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Volunteer Programs in Central America

Linking Mexico to the north with Colombia to the South, Central America is bordered by coastline on both sides, boasts a tropical and fascinating landscape, and retains ancient Mayan ruins in five of the seven Central American countries. From the tiniest country, El Salvador, to the largest of the bunch, Nicaragua, volunteer programs in Central America offer volunteers the opportunity to work in conservation, education, or community development while experiencing the local culture and learning a lesson in humility and appreciation.
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238 Volunteer Programs in Central America

9.55787 reviews

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 9...

See All 20 Programs
9.48466 reviews

MAXIMO NIVEL

Top-Rated Volunteer Abroad Programs in Latin America

Maximo Nivel is a locally based organization in Costa Rica, Guate...

See All 13 Programs
9.6837 reviews

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with awa...

See All 21 Programs
7.673 reviews

Kaya Responsible Travel

Turtle and Marine Conservation in Costa Rica

Be a part of the conservation and protection of sea turtles in Co...

See All 4 Programs
103 reviews

Impact Gap Year

Cultural Explorer Gap Year

Take on an 8-month trip of adventure, community service, and comm...

See All 3 Programs
9.0423 reviews

Raleigh International

Volunteer Abroad in Costa Rica - Adventure with Purpose

Joining a Raleigh Costa Rica Expedition is a truly unique experie...

See All 5 Programs
8.254 reviews

Roots Interns

Wildlife Husbandry Internship in Costa Rica

Calling all aspiring wildlife conservationists! If you want to ex...

See All 13 Programs
8.85 reviews

Gapforce

Costa Rica Adventure with Gapforce

Adventure and animal lovers rejoice! Alongside its stunning jungl...

00 reviews

Encounter My Way

Turtle Conservation in Osa

Join us in Osa, Costa Rica, for an unforgettable volunteer experi...

8.3321 reviews

Pacific Discovery

Mexico, Costa Rica & Guatemala Gap Semester

Uncover the spirit of Central America on a 10-week journey throug...

See All 3 Programs
104 reviews

Constru Casa

Travel, Build, and Transform lives in Guatemala

Join Constru Casa and become part of a life-changing mission to b...

101 reviews

Jakera: Learn Spanish, Volunteer and Adventure

Learn Spanish & Volunteer 2 or 4 weeks

The lively beach town of Santa Teresa in Costa Rica is world famo...

See All 3 Programs
41 reviews

Love Volunteers

Teaching and Assisting in Schools in Costa Rica

This vital project was created to improve the English-speaking ab...

See All 8 Programs
9.4184 reviews

GVI

Wildlife Expedition in Costa Rica

Take part in this wildlife conservation expedition and be an acti...

See All 7 Programs
8.514 reviews

Volunteer World

Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find ...

See All 9 Programs
9.8998 reviews

World Endeavors

Volunteer in Costa Rica with World Endeavors

World Endeavors offers exciting programs that allow participants ...

9.7860 reviews

Global Leadership Adventures

GLA Costa Rica - Volunteer Programs for Teens

Travel to Costa Rica and make a difference in a subject area you ...

9.235 reviews

Rustic Pathways

Costa Rica Surf, Adventure, Service & Turtle Programs

Costa Rica is where adventure, service, cultural immersion, and t...

9.679 reviews

Travel For Teens

Travel For Teens: Costa Rica Adventure and Service

Join us in Costa Rica for unforgettable memories and valuable ser...

See All 10 Programs
9.758 reviews

GoBeyond Student Travel

GoBeyond - Global Community Service Adventures for Teens

This program goes beyond ordinary high school travel programs and...

See All 2 Programs

A Guide to Volunteering Abroad in Central America

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Latest Program Reviews

Fantastic Opportunity to Work in a Small Community and Make an Impact

September 17, 2025by: Sandy Young - United StatesProgram: Volunteer and Teach English in Costa Rica
10

I debated what experience to do when volunteering in Costa Rica and settled on Teaching English. I took a TEFL course, did the IVHQ prep work, and waited patiently for my volunteer dates. I volunteered for IVHQ previously in Fiji and had a fantastic experience. The Costa Rica was a very different experience as you may expect differences in a different country but also fantastic. I was partnered with a community center about 1 1/2 to 2 hours by bus outside of San Jose so ended up taking UBER, which was affordable. My class was a group of Intermediate English learners and by listening to their needs on the 1st day, changed my teaching plans from grammar to focus on speaking, reading comprehension, and vocabulary understanding. I had a great 2-weeks with the class, making an impact in a small community often overlooked, and hope to come back through another volunteer experience. The local team had great resources and support. My homestay was with an awesome family. I enjoyed the private room that had a kitchen and a place to stretch out in the mornings/evenings. I also enjoyed the Costa Rican cuisine that the matriarch of the family cooked daily.

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