need assistance with infrastructure and development.
The Costa Rican culture is heavily influenced by the Spanish culture, as are many of the countries
nearby. There are also hints of Jamaican immigrants and indigenous natives. Everyday life in Costa
Rica can be summed up by one phrase: “Pura Vida,” which literally means “pure life.” You will find
people using this phrase as a greeting, farewell, expression, or way of giving thanks. It is a reflection
of the carefree lifestyle that you will find in the country.
In 1948, Costa Rica abolished their military and have been putting those funds towards conservation,
which is why you will find approximately that 25% of the country is protected national forests. As with
any foreign country, you should express some caution, especially in high tourist areas. Getting to the
country from America is easy and there are a number of means to get around the country such as
buses, taxis, and car rentals.
AIRPORT PICKUP INFORMATION
By now you should have sent us your flight information. Upon your arrival, a staff member from Build
Abroad’s partner organization will meet you in person at the San Jose airport. They will either have
your name or “Build Abroad” on a posterboard so you can identify them.
If for some reason there is any problem meeting with the representative, please take a taxi directly
to:
Maximo Nivel
Calle 1
San Pedro, Costa Rica
Phone: +506 2253 9220
or call us at...
Phone: +506 2253 9220 (local number)
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TRIP CHECKLIST
Before you leave
Fill out our online form with passport number, flight information, etc.
Make sure your passport is up to date.
Background check at your local police department or online. (Required)
Print off a copy of your passport and contact info for a friend/family member
What to pack
Build Abroad Packet
Passport
Background Check
Tee Shirts
Warm Shirts
Pants
Shorts
Rain Gear
Comfortable Hiking Shows/Boots
Sandals
Sunglasses
Hat
Day Pack
Camera
Water Bottle
Bathroom Kit
Sunscreen
Bug Repellent
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ACCOMODATIONS & MEALS
Build Abroad provides all accommodations for our program participants. Living accommodations during
the week will be with a host family. Accommodations will vary slightly, but hot water is available 24 hours
a day at all our homestays.
Some of our homestays will have wifi access, but for those that do not, you have free access to wifi at
our volunteer offices.
Local Costa Rican food is provided three times a day for participants at family-stays. Costa
Rican food is a fusion cuisine, as it combines elements of culinary traditions from Africa, Italy,
France, China, and Spain. Costa Rican cuisine is fairly mild food, but is still known for being flavorful. Rice
and black beans are a staple for most meals, including breakfast. Gallo pinto, is a breakfast dish made of
rice, beans, onions, and bell peppers mixed together. It is considered one of the most popular foods in
Costa Rica. Expect meals to also comprise of fresh fruit and vegetables.
ELECTRICAL OUTLETS
Both your homestay and the volunteer headquarters are equipped with 24-hour electricity. Costa Rica is
110V, the same frequency as the United States. To avoid damage to your electronic appliances, be sure
to check each appliance for acceptable voltages before you plug them in.
The following plugs will work in most Costa Rican homes and hostels:
Type A: Flat blade plug. (Usually known as the American Plug)
Type B: Flat blade plug with a ground
DRUGS & ALCOHOL
The drinking age in Costa Rica is 18 years old. Volunteers are allowed to consume alcohol during our
trips while they are not working. You will need to be respectful of your host family, as some of them do
not allow alcohol in the house. Alcohol consumption before volunteer work will not be allowed.
Illegal drug use of any kind is also strictly prohibited. If you are found to be using drugs on the trip, you
will be immediately removed from the program without refund.
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SAMPLE ITINERARY
Volunteering takes place during the week, Monday through Friday. On your first day you will go through
an orientation where you will be introduced to your in-country staff.
Typical Day: Volunteers will have a morning or afternoon shift, which will last 2 to 4 hours. A typical
morning schedule is as follows:
8:00 AM - Travel to job site to build after having breakfast with host family
12:00 PM - Construction work usually ends and volunteers are free to explore San Jose
7.00 PM - Dinner with the host family
NOTE: This schedule may vary
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Arenal Volcano
Arenal Volcano is a dormant volcano (as of 2010) and is one of Costa Rica’s
most notable natural features. Around the base there are countless things to
do such as white water rafting, rappelling water falls, ziplining, and hiking.
Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio is known for the of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
The Manuel Antonio National Park offers tourists the chance to see monkeys,
sloths, and other wildlife through guided tours.
La Paz Waterfall and Poas Volcano
Exploring La Paz Waterfall and Poas Volcano is a perfect day trip from San
Jose and can be reached by bus in under an hour. The Poas Volcano is an
active volcano that is known for its picturesque teal colored water.
Jaco Beach
Jaco is a coastal town, about 1.5 hours away and it is the closest beach to San
Jose. It is home to a number of restaurants, bars, and hotels. There is plenty to
do outside such as surfing, swimming, deep sea fishing, kayaking and more.
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HEALTH
Unlike many countries in Latin America, Costa Rican tap water is safe to drink.
Wear Sunscreen
Sunburns ruin more trips than any other dangers you are likely to face in Costa Rica. Because of
elevations and proximity to the equator you can burn very quickly. Wear sunglasses, sunscreen, and
hats to be safe.
Our partner organization keeps a number of medications and first-aid supplies on hand at its office.
We are more than happy to help treat minor cuts, scratches, headaches and stomach issues. For more
serious illnesses, we will be able to get you to a doctor in the area.
CLIMATE
Because Costa Rica is only about 10 degrees north of the equator, the climate is tropical all year round.
However, the country also has a lot of microclimates depending upon the geography of the region you
are in. San Jose owns a typically mild climate compared to some of the coastal or mountain regions.
Costa Rica has a rainy season and a dry season. The dry season, which some locals call Summer, is from
roughly December to April. The wet season, which some locals call the Winter, is typically May through
November.
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FAQs
Do I have to know Spanish?
Speaking Spanish is not required for a trip to Costa Rica but a basic understanding of the language is
helpful. If you are interested in Spanish classes, we offer them while in Costa Rica. Or, if you wish to
brush up on your Spanish before you leave, we offer Skype lessons with an instructor. Contact us if you
are interested in either of these options.
Will there be other volunteers with me?
Yes. The numbers vary from week to week. You can expect several other construction volunteers to be
participating in the program at the same time as you. In addition to the construction volunteers, there
will be even more people doing other work with our partner organization. You can rest assured that you
will meet a lot of fun, unique people during your time with Build Abroad.
CONTACT
Build Abroad wants to make this experience as enjoyable as possible leading up to your trip as well as in
Costa Rica. If you have any questions or concerns that are not addressed in this package, dont hesitate
to contact us by phone or email.
Build Abroad Costa Rica Contact
Pat McLoughlin
[email protected]
+1 802 266 0155
Local Partner Email
[email protected]
Calle 1
San Pedro, Costa Rica
Phone: +506 2253 9220
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