Business Advising Volunteer

HOUSING:

Volunteers are required to live with a host family for at least nine months, including three months during Pre-Service Training (PST) and at least six months in their assigned community. If suitable housing is available, they may request independent living. Volunteers should be prepared for the possibility of living with a host family throughout their service.

Although living with a family brings challenges (less privacy, new diet, noise, etc.), the homestay experience offers rewards like community integration, safety considerations, increased language skills, building trust and friendships, cultural sharing, and a unique understanding of the Costa Rican culture. Applicants must think carefully about the commitment to live and integrate with a Costa Rican host family. They must be willing to follow cultural norms and respect family dynamics.

Peace Corps Staff arrange housing with respected host families in the assigned communities. Staff thoroughly inspect homes prior to approval. Most host-family homes have indoor bathrooms and showers but do not have hot water.

PROFESSIONAL APPEARANCE:

Most Costa Ricans take great pride in being neat, clean, and well-groomed, even on informal occasions. Volunteers should always follow the example of Costa Ricans at their worksites and in their communities (e.g., clean and ironed clothes, polished shoes, and groomed hair). Working with schools, government officials, and other professionals requires that Volunteers consistently demonstrate a professional attitude and appearance. Professional dress in the workplace is business casual and includes knee-length skirts/dresses, pressed pants, khakis, nice jeans, blouses, collared shirts, or short sleeve polos. Flip-flops, sport sandals, shorts, tank tops, t-shirts, crop tops, and other athleisure wear should only be worn in the home, during recreational activities, or at the beach, but never at work. Revealing attire or the lack of proper undergarments is never acceptable for Peace Corps service.

CULTURAL COMPETENCE:

While Peace Corps/Costa Rica welcomes Volunteers of all backgrounds and experiences, the culture and beliefs in some communities may produce stigma and discrimination. Volunteers must be mindful of cultural norms and use their judgment to determine how best to approach differences in Costa Rica. Volunteers with backgrounds and/or beliefs that differ from most of their Costa Rican community may experience curiosity or unwanted attention. Many Volunteers have been able to turn these encounters into learning experiences, to share values, and to deepen community members’ understanding of the U.S.

COMMUNITY:

Work communities vary in size and geographical characteristics, from remote rural communities to semi-rural towns, all with limited public transport options. Most communities enjoy a warm and humid climate throughout the year, offering a unique environment to explore. The landscape includes diverse, mountainous terrain and rustic unpaved roads. All regions of Costa Rica experience a heavy rainy season. Volunteers should be prepared for tropical living and coexistence with a variety of insects and animals. Training will be provided to help Volunteers navigate the unique tropical flora and fauna.

Nearly all Volunteer communities are accessible to the capital San José within two to eight hours by public transportation. The closest urban center may be as little as 1 hour away by public transportation. Buses are available from all communities several days a week. They are both inexpensive and relatively dependable.

COMMUNICATIONS:

Volunteers must have a cell phone connected to local phone service. Both pre-paid and post-paid services are available. Peace Corps does not purchase cell phones for Volunteers. Volunteers may use an "unlocked" cell phone brought from the U.S or purchase a cell phone in Costa Rica. Internet service is not available in in all communities, and access to Wi-Fi may be limited.

Learn more about the living conditions, including detailed information on culture, communications, housing, and health/crime statistics on our Costa Rica country page. You can also delve into stories about local communities by reading our blog or Volunteer stories.