Costa Rica

"The relationships I formed with the In-Country staff were incredibly close and absolutely an integral part of the whole experience. They played a key role in helping to improve my Spanish, but more so, they were the family away from home that cared and looked after us."

Lindsay Davis, Costa Rica volunteer

In-Country Staff in Puriscal

Staff in Puriscal, Costa Rica Local CCS staff in Puriscal 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 Puriscal staff below.

Program Director - Viria Solis Viria Solis, Puriscal Program Director
Viria has received bachelor and postgraduate degrees in psychology and completed extensive research in her field. While working for the Latin American Institute of Prevention and Health Education (ILPES), Viria tackled a number of human rights issues and developed many skills that would prove to be an asset to her as a CCS Program Coordinator and Director. Some of her accomplishments during her time at ILPES include: designing and implementing training sessions on inter-family violence, human relationships, self-esteem, sexuality, crisis management, assertive communication, and teamwork. She has identified and managed change agents to participate in collaborative group problem-solving, acted as an assistant in homeless children’s camps, worked in the field of HIV/AIDS prevention, and provided therapeutic attention to discriminated groups such as women and LGBTQ-identified people.

Viria continues to work towards empowering herself to effect positive change. In 1999, she worked for the Afro-Costa Rican Women’s Center focusing on a project for teen mothers with an emphasis on human rights and quality of life. Also in 1999, she traveled to Germany to take part in an intensive seminar with a participative focus on the Development of Self-Aid. In 2002, she became a consultant for Defense for Children International (DNI-Costa Rica), taking part in a research project on sexual violence and specifically a diagnosis on sexual exploitation of children in Costa Rica.

Program Officer - Xinia Vargas
Xinia provides support for developing volunteer placements for volunteers and acts as a liaison between the partner programs and the volunteers. She is the person to talk to when you have questions regarding your placement.

House Manager - Ismael Aguero
Ismael is in charge of the administrative duties for the CCS office. He also coordinates all the logistical aspects of the volunteer experience, such as food, transportation, housekeeping, etc.

Cooks - Marta Artavia and Lucia Elizondo
Marta and Lucia are in charge of preparing traditional Costa Rican cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for all the volunteers.

Housekeeper - Grace Arce
Grace is in charge of keeping the house clean and comfortable.

Driver - Alexander Vargas
Alexander will pick you up and drop you off at the airport. He will also provide transportation to and from your work placement, and when necessary for the cultural and learning activities.

Night Guards - Juan Mesen and Daniel Vindas
Juan and Daniel are in charge of the safety of the house and the volunteers. They are also very friendly and are have lots of knowledge on Puriscal.

CCS offers the following programs in Puriscal, Costa Rica:
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 Puriscal, Costa Rica from the topics below:

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