Summer Abroad in Costa Rica

Make a Difference

Join us for a one-of-a-kind volunteer abroad experience in Costa Rica, where you, with the guidance of emergency veterinary medical professionals will help treat and care for incredible wildlife animals in need. At this 24/7 rescue and rehabilitation center, you will be able to make a real impact on wildlife and gain hands-on experience in veterinary science & animal care —all while exploring one of the most biodiverse places on Earth!

Course Description

  • Work side-by-side with expert veterinarians and animal care professionals

  • Volunteer directly with sloths, monkeys, ocelots, macaws, toucans, owls, and more

  • Feed and care for animals, clean habitats, and support emergency rescues

  • Assist in rehabilitation efforts and watch recovered animals be released back into the wild

  • Earn 50+ community service hours

  • No prerequisites required

Living Accommodations 

✔️ Shared housing on site

✔️ 3 meals a day - vegetarian, vegan, and Keto options available

✔️ Bunk beds with privacy curtains

✔️ Secure storage lockers

✔️ Bathrooms with hot water

✔️ Laundry access

✔️ 24/7 security on-site

✔️ Optional weekend tours (extra fee)

Sample Daily Schedule

7:00 AM - Wake up & get ready

8:00 AM-9:00 AM - Breakfast

9:00 AM-12:00 PM - Assigned daily work

12:00 PM-1:00 PM - Lunch

1:00 PM-4:00 PM - Resume morning activities

4:00 PM-6:00 PM - Recreational time

6:00 PM-7:00 PM - Dinner

7:00 PM-10:00 PM - Evening activities

10:00 PM - Lights out

 

Refugio Animal de Costa Rica

Refugio Animal de Costa Rica is an animal shelter and nonprofit. Their goal is to preserve rainforest wildlife, rescue and heal abused, endangered, hurt, or lost wild animals, and provide them with a home to heal.

Most animals that have received treatment at Refugio will be released back into the wild. Other animals who are unable to be released will be kept in a suitable habitat at Refugio.

You’ll also learn how veterinarians integrate all aspects of medicine to help treat real-life animals while considering the ethical implications of their plans and choices. Through this interwoven approach to volunteering, you will surely leave the trip with greater insights on not only veterinary medicine, but the medical field in general.

By the end of this course, you will

✅ Make a positive impact on wildlife and the environment
✅ Gain hands-on experience in veterinary science & animal care
✅ Gain medical insight on emergency animal procedures and medical techniques

✅ Make lifelong friendships and discover new cultures

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The deadline is July 1st 11:59PM PST. We are excited to welcome you on our trip soon!

Apply