International Volunteer HQ
work experience

Healthcare Volunteer

Job description

Are you interested in healthcare volunteering in Costa Rica’s vibrant capital, San José? International Volunteer HQ’s Healthcare project offers an incredible opportunity to support local assisted living centers, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities while immersing yourself in the country’s rich culture.

As a volunteer, you’ll assist with essential healthcare tasks and have the chance to observe and support local medical professionals in their daily work. This is a fantastic way to gain real-world healthcare experience and engage in meaningful cross-cultural exchange while learning about Costa Rica’s healthcare system.

Volunteers with varied levels of experience can contribute meaningfully to this project.

For volunteers without prior healthcare experience, students in pre-med or nursing programs, and first- and second-year medical students you will likely work in elderly homes or special needs facilities, where your duties may include:

  • Providing companionship and conversation (talk therapy) to patients
  • Supporting staff with feeding, bathing, and changing beds
  • Assisting with exercise programs and arts-and-crafts activities
  • Helping with medication distribution

For fully licensed medical professionals and students in their third year or beyond:

  • You may be placed in hospitals, clinics, or assisted living facilities to perform tasks such as:
  • Shadowing doctors and nurses during consultations and treatments
  • Assisting with checkups and triaging patients
  • Taking vitals and preparing medical equipment

Volunteers are required to bring their own PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) to the program, including their own scrubs, disposable latex gloves, surgical masks, and closed-toed shoes.

When you volunteer on the Healthcare project in San José you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally through:

  • Improving access to healthcare services in San José
  • Help patients with daily tasks, providing vital care and comfort
  • Enhance your Spanish language skills through practice
  • Develop communication and cross-cultural understanding
  • Gain valuable hands-on healthcare experience
  • Immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s warm and welcoming culture
  • Explore San José, a bustling hub of art, food, and history

Why volunteer in Costa Rica?

San José is Costa Rica’s metropolitan heart, celebrated as one of Central America’s top travel destinations. It boasts vibrant markets, museums, parks, and nightlife, along with easy access to breathtaking natural attractions. Volunteering here combines meaningful contributions with unforgettable exploration, making it an ideal destination for your next adventure.

What's Included?

  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Airport pick-up
  • Transport to and from your volunteer project
  • Accommodation
  • 24/7 in-country support
  • In-country program orientation
  • Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
  • Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
  • Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
  • Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
  • Certificate of International Volunteer Service

View programme fees

What we are looking for

View all volunteer requirements

Accepted degree subjects

Any

Additional job details

Location
Costa Rica
East Africa
Salary
Unpaid

Contract, dates and working times
Temporary

Full-time

How to apply

Apply online for free via International Volunteer HQ’s website. Once you've been accepted on your chosen program, we will put you in touch with one of our dedicated volunteer travel experts who will work with you to support your trip abroad. We offer industry-leading low fees & flexible booking options.

Click Apply to start your application now. This job will be available on Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ until 20 December 2025

Don't forget to mention Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ to employers when you contact them.

Closing date:  Continuous recruitment

To stay safe in your job search we recommend that you visit JobsAware, a non-profit, joint industry and law enforcement organisation working to combat job scams. Visit the JobsAware website for information on common scams and to get free, expert advice for a safer job search.