Building and Renovation Community Project in Costa Rica, Esparza

• Improve the standard of living of underprivileged Costa Ricans in the Esparza community working alongside locals and fellow volunteers
• Create cultural exchange opportunities through your efforts alongside locals 
• Gain practical experience in construction and renovation

The purpose of the Building and Renovation Project is to provide essential support in the construction and maintenance of buildings in the community. This can range from building simple but safe homes for the homeless to updating and developing the facilities in a day-care centre for children from challenging family circumstances. The particular project that you work on is dependent on the needs of the community at the time of your trip.

Participants work alongside local construction workers which provides a great opportunity to get to know local Costa Ricans and learn some Spanish (if you’re brave enough!) as well as a trained construction professional that speaks native English and ensures the proper running of the project. No technical knowledge or previous experience in construction is needed, just a willingness to get stuck in and get your hands dirty!

Criminal Records Check
We require you to complete a criminal records check in order to take part in this experience. We can accept those that have been done in the last two years if you have the certificate. In the UK it can be done through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), in the USA further details can be found on Travel.State.Gov, otherwise please search for your local service provider. We may also request a reference from a reliable source. You must supply these to us before departure and also take a copy with you to present to the in-country team.

Why do we require a criminal background check?
1) Ensuring a safe environment is conducive to learning, productivity and overall positive experiences for everyone involved.

2) We implement thorough screening processes and we are committed to safety and integrity, fostering trust among participants and the local community.

3) Conducting background checks serves as a preventive measure, deterring individuals with questionable backgrounds from attempting to participate in our programme.

4) Safeguards vulnerable people from potential harm within the programme.

You can arrive on any weekend of the year and your placement will start on the Monday.

Arrival Notes
We require you to arrive at SJO (Juan Santamaría) international airport on a Sunday before 21:00. Arrivals outside this will need to order an additional airport transfer and extra nights accommodation and services.

If you are arriving overland in Esparza, then please contact us to arrange a meeting point.

Visa
British nationals don’t need a visa to enter Costa Rica. You can stay as a tourist visitor for up to 3 months/90 days, although the exact period is at the discretion of the immigration officer on arrival. Durations longer than this will require a visit to Panamá or Nicaragua which is very easy to arrange once in country, which will allow a further 90 day tourist visa when re-entering Costa Rica.

For further entry requirements visit Costa Rica Embassy.

Location
Esparza is a medium-sized agricultural town nestled amongst the mountains above Rio Barranca, in the Central Pacific Coast area of Costa Rica. The area was first settled by the Chorotega and Huetar peoples. The Chorotega people fled from Mexico 1,500 years ago and brought their traditions with them. This is a possible reason why there are Mexican words which jump several countries and turn up again in Costa Rica.

The Spanish town was founded in 1577, making it the second oldest in the country. It has a rich history which includes legends of hidden pirate gold. Esparza is the second largest cantón in the province of Puntarenas, covering an area of 216.80 km², and with a population of approximately 35,000.

Social Life in Esparza and Costa Rica
Your placement will keep you busy during the week, but you will generally have your evenings and weekends free to get to know Esparza, Costa Rica, and of course your fellow volunteers. Esparza is a largely rural community, and off the tourist track, which means you can experience genuine Costa Rican culture. The pace of life is relaxed, and it is not unusual to see horses being ridden in the street. Our in-country team will organize a weekly evening activity, such as dancing lessons, cooking lessons, Spanish lessons or a trip to a nearby town or tourist destination. Every month, on a weekend, there will be an organised trip to a tourist destination – volcano, beach, waterfall, canopy, ziplining, horse riding etc. When there are local events and fiestas we will make sure that you are involved.

Accommodation
Your new home will be one of two eco houses in our centre in Esparza: Jaguar House and Toucan House, sleeping 22 people max. Rooms are single gender occupancy, and sleep a maximum of 4 people in bunk beds. We have two private rooms available for those travelling as couples. Each house has two western style WC/shower rooms with cold water, which is refreshing in the heat of Esparza. Rooms are equipped with mosquito screens and 2 fans. All doors are lockable.

Washing facilities are provided, and there is a large dining hall/games room/communal area shared by both houses, with free WiFi, TV and table tennis, plus a large garden of tropical plants, including coconut palm, papaya, banana, and citrus.

With the environment in mind, all volunteers are asked to be sensitive with the resources they use, in regards to water, paper and electricity.

Facilities
There are shops within 300 metres of the centre, and bars, restaurants, and an excellent public pool within 15 minutes walk. There is an ATM within 1km and more ATMs in town, about 2kms. Buses into town and further afield leave from within 300ms of the centre.

Esparza and the surrounding area has plenty of shops, bars and restaurants within easy reach.

Travel and Adventure in Esparza and Puntarenas
Esparza and Puntarenas have plenty to offer for weekend activities, including horse riding, watersports (surf is huge), game fishing, canopy tours, Puntarenas Marina, National Parks, hotels to suit all budgets, and some of the best scenery in the world. Puntarenas is also ideally suited to take a scenic ferry to the Nicoya Peninsula and its many secluded beaches.

Beautiful beaches for surf and relaxation are a short bus journey away from the centre, and Esparza has its own secluded waterfall with legends of buried pirate treasure.

Esparza is on the Panamerican Highway, so access to the rest of Costa Rica and the rest of the American continent is at your doorstep.

Accommodation
Your home will be one of two eco houses in our centre in Esparza: Jaguar House and Toucan House, sleeping 22 people max. Rooms are single gender occupancy, and sleep a maximum of 4 people in bunk beds. We have two private rooms available for those travelling as couples. Each house has two western style WC/shower rooms with cold water, which is refreshing in the heat of Esparza. Rooms are equipped with mosquito screens and 2 fans. All doors are lockable. Laundry facilities and a kitchen are provided, and there is a large dining hall/games room/communal area shared by both houses, with free WiFi, TV and table tennis, plus a large garden of tropical plants, including coconut palm, papaya, banana, and citrus.

Food
Three meals a day on weekdays (two on weekends) are included during your stay. The meals will mainly be a mix of traditional and modern Costa Rican food, so you may experience the Costa Rican take on foods you will be familiar with. Most meals will include either fish, chicken, pork or beef, but vegetarians can be catered for. Tea and coffee making facilities are provided in the kitchens.

Airport Pick-Up & Transfer
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the accommodation.

Training
An orientation and induction to the local area will be provided in your first few days helping you settle in and adjust to your new surroundings.

Support
Our in-country team also operates an informal help desk during working hours for any feedback and questions from our participants.

• Flights
• Travel Insurance
• Visas
• Vaccinations
• Spending money
• In country travel
• Laundry detergent
• Toiletries
• Soft drinks and alcohol
• Extra activities not on itinerary
• Return transport to airport but we will assist
• Criminal background check

Preferred Duration
The longer the better but 4 to 6 weeks is usually a good amount of time.

Typical Hours
Monday to Friday for 4 to 5hrs a day. 

Pre-requisites
Basic Spanish language preferable. Formal qualifications are not required.

Ideal For
Volunteer Building and Renovation Projects Abroad; Volunteer Work Holidays and Projects in Latin America; Activity Breaks; Volunteer Gap Years and Career Breaks in Latin America; Student University Summer Holidays.

Suitable for ages 18 to 60

Most participants are between 18 and 25, so please be aware of this. We do welcome older people because of the value and experience they bring to the community.