• Sustainable Cities And Communities

Community Construction and Renovation Assistant

location
1 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Brilliant 4.7  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate
Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • Help the locals by working on public buildings and schools.
  • Get insights into Carpentry, Renovation work and more.
  • Gain Spanish practice by living with a host family and sharing daily life with locals.

Highlights

  • Help the locals by working on public buildings and schools.
  • Get insights into Carpentry, Renovation work and more.
  • Gain Spanish practice by living with a host family and sharing daily life with locals.
  • Make memories you'll never forget during your time abroad.
  • Learn more about the Latin American ways, customs and habits.

    • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Help the local community and work on public buildings and schools.

    Construction volunteers join projects in the San José area to work on public buildings and schools, typically in communities in need of assistance and funding. They are supported by a local, Spanish-speaking project manager who is experienced in guiding and training international volunteers.

    Volunt

    About the program

    Construction volunteers join projects in the San José area to work on public buildings and schools, typically in communities in need of assistance and funding. They are supported by a local, Spanish-speaking project manager who is experienced in guiding and training international volunteers.

    Volunteers may be asked to perform a range of activities, such as:

    • Renovation work, like painting and plastering
    • Small repairs on walls and roofs
    • Laying tile or other flooring
    • Mixing cement, masonry
    • Carpentry, welding, and/or plumbing

    Volunteers must be in good health and ready to work hard to join construction projects. They do not need experience, but a reasonable level of fitness and strong dedication to the work go a long way in ensuring that they get the most out of this project. 

    At Construction projects volunteers are required to wear closed-toed shoes and long pants at all times. Tank tops are not permitted. We recommend to wear clothes you do not mind getting dirty or even ruining. We strongly encourage volunteers to bring work gloves, work boots, and safety glasses. Sunscreen and rain gear are also extremely important.

    Our projects are located in the San José area. Walking or taking the bus is the most effective and cheapest way to get to and from the project. Travel time varies widely from project to project, and volunteers should expect to spend 15-60 minutes traveling each way. The average travel time is about 30 minutes. Depending on the project and housing locations, they may still need to change buses. Taxis are also widely available. On the first day at the project, participants travel on local transport with a Maximo Nivel representative who provides all the necessary information on how to get there and back.

    Typical day

    Working hours vary according to the needs of the project, but volunteers can expect to work 3-4 hours per day, Monday to Friday, in either the morning or the afternoon.

    Typical day

    Working hours vary according to the needs of the project, but volunteers can expect to work 3-4 hours per day, Monday to Friday, in either the morning or the afternoon.

    Free-time activities

    There are lots of things to do in San José, such as city tours, shows at the National Theatre, the central market, zip-lining, etc. Our local staff always post a monthly events calendar to let participants know about the activities going on around Maximo. Outside of San José, volunteers can hike ...

    Free-time activities

    There are lots of things to do in San José, such as city tours, shows at the National Theatre, the central market, zip-lining, etc. Our local staff always post a monthly events calendar to let participants know about the activities going on around Maximo. Outside of San José, volunteers can hike up volcanos, go whitewater rafting, take a trip to the Pacific or Caribbean coasts, and so much more. There are a lot of options and our staff is well-acquainted with the area and can advise you on the must-see places. Tours and trips can also be easily booked through our on-site travel partner.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level) or Spanish (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Maximo Nivel

    Our fees include:

    - Airport pick-up
    - Host family accommodations (shared room with breakfast and dinner)
    - Program and safety orientation
    - Walking tour
    - Official certificate of volunteer service
    - Emergency contact number 24/7
    - Program management
    - Free Tandem Conversation Program
    - Free office-wide WIFI and computer lounge
    - Free social activities
    - Free coffee and tea and on-site snack bar
    - Maximo Nivel Institute open 7 days/week

    Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

    Airport pick up in San José is included. Volunteers find our representative outside the airport bringing a yellow flag with a smiley face on it.

    Accommodation

    Volunteers stay in a traditional family-stay where you they are placed with a pre-approved middle class Costa Rican family. Breakfast and dinner are included in their home stay. 

    Food & Beverages

    Volunteers have 2 meals included (breakfast and dinner) 7 days a week.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. We assist you to find cheap flights to Costa Rica. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Costa Rica provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Costa Rica you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Costa Rica. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Every Monday, all year round. 

