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accommodation

The foundation does not provide accommodation. However, Santa Marta and the nearby villages of Taganga and El Rodadero are known tourist spots and offer plenty of affordable possibilities. Staying in the center of Santa Marta has it's advantages --there is a direct bus to the school, and you are near all the best bars and restaurants in the city.  

 

It is also the safest area for foreigners. If you stay in Taganga, you will need to take a bus to the center of Santa Marta and anotherone there to get to the school. From the center of Santa Marta it takes 20 minutes to get to the school by the bus. Hostel accommodation costs anywhere from 15.000COP (about $4.5 USD) to 25.000COP ($7.30 USD) per person, per night. Some hostels offer discounts for volunteers, and many others will offer a discount if you stay for at least 3 weeks.

 

We can also help you arrange a homestay if you would like to live with a Colombian family. In this arrangement you usually get your own room, depending upon how many volunteers are pursuing this accommodation option and the cost is 30,000COP ($8.75 USD) per night. This price also includes breakfast, lunch and internet. Contact us if you are interested in this option. At the moment we have three families offering this service. 

Prices of accommodation get higher during high season (December/January). When staying for a longer period of time, it may be a better idea to rent an apartment to share with other volunteers. Shared apartments can cost about 300.000 COP ($90 USD) per month. Click here to search for apartments in Santa Marta.

costs

Here’s an example of a budget for a month’s volunteer stay with us (excluding your airfare, which will of course vary). Figures are in US dollars. Please be aware that all costs are approximate and will of course vary with the exchange rate!

 

  • Mariposas Amarillas program fee: $70USD

  • Daily Meals: $100USD

  • Accommodation (Shared Apartment): $100USD

  • Equipment & School Supplies: $50USD

  • Transportation: $20USD

  • Total: $340USD

 

It is important to note the TP-6 visa and identification card fees along with potential immigration costs, depending on the country you are coming from, are not included in this projection. Please research and talk with us about your own particular situation to budget appropriately before coming to Colombia. 

sCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS

There are various programs that provide grants and scholarships to volunteers. Click on the links for more information!

 

  1. LIVFUND Scholarship: Provides a one-off grant of up to $500 for volunteers in Latin America. Two grants are given per month.

  2. GO! Volunteer Scholarships: One grant of $1000 is received per academic year.

 

With a little research you can find the program thats right for you! 

 

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