Volunteering with the CRHF offers a unique opportunity to grow, learn, and appreciate the world in new and challenging ways. As you interact with the people, projects and programs that are an integral part of the CRHF volunteer experience, you will be working as a team to offer your skills, knowledge, and kindness to reach a common goal.

Volunteering with the CRHF is a tremendously rewarding experience, but it is also not for everyone. To realize our vision of improving the quality of life for the populations that we serve, the CRHF requires a high level of commitment, dedication and personal responsibility from every volunteer. CRHF volunteers must possess a positive, cheerful attitude and be confident in their ability to help others make positive changes in their lives. They must be sincere in their desire to serve and sensitive to the life situations of others, especially to the fact that there are thousands of Costa Ricans who cannot afford to put food on their tables. Finally, CRHF volunteers must be able to use their skills and talents in creative and flexible ways because of the unique set of challenges and circumstances that exist in a developing country like Costa Rica.

CRHF volunteers are asked to make the following financial contributions:

The CRHF recommended donation is $600/month. This donation  serves as a direct assistance to Costa Rican populations in need. The CRHF is able to develop and sustain its humanitarian service projects in part because of the financial support from the volunteers who come here.  The CRHF uses funds from volunteers to finance their specific project(s), and also to supplement other projects as the need arises.  It is the Foundation’s policy to maintain extremely low administrative costs in order to ensure that the vast majority of funds we receive and raise go directly to serving the communities we work with. Everyone works as a volunteer, including the local staff and the Director.

A Homestay fee of $400/month is paid directly to the homestay families. For volunteers staying less than two weeks, the fee is $30/day.

 

Pre- arrival information
We will answer all of your questions and try to give you a clear idea of what to expect during your time here.

Airport pick-up and drop-off.
The CRHF arranges transportation to and from the airport for all volunteers.

Homestay screening and placement
Volunteers are placed with a family that has been oriented, screened and prepared for your arrival. You will get a private room, comfortable living conditions, laundry service and good healthy food from your host family. The families are also dedicated to meeting the goals and objectives of the CRHF and will always be available to give you advice or just offer a listening ear. The presence of volunteers in the families is a source of education, stimulation, cultural exchange and financial support that is very important to the overall mission of the Foundation.

Orientation and site selection
During your first days you will visit a variety of projects and communities in which you have expressed interest and talent. This process can take anywhere from a day to several days and is designed to make it possible for you to choose the project(s) that will be best for you.

Work Preparation and Support
The CRHF will provide you with the background information, materials, and logistical support you will need for each project. Members of the CRHF will provide you with a sense of perspective on your situation that is based on more than 20 years of doing development work in Costa Rica.

Daily communication regarding project goals, expectations, successesand challenges
We are available to talk every day on the phone or in person so that you can plan for the next day's activities with enthusiasm and joy. You also play an important role in policy decisions made by the organization, as your feedback from the field is essential to us.

Weekend travel suggestions and discounts
Many volunteers come to Costa Rica to explore the country during some part of their time here. The CRHF is supported by many tour operators and hotels throughout the country, and some discounts and special arrangements can be made.

Letters of recommendation upon request
At any time after your work with us, Gail Nystrom, the Executive Director of the CRHF, will write a letter describing your project(s), the impacts you had on the populations we serve, and the role you played in making the organization stronger.

Final debriefing session
This is designed to help you process your experience and to give feedback for future volunteers and projects. Your comments are important as a tool for the CRHF to continue develop and improve our organization.