Global Greentalist
Global Greentalist is an international volunteer program that empowers young leaders for sustainable change.
Through hands-on experiences in rural communities, participants gain skills and confidence to address global challenges while developing teamwork and cultural understanding.
Our Projects
At Global Greentalist Costa Rica, we empower youth to create change through international volunteering. By engaging in community and environmental projects, you gain leadership skills and confidence.
Our programs promote cultural exchange and personal growth. Whether building water systems or restoring forests, your efforts have real impact. Join us to collaborate and drive solutions for climate action.
Virtual Environmental Action Training
At Global Greentalist, youth actions play a crucial role in addressing the planet’s most urgent challenges, including climate change and environmental degradation. By empowering young people to take action, we can foster responsibility, engagement, and meaningful change.
Duration & Context:
Five weeks before your arrival in Costa Rica, you will participate in an intensive virtual training program. During this time, you will explore essential topics such as biodiversity, sustainable lifestyles, and transformative education methodologies. Moreover, this comprehensive training lays a strong foundation for your field experience. Throughout the program, our goal is to equip you with practical skills, knowledge, and tools that enable you to lead climate actions effectively. As a result, you will make a positive impact in your community and beyond.
Community
In the Community Program, participants work to build sustainable water systems in remote Indigenous communities. Additionally, you will promote hygiene practices and deliver environmental education. Together, these actions improve health, resilience, and local water conservation.
Week 1: Orientation & Project Kickoff
3-day induction in the local area
Introduction to the water project and community engagement
Team building and leadership preparation
Weeks 2–3: Community Water Project
Construct a sustainable water supply system
Conduct hygiene promotion and water conservation workshops
Deliver environmental education sessions to children and teachers
Week 4: Outdoor Resilience Expedition
5-day leadership trek through remote terrain
Navigate using GPS, compass, and maps
Make real-time team decisions and solve challenges together
Environmental
Participants in the Environmental Program collaborate on trail restoration, reforestation, and biodiversity monitoring. Furthermore, you will support ecosystem protection alongside national park authorities. In addition, you will promote sustainable tourism and help preserve natural heritage.
Week 1: Orientation & Project Kickoff
3-day induction near the national park
Learn about environmental objectives and safety
Prepare through team dynamics and leadership exercises
Week 2: Conservation Project
Maintain trails and restore forests with SINAC
Monitor biodiversity and restore habitats
Support sustainable tourism initiatives and park protection
Days 3–4: Outdoor Resilience Expedition
10-day expedition in protected natural areas
Practice hands-on leadership and wilderness navigation
Build resilience, endurance, and environmental awareness
Outdoor Resilience
Outdoor Resilience is a wilderness leadership experience designed to challenge young people to navigate unfamiliar terrain and grow as confident leaders. During the expedition, participants hike through rugged landscapes using maps, GPS, and compass navigation. Moreover, you rotate leadership roles, manage group dynamics, and face challenges that build teamwork and self-reliance.
5-Day Community Expedition: Journey through Indigenous territory, transitioning from service to self-led navigation in the mountains. Additionally, it allows time for reflection and personal growth.
10-Day Environmental Expedition: Take ownership of route planning and decision-making. Furthermore, this intensive trek strengthens your connection with nature and builds resilience.
Ultimately, Outdoor Resilience equips participants to adapt, uplift others, and thrive in complex environments. Together, we develop leaders capable of making a real difference in both communities and ecosystems.
Volunteer
Join Greentalist and take action for a sustainable future! As a volunteer, you will participate in hands-on community development, environmental conservation, and leadership-building activities. Through these experiences, you will not only gain new skills but also work with people from diverse backgrounds, while contributing to meaningful impact in both protected areas as well as rural communities. Moreover, by engaging directly with local communities, you will develop teamwork, adaptability, and resilience, all while embracing sustainable practices.
