Requirements and Training
Internship on Environmental Programs in Costa Rica

Skills Required

Although knowing Spanish is not essential for this expedition, volunteers who have a little knowledge of Spanish find it beneficial as they are able to interact with the local community more freely. All volunteers should be physically fit as the environment is demanding due to the heat and humidity and the activities involve a lot of strenuous walking. Volunteers should also be enthusiastic and have a good sense of humour. It is important to be self-motivated throughout the project and all volunteers must be team players who are adaptable and willing to assist each other and the staff to complete the daily tasks. Volunteers must be aware that, because of the location of the expedition site, transport is only by motorised boats and canoes. For this reason, all volunteers must be strong swimmers, able to swim 300m fully clothed. Locals do not swim in the sea due to very strong rip tides that Tortuguero is known for, and we follow the example they set: people can wade but should not swim.

Training and Qualifications

GVI’s training is comprehensive and second to none, providing volunteerwith amazing new skills and experience that is an asset to anyone’s CV. The first week is intense as it contains the majority of the training programme, which includes presentations, lectures, group study, talks, exams and lots of practical field experience. However, training is continuous and will be gained throughout the expedition, based on further practical experience in the field and with the communities. The initial training provides volunteers with a baseline understanding of all aspects of the rainforest and coastline on which to build throughout your stay. Subjects you will cover in the training can include: conservation, tropical forest ecology, rainforest health and safety, surveying techniques (protocols), key species identification and biology and an internationally recognised first aid course.

Qualification Received

Participation in this internship allows volunteers the chance to gain an internationally recognized qualification in Team Leading.