Volunteering Abroad Shouldn't Cost the Earth

Farmhand Volunteer Costa Rica

 

Description

We are looking for a volunteer to work on and develop new projects on our experimental sustainable organic farm, which supports our sustainable development and food security initiatives at the Center. You will practice your agricultural and animal husbandry skills through contributing to the production of locally-source organic products, mainten […]

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Details

Organisation:
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Location:
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Qualifications/Skills:
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Dates of program:
Year round

Duration of program:
3 months minimum

Age requirement:
Adults of both sexes 18+

Cost:
US$275 per month to cover food and utilities.

Other information:
None


Reviews

Volunteer Experience to Help You Grow
"I spent 1 year volunteering for the SDC... I was originally planning on staying for just three months, but ended up loving the mission and the work of the SDC and therefore decided to commit more time. Volunteering at the SDC has been the ultimate experience in integrating within a community and working on behalf of creating a better world. Through this volunteer experience, I have learned so much about myself and about the kind of way in which I want to make a difference. This experience was at times challenging, as much of the work is self-initiated with little direction given, and there is certainly a lot to do! However, it is wonderful to be a part of a team that is supportive and caring, and truly appreciates your input and work. This is not a volunteer experience that is meant to shuffle through volunteer after volunteer as a means of making money, this is a true, authentic experience in which you will get hands-on opportunity to work with community members on subjects of social activism, environmentalism, sustainability, and economic opportunity. A main aspect of the work is supporting the Center's Director and the programs that the Center runs. Day to day, this manifests as a lot of different things: helping with the rental cabin business, hosting visiting groups, giving tours of the Center and the farm, working on grants, developing new programs, helping with the weekly farmer's market, thinking and implementing sustainable initiatives... the list goes on. I did a little bit of everything, as do most volunteers. The most important piece of advice if you are considering this volunteer experience at the SDC is to be FLEXIBLE, and to not rigidly stick to your expectations as to what the experience will be. This is such a dynamic experience and the work that the Center does is very complex and interconnected. Therefore, it is absolutely essential that volunteers are able to think quickly and effectively complete tasks on their own accord. If you are hoping for an experience that is a set program, specific training and tools, and with deliverable outcomes, this experience is NOT for you. This volunteer experience requires innovative and self-starting people, who are willing to lend a hand in any way and to come up with creative solutions to real-world problems, and who are adaptable to any task that comes their way. As the SDC is a family-run non-profit, volunteer at the SDC makes you a part of this family and you will become close with those who are also living and working at the Center, and the community of Guacimal will hold a special place in your heart."- Kathleen Knight

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