Global Greentalist Costa Rica
Learn to lead sustainable change through international volunteering.
Moreover, Global Greentalist Costa Rica helps you build real-world skills while creating meaningful impact.
What You'll Learn Through Our Projects
First, you’ll engage in hands-on environmental and community projects. Then, you’ll develop leadership abilities and cross-cultural skills. Additionally, you’ll gain practical knowledge for climate action.
Whether building water systems or restoring forests, you’ll learn by doing. Furthermore, each experience prepares you to drive real solutions. Ultimately, you’ll create lasting impact while growing as a changemaker.
Virtual Environmental Action Training
What You’ll Master Before Arrival
Before arriving in Costa Rica, you’ll complete five weeks of virtual training. During this time, you’ll build your foundation as an environmental leader.
What you’ll learn:
- Biodiversity basics: First, understand the ecosystems you’ll protect
- Sustainable practices: Next, discover actionable approaches to climate action
- Education methods: Additionally, learn how to teach and inspire others effectively
- Community strategies: Finally, gain tools to lead meaningful environmental initiatives
Consequently, you’ll arrive ready to create impact from day one.
Community
What You’ll Learn Through Water Systems & Development
Initially, you’ll work with remote Indigenous communities on water infrastructure. Then, you’ll master sustainable development practices through real projects. As a result, you’ll gain skills applicable anywhere.
Week 1: Orientation & Project Kickoff
- First, learn local context, culture, and community engagement approaches
- Then, understand water project design and implementation methods
- Finally, develop team leadership through immersive activities
Weeks 2–3: Community Water Project
- Initially, master sustainable water system construction techniques
- Next, learn to facilitate hygiene and conservation workshops
- Then, gain experience delivering environmental education to diverse audiences
- Subsequently, develop cross-cultural communication and partnership skills
Week 4: Outdoor Resilience Expedition
- First, build leadership confidence through five-day wilderness navigation
- Additionally, learn GPS, compass, and map-reading skills
- Moreover, practice real-time decision-making and problem-solving
- Finally, strengthen team facilitation and conflict resolution abilities
Environmental
What You’ll Learn Through Conservation & Protection
Initially, you’ll work alongside national park authorities on conservation. Then, you’ll gain hands-on experience in ecosystem management. Furthermore, you’ll learn sustainable tourism practices.
Week 1: Orientation & Project Kickoff
- First, learn environmental conservation and park management strategies
- Next, understand safety protocols and ecological stewardship practices
- Then, build team dynamics and leadership capabilities for fieldwork
Week 2: Conservation Project
- Initially, master trail maintenance and forest restoration techniques with SINAC
- Subsequently, learn biodiversity monitoring and habitat restoration methods
- Additionally, gain experience in sustainable tourism and protected area management
- Finally, develop collaboration skills with government partners
Days 3–4: Outdoor Resilience Expedition
- First, deepen environmental awareness through ten-day immersive expedition
- Then, practice wilderness leadership and advanced navigation skills
- Moreover, build physical and mental resilience in challenging conditions
- Ultimately, strengthen your connection with nature and conservation values
Outdoor Resilience
What You’ll Develop Through Wilderness Leadership
Through wilderness expeditions, you’ll learn to lead with confidence. Moreover, you’ll master navigation and adaptive decision-making. Consequently, these skills translate to leadership anywhere.
What you’ll learn:
- Advanced navigation: First, master maps, GPS, and compass skills
- Rotational leadership: Then, experience leading and supporting others
- Team management: Next, learn to facilitate groups effectively
- Adaptive decisions: Additionally, build judgment under pressure
- Personal resilience: Finally, develop self-reliance and emotional strength
5-Day Community Expedition: Initially, you’ll transition from structured service to self-led navigation. Then, you’ll journey through Indigenous territory independently. As a result, you’ll develop self-awareness and cultural sensitivity.
10-Day Environmental Expedition: First, take full ownership of route planning and decisions. Subsequently, strengthen your connection with nature. Ultimately, build resilience to thrive in complex environments.
Therefore, Outdoor Resilience equips you to lead meaningful change worldwide.
Choose Your Project Path
Three impactful experiences, one transformative journey
Community resilience
Build sustainable infrastructure with indigenous communities
Work with remote indigenous communities on sustainable water system construction. Facilitate hygiene workshops and deliver environmental education to diverse audiences, and finish your exeprience with a 5 days outdoor resilience trek.
Conservation & Protection
Restore ecosystems in national parks
Work alongside national park authorities on trail maintenance, forest restoration, and biodiversity monitoring. Learn sustainable tourism and protected area management, and finish your exeprience with a 10 days outdoor resilience trek.
Be a Volunteer
What You’ll Gain as a Global Greentalist Costa Rica Volunteer
Join Global Greentalist Costa Rica and discover your potential. Through hands-on activities, you’ll learn practical sustainability skills. Moreover, you’ll work with people from diverse backgrounds.
