Costa Rica

"The in-country staff was incredible. They made my experience so much richer. They are absolutely wonderful people and a huge asset to the program. Their smiling faces, their seriousness about their jobs, their enthusiasm and positive approach to everything was really an absolute pleasure. I am so pleased that I got to work with them in San Carlos."

Jenny Kurland, Costa Rica volunteer

In-Country Staff in San Carlos

Staff in San Carlos, Costa Rica Local CCS staff in San Carlos will welcome you to the community, make you feel at home and help you better understand the culture. They help facilitate your volunteer experience and are always available to handle any questions that may arise. CCS staff is always from the region where we operate, so they can provide a local perspective, help you with learning the local language, and guide you in what to do in your free time.

All of our in-country staff members are warm, loving people who want you to feel at home and will make sure you are well cared for. Each CCS program site has a Country Director or Program Director and a full staff to take care of all programming, administrative, and logistical needs, as well as housekeepers, drivers, house guards, and cooks. Because the staff office is typically located at the CCS Home-Base, a helping hand is never far. Learn more about our San Carlos staff below.

Program Director - Irving Perez Irving Perez, San Carlos Program Director
Irving began working with CCS in 2005 as a Program Assistant, responsible for helping to facilitate the relationship between volunteers in Cartago and the local community organizations. He moved to San Carlos in 2006, where he assumed the role of Program Director, and currently works with over 30 partner organizations addressing issues related to community health, education, and community development. Irving has a strong background in academia which helped foster this passion for community development.

He studied in North Carolina for two years, where he received his TOEFL certification and took courses in English, Sociology, and Psychology. He returned to earn his bachelor’s degree in sociology at the University of Costa Rica, where he was named the best student in the Sociology program in 1999. Irving continued at the University of Costa Rica, earning his postgraduate degree and license in sociology. His thesis on private security companies in Costa Rica was recommended for publication. He continued in the field, teaching social theory and criminology classes at the Universidad Libre of Costa Rica.

During this time, Irving developed his passion for volunteering as a volunteer with a women's group in an economically vulnerable area of San Jose, Costa Rica. He also participated in a research project for the United Nations High Commission on Colombian refugees in Costa Rica.

The Intern Abroad program in San Carlos has a wide variety of placements in community initiatives we partner with locally, including primary and secondary schools, special education NGOs, technical colleges, orphanages, daycare centers, women’s empowerment organizations, and homes and community care centers for elderly people.

Program Coordinator - Fanny Calvo
Fanny is in charge of coordinating placements for the volunteers and acts as a contact between the partner programs and the volunteers. She coordinates cultural and learning activities, feedback meetings, and orientation sessions. Fanny is the person to talk to if you have any questions regarding your volunteer placement.

Program Assistant - Greivin Guzman
Greivin directly assists the Program Coordinator. He is also the translator between volunteers and partner programs. He helps to coordinate the cultural and learning activities, feedback meetings, and orientation. Greivin also joins the volunteers during the fieldtrips and supervises volunteer work.

House Manager - Daniel Herrera
Daniel is responsible for the logistics of the program such as arranging transportation, food, etc. He also is a great person to practice your soccer skills with.

Intern Coordinator - Allan Baez
Allan is in charge of coordinating the activities for interns, such as special guest speakers and projects at their intern placement.

Cook - Mayra Herrera
Mayra prepares traditional Costa Rican meals for all volunteers. This includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Housekeeper - Emerita Ortega
Emerita is in charge of keeping the house clean and comfortable for the volunteers.

Drivers - Ronald Zamora and Ronald Rojas
Our drivers will pick you up and drop you off at the airport. They will also provide transportation to and from the worksites and when necessary for the field trips.

Night Guard - Ademar Montero
Ademar is in charge of the safety of the house and the volunteers.

Choose from these programs in San Carlos:

Volunteer Abroad -- 2 to 12 weeks | Click for Start Dates

Intern Abroad -- 3 to 12 weeks | Click for Start Dates

Insight Abroad -- 1 week | Click for Start Dates

Request more information about volunteering in Costa Rica or read more about the CCS Experience in San Carlos, Costa Rica from the topics below:

Learn about volunteering in Cartago or Puriscal, Costa Rica or return to the main Costa Rica page.