Costa Rica building project

Costa Rica is part of the tiny, geographical bridge between North and South America. It's a perfect introduction to tropical Latin America. To travel here is to place yourself in the middle of a breathtaking variety of tropical plant and wildlife, all the while enjoying your surroundings with relaxed and friendly people.

Following a week of Spanish lessons, our overseas volunteers are engaged in teaching English, building homes and care work with street children in the suburbs of San José and the surrounding mountains. Conservation projects to counteract the effects of deforestation and wildlife devastation are carried out under the canopy of the rainforests, on the beaches, or at reserves and national parks.

Weekends are for taking in Costa Rica's natural wonders: climbing volcanoes, white-water rafting through canyons and kayaking, or lazing on pristine white beaches that inspired the Spaniards to christen this country 'rich coast'.Many rural Costa Rican families live in homes lacking adequate sanitation and safe weather protection. Volunteers work with Habitat for Humanity International and other organisations to build homes for them. It's a cycle of grassroots activity, as these families carry on the goodwill by helping the next family.

After your complimentary Spanish lessons to help prepare you for the work ahead, you work with local families and use local materials to dig and pour foundations, build walls, install roofs or build septic tanks and drainage systems. The local families provide you breakfast, dinner, a bed and an interesting insight into Costa Rican culture. You might not see the entire house constructed, but the reward comes from working alongside the families whose lives you are helping to change. You might also get the chance to give an insight into your own culture by teaching English to the local community.