Help at an off-grid learning center while exploring wildlife in Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica

Details

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  Description

  Hello! I'm Allison, and my neighbors and I run an off-grid educational center, El Cerrito. People come to stay with us to learn both the concrete skills of building, planting, and troubleshooting off-grid systems, but also the lived philosophy of living and working in harmony with the land from a local perspective. One of my neighbors is a natural builder--he built his house and the cabins we offer to guests, and the other is a healer, massage therapist and herbalist who has studied all around Central America. We invite visitors to take part in the project, not as arms-length guests but as integrated members of this lifestyle, lending a hand where needed and getting an immersive education.
  
  We are seeking fully bilingual (English/Spanish) volunteers who can support the project for a minimum of a month but ideally 3+ months. (We always begin with a one-month period to see how everyone is feeling and then check in about moving forward.) Our volunteers join the inner workings of the farm, working on farm projects, in hospitality, and taking part in our activities with guests.
  
  Volunteer tasks include:
  -Checking guests in and out
  -Going on our educational tours to translate
  -Cleaning the guest kitchen and cabins
  -Taking photos and videos for social media
  -Joining in building, planting, gardening, etc. projects as needed. We always have projects going on, whether it's building or renovating cabins, planting or harvesting, gardening, painting, building furniture, etc.
  -General hospitality: answering questions, helping guests arrange activities, being present to eat with guests, etc.
  
  
  More about the project: We seek to offer an alternative to traditional tourism, where people can really be a part of something, not just observers. Past visitors & volunteers have built tables, painted murals, constructed outdoor showers and more. Everyone leaves their own special touch, and ideas are always welcome. We're known for our big family dinners full of laughter and stories, valuing true cultural exchange, and fostering long-lasting bonds. The project is one of preservation--not just of land and wildlife, but of the human wisdom and skill that is so needed in these times.
  
  
  We look for people who are:
  -community and social justice-minded: interested in being an interactive and responsible part of the neighborhood (we can help connect you to local activism, history and regenerative efforts so that you can learn how to best spend your time and money in the area)
  -creative: can bring fresh eyes and new ideas to the space and how to improve it
  -self-starting: can work independently and take initiative
  -flexible: are willing to lend a hand in various aspects of the project, whether that's cooking, woodworking, hospitality, technology, planting, or anything else that arises
  
  Please note that we can only offer volunteer positions if you are fully bilingual, but feel free to get in touch about our residency options (very reasonably priced) if of interest!

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  Hospitality/Tourism

  General Maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet
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  Interests

  

  Nature

  

  Mountain

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Hiking
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  The space is incredibly rich with plants, wildlife, and healing energy. You will live with a local couple who grew up on this land and know it intimately, sharing their wisdom at every turn. You'll be welcomed into a culture and tradition of rich exchange and mutual support.
  
  Town is a ten minute drive or 45 minute walk away, and so is the beach. We're located in a quiet remote area, fully immersed in nature, but can pop down to town for whatever you might need. Volunteers traveling with a car or other transport would be at a great advantage, but taxis and moto taxis are available.

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  Help

  Social Media: We live surrounded by incredible nature, with monkeys swinging from the trees and toucans flying overhead. We also have a pretty fun lifestyle, jumping in the back of the truck to go hiking at a waterfall, or walking up the road to pick ripe mangoes. Our volunteers will help by documenting through photo and video, sharing with the world what it's like to spend time at the farm. We look for people who are skilled at social media, and can help us spread the word.
  
  Translation and welcoming guests: We need people on deck who are fully bilingual and can translate between our hosts and our guests.
  
  General support for the project: We also look for people who are flexible and open to diving into whatever's needed at the time. Whether that's helping to get cabins ready for guests, assisting Lis in making a big group dinner, or helping Danger on a building project, every day is different and we work as a team to fill in as new needs arise. We love it when people are open to learning and can be flexible and dynamic in terms of tasks and schedules.
  
  
  We request a minimum stay of a month from our volunteers so that you can really sink into the lifestyle. Longer-term stays are welcome too if we find the right fit!

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Fluent

  This host offers a language exchange
  This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
  You can contact them directly for more information.
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  Accommodation

  You will have a cabin with a bathroom, full meals provided, and access to the guest kitchen if you want to store anything or cook yourself.

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  What else ...

  The place is large, and would be perfect for a couple or friends traveling together.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  We have high-speed internet.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  This host can provide space for campervans.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  My animals / pets

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