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    1 week (min. stay) 887€
    2 weeks 1,286€
    3 weeks 1,684€
    4 weeks 2,042€
    5 weeks 2,335€
    6 weeks 2,627€
    7 weeks 2,919€
    8 weeks 3,212€
    9 weeks 3,504€
    10 weeks 3,797€
    11 weeks 4,089€
    12 weeks 4,382€
    13 weeks 4,674€
    14 weeks 4,967€
    15 weeks 5,259€
    16 weeks 5,552€
    17 weeks 5,844€
    18 weeks 6,136€
    19 weeks 6,429€
    20 weeks 6,721€
    21 weeks 7,014€
    22 weeks 7,306€
    23 weeks 7,599€
    24 weeks 7,891€
    25 weeks 8,184€
    26 weeks 8,476€
    27 weeks 8,768€
    28 weeks 9,061€
    29 weeks 9,353€
    30 weeks 9,646€
    31 weeks 9,938€
    32 weeks 10,231€
    33 weeks 10,523€
    34 weeks 10,816€
    35 weeks 11,108€
    36 weeks 11,401€
    37 weeks 11,693€
    38 weeks 11,985€
    39 weeks 12,278€
    40 weeks 12,570€
    41 weeks 12,863€
    42 weeks 13,155€
    43 weeks 13,448€
    44 weeks 13,740€
    45 weeks 14,033€
    46 weeks 14,325€
    47 weeks 14,618€
    48 weeks 14,910€
    49 weeks 15,202€
    50 weeks (max. stay) 15,495€
    Average fees 598€/week

    Program fees

    598€ per week 1 - 50 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    1 - 50 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.

    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Maximo Nivel during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

    Meet your organization

    Maximo Nivel

    Brilliant 4.7 rating (110 reviews)

    Agency - founded in 2003

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate

    Coordinated by

    Georgie

    Spoken languages: English, Spanish

    About the project

    Maximo Nivel offers Volunteer Abroad and International Internship programs in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru.

    Meet your organization

    Who we are? 

    Maximo Nivel is a family-owned organization that has been offering volunteer abroad programs since 2003. We are a locally-based organization in Costa Rica, Guatemala and Peru, where we also own and operate 4 intercultural centers in Antigua, Guatemala; Cusco, Peru; Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica; San José, Costa Rica.

    What we do? 

    We offer a wide range of work-study-travel programs, including Volunteer Abroad, International Internships, TEFL Certification, Gap Year, Spanish Immersion, Adventure & Culture, and more! 

    Where we work? 

    Maximo Nivel’s work-study-travel programs take place in Antigua, Guatemala; Cusco, Peru; Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica; and San José, Costa Rica. We also have off-site programs on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts of Costa Rica and Guatemala and in the Amazon Jungle and Sacred Valley of Peru. 

    Our mission/vision: 

    Maximo Nivel is a professional, ethical, and hardworking organization that is completely dedicated to providing a great experience to every student, participant, client, faculty leader, and partner who joins us.

    Our goals: 

    • Deliver high-quality, safe, affordable programs 
    • Provide the best Spanish language immersion in all of Latin America 
    • Improve impact at every volunteer project site where we work 
    • Train and certify world-class ESL teachers 
    • Organize excellent internships and other opportunities for international work experience 
    • Help people experience the world through education, adventure, and cultural travel.

    Who are we looking for? 

    Adventurous people who are passionate about travel, culture, languages, and helping others.

    Why choose us? 

    Maximo Nivel's program fees are affordable and transparent. We pride ourselves on providing great client service!

    110 reviews · rating4.7

    I loved the Programm. I felt like I really helped to build up the Community. Like the school the houses the whole area. It was physical work but i liked that i really did something with my hands. You don‘t need to be very strong Just if you really want to you have a lot ...
    Staying with a host family and meeting new people I enjoyed the most. Had an amazing time in Cusco! The staff were super friendly and easy going. I participated in the construction program at a local hospital expansion project. It was also nice to be able to see the impact that I was able to leave ...
    Maximo Nivel has been such an amazing home away from home. They met me at the airport and have been here for me every second since. My Costa Rica experience wouldn’t have been the same without the staff and facilities here in San Jose. WiFi, coffee, the front desk staff, field managers, couches to ...
    Wolfgang Oberauer rating5

    2024 at Construction and Renovation Assistant

    I had the most amazing experience as part of this volunteering programme. Maximo Nivel was great in taking me feel looked after. My hist family was always there for me, kept my room clean, cooked for me and were super reliable. A great benefit was also the Spanish classes which really uplevelled my ...
    Martina Gut rating4.4

    2024 at Support Local Healthcare

    Fue una linda experiencia para mí y me quedé satisfecha de toda manera. La primera semana estaba en un asilo de ancianos y las próximas semanas en un colegio para niños discapacitados, siempre con gente muy amable. En los fines de semana siempre hice excursiones fabulosas como montaña de siete ...
    Kathleen Nordstrom rating5

    2023 at Community Childcare Supporter

    I would recommend Máximo Nivel a million times over. The warm, engaging staff and volunteer/student community make you feel welcome from the moment you step in the door, and I met several lifelong friends. There are lots of opportunities to explore, including around the city and the country as a ...

    Location

    Americas > Central America > Costa Rica > San José

    You might also be interested in

    Volunteer Abroad  >  Community  >  Construction in Costa Rica
    Contact Georgie
      Very high response rate
    English, Spanish

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