Monteverde Orchid Garden
Costa Rica Volunteer Placement
Options
- Full-time volunteer
- Internship
- Part-time volunteer
- Volunteer Only
There are over 1400 species of orchids in Costa Rica with approximately 500 listed in Monteverde alone. Biologist Gabriel Barboza, perhaps the most recognized orchid specialist in all of Costa Rica, has 426 different orchid plants in his garden and that number is increasing. His project is to protect and investigate the orchids of Monteverde.
They have the smallest orchid in the world.
Volunteers work as tour guides and assistants to Gabriel, the Director. Duties also include the collection of orchids, gardening and trail maintenance in the garden. This is a great opportunity for students to learn about the orchids of Monteverde from an expert.
If the volunteer is interested in learning a lot about orchids and becomes knowledgable, then they can start giving tours.
Work Schedule: Mon-Fri: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; flexible.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location of Placements: Monteverde
Lodging: Homestay, 2 meals/day & laundry service included
Requirements:
- Minimum age: 18 years.
- Minimum commitment: 4 weeks.
- Minimum Spanish level: Low-Intermediate
- Background in Biology or Botany helpful.
- Must be able to work independently and often alone
Important Things to Consider:
- At least one week of language classes are recommended, in order to meet with the onsite staff.
- Some "hard labor" involved (in the garden).
- Lots of plants in a fairly small space.
- Climate can be damp.
- Little nightlife in the area.
Other Comments:
The maximum number of volunteers that this organization accepts is 2.
(note: that we don’t know if positions are available until you apply).
*Great opportunity to practice Spanish. *More intense training offered for longer commitments.
Program Fees:
click here to return to Costa Rica Summary page with program fees
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