Our Volunteer Program is a special opportunity for young people and adults to try new things and live in a new environment away from home.
We at ASOMOBI have had volunteers between 14 and 80 years of age as individuals and in groups of all sizes. Since 2005, we have hosted people from all over the world for stays of a few days up to several months in different areas of work.
Some international organizations send us volunteers every year. For example, we work with PUTNEY, a student education and travel organization, to host young people for a stay of approximately 2-4 weeks. Since 2014, we have hosted volunteers from Germany’s Bread for the World, who stay with us for a whole year. CEDCAS, located in Los Lagos, Heredia, has also contributed volunteers.
Since ASOMOBI’s beginning, we have had the help of countless people and NGOs.
National and international volunteers also come to work on their theses and practicums, or to have a unique experience in our organization.
Main areas of work include the following:
–Tourism: includes communicating with visitors, offering translations and tours, and showcasing what ASOMOBI has to offer on social media
–The Lodge: includes helping in the kitchen and preparing the rooms
–Coffee: includes learning about the steps of harvesting coffee (August to December) and the processing facility and roastery (year round)
–Projects in collaboration with our members and their families: includes assisting with the production of our handcrafted products such as jewelry and traditional drinks or meals, or helping with individual projects such as construction or garden work
–Administration: includes assisting our office staff with sales, accounting, and other administrative duties
Our goal is for our volunteers to not only gain experience in all the various activities of our organization, but also to emphasize the area that they like the most. We aim to serve our volunteers’ interests, as long as it is possible for us to offer work in their area(s) of interest at the time of their stay.
In the Volunteer Profile you will find the characteristics we expect from interested volunteers to ensure that the Volunteer Program is a win-win situation for all.
More information on the rights and duties of the volunteer can be found here.
During volunteers’ time at ASOMOBI, we strive to find host families so the volunteer can learn more about everyday life in Biolley, the small, rural Costa Rican town in which you will be living. For groups, it is also possible to stay in our lodge.
Hosting and caring for volunteers in an adequate manner cannot be offered free of charge as lodging with food and water as well as the organization and care in preparation for and during the volunteer’s stay are inevitable costs. The prices depend on the length of stay and can be approximately between $35-$50/day or around $500/month.
For more information and if you are interested in volunteering at ASOMOBI, please contact us by email at posadacerrobiolley@gmail.com and we will gladly answer your questions and plan your stay.
You can also read about the personal experiences of past volunteers and contact them with questions.