What you’ll learn and develop:
- Practical skills: First, gain hands-on conservation and development experience
- Cultural competence: Then, learn to work across diverse perspectives
- Teamwork: Next, master group dynamics and collective problem-solving
- Adaptability: Additionally, build capacity to thrive in unfamiliar environments
- Leadership: Finally, develop confidence to inspire action in others
Consequently, you’ll leave equipped to drive sustainability initiatives anywhere.
Requirements to Join:
- Aged 18–25
- Positive attitude and openness to teamwork
- Willingness to adapt to basic conditions
- Commitment to sustainability and social impact
- Physical and emotional readiness for outdoor work
Programmes Dates
2026-
Cycle 1Virtual training Mar 30 to Apr 13 In person programm Apr 29 to Jun 1
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Cycle 2 - Virtual Training May 25 to Jun 11. In Person Programm Jun 26 to Jul 29
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Cycle 3 - Virtual Training Jul 27 to Aug 13. In Person Programm Aug 28 to Sept 30
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Cycle 4 - Virtual training Sept 28 to Oct 15. In Person Programm Oct 30 to Dec
Team Leader
What You’ll Master as a Global Greentalist Costa Rica Team Leader
As a Team Leader, you’ll advance your leadership abilities. Moreover, you’ll guide volunteers through transformative experiences. Consequently, you’ll master skills that define effective changemakers.
What you’ll learn and develop:
- Advanced facilitation: First, master guiding groups through complex projects
- Conflict resolution: Then, learn to navigate group dynamics challenges
- Mentorship techniques: Next, develop ability to support individual growth
- Safety management: Additionally, gain expertise in maintaining team wellbeing
- Values-based leadership: Finally, model sustainability and responsible decisions
Requirements to Lead:
- Aged 21+
- Previous volunteer or leadership experience (preferred)
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to manage group dynamics
- Good physical and emotional resilience
- Strong commitment to Greentalist values
- 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
What's Included in Your Donation
Everything you need for a transformative experience
All meals
Three daily meals featuring local Costa Rican cuisine. Vegetarian, vegan, and dietary restrictions accommodated.
5-Week Virtual Training
Complete pre-program environmental leadership training, live sessions with experts, and community building.
In-Country Transport
Airport pickup, all transfers between project sites, and transportation during activities.
Accommodation
Shared eco-lodging in community settings with all basic amenities, safe and comfortable facilities.
Project Materials
All equipment, tools, and materials needed for conservation and community projects.
Certification
Official program certificate and verified hours for academic credit or professional development.
What's NOT Included
- International flights to/from Costa Rica
- Visa fees (if required)
- Personal equipment & gear
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
Physical & Health Requirements
Understanding the physical demands of each project
Community Project
Fitness Level
- Basic fitness required
- Walking 2-4 km daily
- Light construction work
- Hot, humid conditions
- Moderate physical labor
Environmental Project
Fitness Level
- Good fitness required
- Hiking 5-8 km daily
- Trail maintenance work
- Varied terrain & weather
- Moderate to heavy labor
Outdoor Expedition
Fitness Level
- High fitness required
- Hiking 8-15 km daily
- Carrying 15kg backpack
- Multi-day wilderness trek
- Challenging conditions
Health Requirements
Stay safe and healthy during your program
Required Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A & B
- Tetanus/Diphtheria
- Typhoid (recommended)
- Yellow Fever (if from endemic area)
Climate Conditions
- Temperature: 20-32°C (68-90°F)
- High humidity (70-90%)
- Rainy season: May-November
- Sun exposure: Very high
Medical Considerations
- Bring personal medications
- Disclose pre-existing conditions
- Basic first aid provided
- Access to medical centers available
Special Accommodations
- Dietary restrictions accommodated
- Accessibility: Limited (contact us)
- Mental health support available
- We work with you individually
Recruitment Process
Tell Us About You
First, fill out our application form. Then, share your motivations and values. Consequently, we'll understand your goals and potential contribution.
Timeline: We’ll respond within 1–2 days
Interview
Next, join a brief virtual conversation. During this time, we'll explore your motivation. Additionally, you'll ask questions and learn about expectations.
Timeline: Interviews scheduled within 3–5 business days
Welcome Aboard
Once accepted, you'll receive a comprehensive welcome pack. Moreover, you'll get detailed preparation steps. Therefore, you'll connect with peers and mentors worldwide.
Timeline: Confirmation arrives within 2–4 days
Pre-Departure Training
Finally, join our preparation sessions before departure. Through these sessions, you'll gain essential tools. As a result, you'll maximize your learning and impact.
Timeline: Training begins approximately one month before departure
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. In addition, the program fosters teamwork, cultural exchange, and leadership development. As a result, you will be well-prepared to make a lasting impact in your community and beyond. Ultimately, this transformative experience empowers you to become an active changemaker in today’s world.
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.
Ready to Discover What You Can Achieve?
Join Global Greentalist Costa Rica today. Start your journey toward becoming a confident changemaker. Apply now and learn to create meaningful impact.