Welcome to your best source of information for Peace Corps Costa Rica! If you’re considering volunteering in Costa Rica, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll tell you more about the history of the Peace Corps in Costa Rica and explore Costa Rica as a nation. You’ll learn about the languages spoken in the country and hear about other volunteers experiences. You can find more information about safety and health issues here too. And we’ll tell you how to connect with returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) who served in Costa Rica. Get ready to find out more about information to help you decide if serving in Costa Rica is right for you.
Volunteers in Costa Rica work with their communities on locally prioritized projects in Community Economic Development (CED), Youth in Development (YinD), and Education (ED). Cohorts usually leave in July.
What is the History of Peace Corps in Costa Rica?
The Peace Corps has a long and significant history in Costa Rica. It first came to the country in 1963 and has maintained an ongoing partnership ever since. Over the years, the Peace Corps has implemented programs to address the development needs of local communities.
Since its start, thousands of Peace Corps volunteers have served in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is one of the oldest and most established Peace Corps programs. To date, there have been over 3800 volunteers in Costa Rica.
The Peace Corps programs implemented in Costa Rica have evolved with the country’s changing needs and priorities. Volunteers have worked in education, environmental conservation, health, community development, and sustainable agriculture.
Now, in the youth-in-development sector, Peace Corps volunteers work with local organizations, schools, and communities. The aim is to empower young people and promote their personal and professional growth. Volunteers engage in activities that support youth leadership, life skills development, entrepreneurship, and educational opportunities.
In the education sector, Peace Corps volunteers have worked as English teachers. They help improve language skills and promoting cross-cultural understanding. They have also supported local teachers by sharing teaching methodologies and resources.
Peace Corps volunteers in Costa Rica have worked in community economic development projects. These aim to strengthening local organizations, fostering entrepreneurship, and enhancing community resilience.
What about Costa Rica as a nation?
Costa Rica is a small country located in Central America. It has stunning natural beauty, biodiversity, and a commitment to environmental conservation. It has a population of approximately 5.2 million people and its capital is San Jose.
As a nation, Costa Rica stands out for its political stability. It abolished its army in 1948 and invested in education, healthcare, and social programs. It has a long-standing tradition of democracy. It is often referred to as one of the most peaceful and politically stable countries in the region.
Costa Rica works hard in environmental sustainability. It is home to numerous national parks, protected areas, and reserves. These showcase its rich biodiversity, including tropical rainforests, volcanoes, and pristine beaches. The country has made significant progress in promoting renewable energy sources. And it aims to be carbon-neutral by 2050.
Education and healthcare are also important priorities in Costa Rica. It has a high literacy rate and has made significant investments in its education system. The country has universal healthcare coverage. And it has a high life expectancy and low infant mortality rates compared to other countries in the region.
Tourism plays a crucial role in Costa Rica’s economy. The country attracts visitors from around the world. They come to experience its natural wonders, engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, and bird-watching, and enjoy its vibrant culture and hospitality.
In summary, Costa Rica is a peaceful and environmentally conscious nation that values education, healthcare, and sustainable development. Its commitment to protecting its natural resources, promoting social well-being, and fostering democratic values has earned it recognition and admiration on a global scale.
What languages do they speak in Costa Rica?
The official language spoken in Costa Rica is Spanish. Spanish serves as the primary language for communication, business, education, and government affairs. Costa Ricans communicate with one another, conduct daily activities, and interact in Spanish.
English is also spoken in Costa Rica, especially in tourist areas and larger cities. The tourism industry plays a big role in the country, attracting visitors from around the world. As a result, many Costa Ricans working in the tourism sector are proficient in English.
And last, there are also indigenous languages spoken by some smaller communities in Costa Rica. These include Bribri, Cabécar, and Ngäbere..
How safe is it serve as a volunteer in Costa Rica?
In general, 92% of volunteers felt safe or very safe where they lived in Costa Rica. And 98% felt safe or very safe where they worked. 11% of volunteers early terminated mostly due to resignation or medical reasons. But more detailed information about safety compared to other Peace Corps countries can be found in the Costa Rica Crime, Harassment, and Early Termination of Service Data.
In Costa Rica, the medical issues commonly observed are similar to those in the United States, such as colds, diarrhea, skin infections, headaches, minor injuries, sexually transmitted infections, adjustment disorders, and emotional problems. However, for Volunteers, these problems might occur more frequently or be more severe due to local factors that increase the risk or worsen the severity of certain illnesses.
Additionally, there are specific medical problems in Costa Rica that are not as prevalent in the United States. These include infectious diarrhea, dengue fever, zika, chikungunya, HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, gastrointestinal infections, typhoid fever, rabies, and Hepatitis A and B. Certain areas of the country have recently reported cases of malaria, and Volunteers assigned to these areas must take antimalarial medication and sleep under mosquito nets as a mandatory precaution. Furthermore, Volunteers will receive vaccinations against hepatitis A and B, meningitis, tetanus, typhoid, and rabies.
But more detailed information about health related issues at Peace Corps Costa Rica can be found in the Costa Rica Health and Medical Care Summary.
What do volunteers think of serving in Costa Rica?
Since 1975, the Annual Volunteer Survey has been a source of information on the state of the Peace Corps (PC) program for the agency, Congress, researchers, the media, and the general public. In 2019, 89% of volunteers found their overall Peace Corps service rewarding or very rewarding. 86% of volunteers would still make the same decision to serve with the Peace Corps today. 85% of volunteers would recommend Peace Corps service to others. More information can be found in the Costa Rica Annual Volunteer Survey Satisfaction Results.
Where can I learn more about Peace Corps Costa Rica volunteer experiences?
PCV blogs and YouTube channels offer a unique look into the daily life of volunteers serving in Costa Rica. These blogs and channels can help you understand the challenges and triumphs that come with being a volunteer. Explore these links for inspiring stories and practical advice from current and past volunteers.
Blog and YouTube Channel Links:
If you’re interested in learning more about serving in Costa Rica, I’ve got you covered! Click here to see all of my posts about Peace Corps Costa Rica with details on the experience, culture, food, packing tips, and more.
How can I connect with Returned PCVs who served in Costa Rica?
And where can I find official information about Peace Corps Costa Rica?
- PeaceCorps.gov/Costa Rica
- Projects in Costa Rica
- Stories from Costa Rica
- Preparing to Volunteer
- Living Conditions
- Training
- Health
- Safety and Security
- Diversity and Inclusion
This is an old PC publication called “The Peace Corps Welcomes You to Costa Rica“, published in 2013. In the past, before the internet, this is how volunteers learned more about Costa Rica. Even though it is many years old, there is still a lot of good information there. You can download it here but remember it is just for informational purposes. For up-to-date information, always check with you Peace Corps contacts and staff.
Conclusion:
This blog post has provided you with information to help you decide if serving in Costa Rica is right for you. You have gained insights into the cultural, linguistic, and developmental aspects of the country. We have also touched on the safety considerations and health-related information relevant to volunteers. And, you learned how to connect with returned Peace Corps Volunteers. For more information about Peace Corps Costa Rica, you can visit the Peace Corps website or explore the provided resources. We hope this post has been helpful in your quest for information on Peace Corps Costa Rica.
