Animal Rescue Center in Costa Rica
Introduction to Greenheart Travel Greenheart Travel is personally invested in providing cultural immersion programs that change lives, advance careers and create leaders. Our organization is a 501(c)3 non-profit committed to connecting people and planet to create a more peaceful and sustainable global community. We provide others with the same positive travel experiences in which we ourselves engage. Through travel and cultural exchange, we help individuals reach their full potential, leading to a more tolerant, peaceful and environmentally sustainable world. Greenheart Travel’s Values
A Commitment to the Environment: As the leading eco-friendly exchange organization, we are passionate about helping travelers explore the globe while respecting the environment and cultural heritage of the destinations they explore. Our Carbon Offset Program: We donate a portion of your program fee to offset the carbon emissions your trip abroad will create, as well as donate to our environmentally-focused volunteer program partners to help them complete specific project goals. Check out how our past carbon offset donations have been put to good use: Creating Sustainability Within Our International Communities: We believe in supporting our travelers to make a positive impact in their host communities. The Greenheart Club is just one way we can help you promote green practices while traveling abroad through Greenheart Grant funding and community support. Connecting with Our Local Chicago Community: Greenheart Travel plays an active role in community initiatives, informative workshops, and fundraisers to help others learn how to travel for a change in our hometown of Chicago, Illinois.
Animal Rescue Program in Costa Rica We achieve the above goals and values by partnering with organizations and governments overseas that empower their local communities through experiential learning and practical development. One such partnership is our animal rescue center Project in Costa Rica.
History of Program Costa Rica is well known for its great biodiversity. Unfortunately as human development expands, destruction of natural habitat, illegal hunting, and black market animal trade threaten wildlife populations. Greenheart Travel works with a local non-profit rescue center dedicated to wildlife protection, rehabilitation and conservation. The center was started in 1994 by a father & son pair who wanted to provide a place for illegally held exotic animals to be rehabilitated and released back into the wild.
Topic of Project They receive anonymous animal donations throughout the year, including monkeys, exotic birds and even sloths! In many cases, young animals are able to be “relearn� their wild and natural behaviors so they can be released back into the wild. The center strives to give the animals the care and respect that they deserve while rehabilitating them. Unfortunately in some cases (ex: clipped wings, human socialization), animals cannot be released and reside at the center as a sanctuary for the remainder of their life. The volunteer center also offers a variety of opportunities for the local communities and foreign participants to work together in order to increase environmental conservation awareness through communication and community service. We believe by doing our part in helping injured wild animals and educating the public on the struggle of these animals, we will be helping to restore the balance between man and nature.
Intern Responsibilities -
Prepare and serve the daily diet to the animals at the center Help administer general care to animals in the veterinary receiving area Bathe animals & clean their cages throughout the week Research new arrivals’ behavior for signs of potential to be released. Build new infrastructure for the animals, including enclosures, enrichment devices & plant foliage Assist with ongoing conservation projects around the center Work in the on-site organic greenhouse Help maintain trails on the reserve Assist with community outreach projects in the area
Location in Costa Rica The animal rescue center is located approximately three hours away from San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica. The town is called Javillos, although it is a small rural village. The largest local town is La Fortuna. Although the center’s property spans a full eight acres, only the front three acres are currently used to house animals. The remaining area is simply an untouched ecological private reserve for wild animals and nature to thrive in peace.
Example Weekly Itinerary Volunteers generally work during the week (M-F) from 8am until noon (with a half hour coffee break at 10:30am). Some volunteers choose to take Spanish lessons in the morning hours and return to their projects in the afternoon. During the middle of the day, you will have a lunch break at the project site. The volunteers then return to work on projects in the afternoon and head back to their host families around 3:30pm.
Staff Involved in the Program
Alvaro Del Castillo Director of Rescue Center. Alvaro earned his professional degree as an Agricultural Engineer at the Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica. Since that time his interests have taken him to Mexico and United States where he has worked as in fields related to agriculture and as a Spanish teacher. He developed a Spanish course for dairy farmers in Texas so that they can communicate with Spanish-speaking workers. He organizes the animal rescue program in coordination with the environmental conservation authorities of the Costa Rican government and the park rangers of the Children’s Eternal Rainforest.
