Getting on the property ladder is but a distant dream for more than a million Costa Ricans who live in poverty. Through the uVolunteer Building and Construction Project, however, you can help low-income families make their dream of home ownership a reality. uVolunteer partners with two foundations in Costa Rica that provide loans to disadvantaged families. You will join the local underserved construction teams to help build homes for local disadvantaged residents in San Ramon.
Building and construction volunteers provide hands-on help, clearing land, digging foundations, plastering and laying bricks and roof tiles, as well as maintaining community buildings and schools already in existence.
You don’t need any official qualifications to help out with the project – as long as you are physically fit and willing to work hard, you are welcome to join the project and land a much-needed helping hand.
Download our program information brochure to find out more about volunteering in building and construction in Costa Rica.
As a building and construction volunteer in Costa Rica, you will provide additional labor resources for disadvantaged families building their own homes. Working in rural areas of San Ramon, you will clear building sites, dig foundations, lay bricks and roof tiles, plaster, paint and mix cement. Volunteers also help out with routine maintenance of community buildings and schools.
Building and construction volunteers work four days per week, from Monday to Thursday. Working hours usually work from 8 am until 3 pm, although this is subject to change – especially during the rainy season.
The construction project sites are based in and around the town and rural areas of San Ramon. Depending on the site where you are placed, you may be able to walk to the project, or you may have to take a short bus ride no longer than 30 minutes to the project site.
This project is closed during the fourth week of December and the first week of January, as well as for a week preceding Easter Sunday.
I was quite nervous because I haven't done something like this before, first time flying alone, first time far away from home But Alicia and Ligia did a great job on answering all of my questions, no matter how strange , no matter how many times I asked They made me feel very safe and assured me everything is going to be alright and that I should worry
Kim Skodack, Read Kim's Testimonial
The work was physically hard but it was the exact opposite of sitting in an office and exactly what I was after. It would've been helpful if my Spanish was a little better than it is however the guys on site are so helpful and it wasn't too difficult to pick things up after the first day
Karen Gilmour, Read Karen's Testimonial
As the two weeks of construction came to the end I was doing more noticeable jobs such as hammering the roof in, hammering through the brick wall for the electricity outlets and many little jobs that were fun and different. It was really good to experience the construction in Costa Rica and an awesome feeling to know your helping someone in need!
Tiaan Anderson, Read Tiaan's Testimonial
From the moment you arrive you will put at ease immediately. Your coordinator's main duty is to ensure that you have a great time. The programs' living conditions are clean, comfortable and very safe.
Charlotte Torck, Read Charlotte's Testimonial
From the moment you arrive you will put at ease immediately. Your coordinator's main duty is to ensure that you have a great time. The programs' living conditions are clean, comfortable and very safe.
Lovisa Arvidsson kvissberg, Read Lovisa's Testimonial
Coming to Costa Rica I had expectations as well as thoughts as to what the experience would consist of. I was curious as well as concerned about the uVolunteer house, the community, food, as well as the service.
Angelo Vallejo, Read Angelo's Testimonial
I have so many pictures of them, but mostly of Greivin because he stole my camera and took so many pictures! He is a little cutie.
Jennae Allen, Read Jennae's Testimonial
Seeing the families that are a part of this community and knowing we are helping create a better life for them has been a rewarding experience. Aside from the volunteer work the accommodations have been excellent too.
Megan Ellis, Read Megan's Testimonial
The accommodations at the dorm are amazing and great food is prepared every day by Dona Isa. One thing I would suggest is to help out Ligia and Nohelia in the English Classes where they are teaching locals English during the week.
Sean Schuttler, Read Sean's Testimonial
She would usually come one day a week to my work location to take pictures and help out with building. During our weekly meeting, she would always inquire about my project, my housing and how I was getting along with other volunteers. Also she would help me set up any travel plans I had for the weekend; suggesting accommodations, calling tour companies and often getting me a better price on excursions.
Sarah Lounsbury, Read Sarah's Testimonial
If you are interested in joining the program in Costa Rica, you should download and read our destination guide.