Requirements for Volunteers:
Aged 18–25
Positive attitude and openness to teamwork
Willingness to live in basic conditions and adapt to new environments
Commitment to sustainability and social impact
Physical and emotional readiness for outdoor and group work
Programmes Dates
2026-
Cycle 1 - Virtual training Mar 30 to Apr 13. In person programm Apr 29 to Jun 1
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Cycle 2 - Virtual Training May 27 to Jun 12. In Person Programm Jun 26 to Jul 29
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Cycle 3 - Virtual Training Jul 29 to Aug 14. In Person Programm Aug 28 to Sept 30
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Cycle 4 - Virtual training Sept 30 to Oct 16. In Person Programm Oct 30 to Dec
Team Leader
As a Team Leader, you will play a key role in guiding and supporting a team of volunteers throughout the program. In addition, you will help lead daily activities, foster team cohesion, ensure health and safety standards, and act as a role model of sustainability and responsible leadership. By doing so, you will influence both individual growth and overall team success, while also promoting a collaborative and inclusive environment.
Requirements for Team Leaders:
Aged 21+
Previous volunteer or leadership experience (preferred)
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to manage group dynamics and resolve conflicts
Good physical and emotional resilience
Strong commitment to Greentalist values and mission
Availability for pre-program training
Programmes Dates
2026-
Cycle 1 - April 20 to June 01
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Cycle 2 - June 17 to July 29
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Cycle 3 - August 19 to September 30
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Cycle 4 - October 21 to December 02
Global Greentalist costa rica Recruitment Process
Tell Us About You
First, fill out our application form and share your motivations, values, and what excites you most about joining the journey. By doing so, you help us understand your goals and how you can contribute to the program.
Interview
Next, shortlisted candidates participate in a brief virtual interview. During this session, we assess your motivation, alignment with our values, and communication skills. Additionally, it serves as an opportunity for you to ask questions and clarify expectations.
Welcome Aboard
Once accepted, you’ll receive a welcome pack along with detailed next steps to prepare for your role in the program. Furthermore, this marks the start of an exciting adventure where you will connect with peers and mentors from around the world.
Pre-Departure Training
Before departure, join our preparation sessions designed to equip you with essential tools, practical skills, and the right mindset. These sessions ensure that you are ready for the challenges ahead while maximizing your learning and impact.
We will get back to you within 1–2 days after your application
The interview will be scheduled within 3–5 business days
Finally, acceptance confirmation and the welcome package are sent within 2–4 days
Departure sessions take place approximately one month before the program starts.
Q&A
What is Global Greentalist?
Global Greentalist is an international volunteer program in Costa Rica that brings together young people from around the world. By participating, you not only contribute to meaningful environmental and community projects, but also gain valuable skills and experiences. Furthermore, the program fosters teamwork, cultural exchange, and leadership development, preparing you to make a lasting impact in your community and beyond.
Who can join?
Anyone over 18 years old from any country can join. Moreover, participants should be eager to learn, help, and embrace a meaningful volunteer experience.
What kind of projects will I do?
You will work on various projects, including basic construction, environmental conservation, and educational workshops in rural and indigenous communities. Additionally, these projects provide hands-on experience that strengthens both personal and professional growth.
Where does the program take place?
Programs are based in remote areas of Costa Rica, including indigenous communities in Alto Chirripó and protected national parks. As a result, participants immerse themselves in local cultures while making a tangible impact on the environment.
How long is the program?
Each program lasts approximately five weeks. In addition, we offer several start dates throughout the year to provide flexibility for volunteers.
What’s included?
Accommodation, transport, meals, training, staff support, and a certificate of completion are included. Moreover, participants receive guidance throughout the program to maximize their learning and impact.
What’s not included?
International flights, travel insurance, vaccinations, and personal expenses are not included. However, we provide guidance to help volunteers plan and prepare effectively.
Fill out the form on our website. We’ll contact you for an interview and guide you through the next steps.
To join, simply fill out the form on our website. After submission, we will contact you for an interview and guide you through the next steps. Additionally, you will receive all necessary information to prepare for your volunteer experience.