Adriana Aguilar Borbon Director of Volunteer & Internship Programs. She earned her MBA in marketing at the Universidad Fundepos in Costa Rica. She is passionate about wildlife and actually lives at the rescue center with her husband Alvaro (same Alvaro as above). She coordinates all of the logistical work of the volunteer experience and will be your main point of contact while in Costa Rica.
Megan Arzbaecher Born and raised in the Midwest, Megan studied History and International Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She also participated in a 4 month around-the-world educational program with Semester at Sea, which opened her eyes to the need for culturally conscious education and global sustainability. Megan will be your program manager at Greenheart Travel and will be the primary contact prior to your departure for Costa Rica, as well as your main coordinator for the internship program. All communication, questions and processing for your paperwork will go through Megan.
What is it like in Costa Rica? Costa Rica is usually warm, although climates vary depending on altitude and location within the country. There are basically two seasons, the rainy season and the dry season. The dry season generally runs from January to May and the rainy season goes from May/April to November/December. However, San Carlos, where the projects are located, is very rainy. Even during the dry season there is a chance of rain every day, so be prepared for humidity – it’s the rainforest after all! You should be prepared to alter your daily routine and lifestyle. Costa Rica is different in many ways – climate, culture, road conditions etc. You should be prepared to interact with people from all walks of life. Be open and respectful of different habits and lifestyles. You might have some trouble at first with the language depending on how well you speak Spanish. While communication barriers are difficult to deal with sometimes, try your best to just go with it and use your hands if you need to!
Accommodation Due to the remote location of the rescue center, accommodation is included in the cost of this program. You will live with a local Costa Rica host family for the duration of your stay in the country. As part of the family, you will practice speaking Spanish every day and you will learn first-hand about the Costa Rican way of life. All of our host families live in Javillos most living within a three mile radius from Proyecto Asis. Your host family will be one of the most important aspects of your stay abroad. Families accept volunteers into their homes because they are eager to learn about your culture and teach others about theirs. Living with a family is amazing and will be such a great opportunity for you to learn about the culture, but it’s also hard sometimes. Just like with your own family, you might get annoyed sometimes or frustrated. It’s not always rosy, but we’re here to help you work through any difficulties you’re facing.
Internet The internet is the best and most consistent means of communication while you’re on program.
You will not have wireless internet at your family’s home and you should not use data while you are at the home. You should be interacting with the family. There is WIFI and internet at the sanctuary. You are allowed to use it during your lunch break from 12pm-1pm.
It is important to remember that the speeds or consistency of the wifi may not be the same as what you’re used to – you’re in the rainforest after all!
You should bring a laptop, tablet or phone if you want to use the internet as there is not a computer available for volunteers. We recommend communicating largely through the internet, such as email, Facebook & WhatsApp. For making calls, we recommend Skype or Google Voice.
Meals Get ready for lots of rice and beans! Fresh fruit is everywhere and really delicious, and meats consist of chicken, fish, pork, or beef. Your host family will provide you with 3 meals per day. Meal times and portions could be different than what you’re used to, as many ticos eat a larger breakfast/lunch and then have a small dinner. They also often have coffee hour between 2-4 pm each day and with coffee they enjoy a small snack or pastry. Typical Costa Rican meals include: - Gallo Pinto (black beans & rice) - Picadillos (mixed potato stirfry) - Chicken or beef in tomato sauce - Chicken Lentil stew - Fried cassava - Fried plantains - Empanadas - Black bean soup Water The water in Costa Rica is generally considered safe to drink, but if you have a sensitive stomach you can start out with bottled water and gradually transition to tap water. The water at the host family home is not filtered.
Logistical Information Start Dates: This program is offered in throughout the year in the Spring, Summer and Fall terms. We offer multiple start dates for your flexibility and we can coordinate with your schedule once you are accepted onto the program. -
All arrivals are on Monday. All stays are for 6 weeks.
Program Fee Unlike some of the other internship programs, Greenheart Travel offers an all-inclusive program fee which includes all of your in-country expenses. You will pay this fee upfront directly to Greenheart Travel via credit card. Program Cost: $4,990
What is included in the program fee? Round trip airfare from TPA to SJO
Accommodations with host family
3 meals per day
Pre-departure cultural orientation
Pick up at SJO Airport
Drop off at SJO Airport
On-site animal safety training
24 hour emergency support
Certificate of completion at end of program
Emergency Medical Insurance
Please note: If you prefer to book your airfare separately at your own expense, we can arrange that and you will receive a slightly different program fee.