Costa Rica volunteer programs abroad

WHY WE WORK IN COSTA RICA

Costa Rica’s healthcare system is comprehensive but faces challenges in rural areas.
Costa Rica’s poverty rate in 2022 was 14.10%.
Despite high literacy rates, access to quality education varies, particularly in remote regions.
Rural areas sometimes lack adequate roads, water systems, and sanitation facilities.
Addressing cultural and linguistic diversity to ensure inclusive healthcare and education.

COSTA RICA AT A GLANCE

Costa Rica is a small country in Central America. It is bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. The Caribbean Sea is to the east and the Pacific Ocean is to the west. Costa Rica is slightly smaller than the state of West Virginia. There are two major mountain ranges in the country: the Cordillera Volcanica and the Cordillera de Talamanca. As in many other Central American countries, Costa Rica suffers from occasional volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.

Official Name:

Republic of Costa Rica

Form of Government:

Democratic Republic

Capital:

San José

Population:

4,987,142

Official Languages:

Spanish, English

Money:

Costa Rican colon

Area:

19,729 square miles (51,100 square kilometers)

Total patients attended:

4,231

Toothbrushing patients:

335

PAP smears:

476

Breast exams:

228

REQUIREMENTS TO VISIT

Costa Rica travel requirements:

A passport with a validity of the duration of your stay is required to enter Costa Rica. Before you travel, ensure that your passport is valid and up to date. If you need to renew your passport before traveling, do so as soon as possible.

Costa Rica visa requirements:

Travellers entering Costa Rica do not need to obtain a visa if their stay is under 180 days.

Do you need vaccinations to go to Costa Rica?

While no vaccinations are required to enter Costa Rica, it is advisable to get up to date on certain vaccinations like typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, yellow fever, rabies, and COVID-19. There are also potential requirements related to yellow fever.

Costa Rica travel restrictions:

It is important to stay up to date on the travel advisories for Peru from your country’s government website.