00
Call Overview
First person-to-person contact after the email. Goal: build rapport, explain the program clearly, answer questions, confirm next steps. Keep it conversational — not a sales pitch.
PART 01
Opening & Rapport
5 min
Break the ice. Hear their story. Set the agenda.
PART 02
Program Walkthrough
10 min
Walk through all 4 phases. Pause and let it land.
PART 03
Their Questions
10 min
Let them lead. Answer confidently. Use FAQ if needed.
PART 04
Next Steps & Close
5 min
Clear, warm close. Send application link right after.
★ Tone: warm, human, enthusiastic. Think "conversation with a friend who happens to know everything about the program."
Program structure at a glance
PHASE 01
Virtual Training
4 weeks · online
Live webinars before arrival. 4 modules on environment, leadership & culture.
PHASE 02
Volunteer Induction
1 week · Costa Rica
Arrival, orientation, site visits, team bonding.
PHASE 03
Community Project
4 weeks · fieldwork
Water systems, reforestation, environmental education.
PHASE 04
The Trek
8 days · indigenous territory
Alternating hike days & action days in indigenous schools.
01
Opening & Rapport
⏱ 0 – 5 minYou
Hi [Name]! Great to finally connect with you. How are you doing today?
Candidate
(small talk, how they're doing)
→ Let them settle in for 30 seconds. Don't rush straight into the program.
You
Awesome — I'm really glad you reached out. Before we get into everything, I'd love to hear a little about you. Where are you from, and what made you interested in Global Greentalist?
Candidate
(shares background and motivation — take notes)
★ Really listen. Note their motivation — it tells you which parts of the program to emphasize. "I love working with communities" → lean into Phase 3. "I want a leadership challenge" → emphasize the Trek.
You
That's really cool — I love that. [Reflect what they said, e.g., "So you've been looking for something real and hands-on — that's exactly what this program is about."] Here's what I'd love to do: I'll walk you through the program clearly, and then we'll make sure you have plenty of time for your questions. Does that work?
02
Program Walkthrough
⏱ 5 – 15 minYou — context setter
So, Global Greentalist is an international environmental volunteer program based in Costa Rica. We work with young people between 18 and 30 who want to do something meaningful — not just observe, but actually get their hands dirty and create real impact. The program has four main phases, and I think the structure is honestly one of the things that makes it unique.
Phase 1 — Virtual Training
You
Before you even get on the plane, you'll go through four weeks of live online sessions — webinars. These cover biodiversity, climate resilience, environmental education methods, and cultural sensitivity for working in indigenous communities. By the time you arrive, you already have real context and you're not starting from zero.
Phase 2 — Volunteer Induction
You
Then you arrive in Costa Rica. The first week is your induction — we visit the project sites, meet the local team, and do orientation. It's the week where the group really starts to bond and you get a feel for where you'll be working.
Phase 3 — Community Project
You
Then four weeks of active fieldwork. Our flagship project focuses on water resilience in rural communities — excavating and installing water pipeline systems, building water catchment structures, reforestation around water sources, and running environmental education sessions with the community. It's intense, it's real, and it's one of the most impactful things you'll do.
→ Adapt based on their opening. Passionate about education? Lean into the community workshops. Into physical work? Lean into the construction side.
Phase 4 — The Trek
You
And then comes the part that — honestly — a lot of alumni say is the highlight of the entire experience. We call it The Trek. It's an 8-day expedition through Bribri and Cabécar indigenous territories in the Talamanca mountains. It alternates between hiking days and days doing environmental workshops in indigenous schools, with local children. There are also leadership activities on the hiking days — so it's this powerful mix of physical challenge, cultural connection, and personal growth.
Wrap up & check in
You
So altogether — from webinars to the end — you're looking at about 10 to 12 weeks. Full-time commitment, but one of the most transformative things someone can do at this stage of their life. [Pause.] How does that sound? Does any part stand out that you'd want to know more about?
★ Pause here. Give them space to react. The silence is good — it means they're processing.
03
Their Questions
⏱ 15 – 25 minYou
Ok — let's make sure we cover anything you had in mind. What questions do you have for me?
→ Let them go first. Listen, answer clearly, reassure. Use the FAQ section in the sidebar for backup. After a few questions:
You
Is there anything else you're wondering about before we talk about what the next step looks like?
Most common questions — have these ready
💰 How much does it cost?
📅 Which dates are available?
🏕️ Where do I stay?
🥾 Do I need hiking experience?
🛡️ Is it safe?
📋 What are the requirements?
🌐 Do I need to speak Spanish?
👫 Can I apply with a friend?
→ Open the FAQ section in the sidebar for full answers.
04
Next Steps & Close
⏱ 25 – 30 minYou
This has been a really great conversation, [Name]. I feel like you'd be a strong fit — your motivation is exactly the kind of energy that makes these programs work.
You
So the next step would be to complete the application form — it's straightforward and just helps us understand a bit more about you. From there, we review applications and confirm your spot. Would you be comfortable moving forward with that?
Candidate
(yes / needs to think / one more question)
You — if yes
Perfect. I'll send you the application link right after this call, along with a quick summary of what we covered. If any new questions come up, don't hesitate to message me directly.
You — if they need more time
Totally understandable — it's a big commitment and I want you to feel completely confident. I'll send you the link and some written info, and you can take a look when you're ready. No pressure at all. What's the best way to follow up in a few days?
You — closing
Thank you so much for your time today, [Name]. I really hope to see you in Costa Rica — this is going to be something you'll never forget.
★ Right after the call: send the application link + a short personal message referencing something they mentioned. That personal detail matters.
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Frequently Asked Questions
About the Program
What exactly is Global Greentalist?▶
Global Greentalist is an international environmental volunteer program run by Greentalist, a youth-led nonprofit based in Costa Rica. We bring young people from around the world to work on real environmental and community projects, gain practical skills, and experience leadership through cultural immersion and field-based learning.
How long is the program exactly?▶
Approximately 10–12 weeks total: 4 weeks of virtual training (online, before arrival) + 1 week in-country induction + 4 weeks community project fieldwork + 8 days Trek expedition in indigenous territory.
Is it physically demanding?▶
The project phase involves physical work outdoors in a tropical environment. The Trek involves hiking ~60–80 km over 8 days in mountainous terrain. No extreme fitness required — the program builds you up progressively. By Trek time, you've been active for weeks.
What is The Trek?▶
An 8-day expedition through Bribri and Cabécar indigenous territories in the Talamanca mountains. It alternates hiking days with action days in indigenous schools (environmental workshops with local children), plus leadership activities throughout. Many alumni describe it as the most transformative part of the program.
Costs & What's Included
What does the fee cover?▶
Included: accommodation (full program), all meals (full board), all internal transportation, virtual training modules, accident insurance, in-field facilitation and mentoring, all project tools and materials, The Trek.
Not included: international flights, international health insurance (required), personal expenses, visa fees if applicable.
Not included: international flights, international health insurance (required), personal expenses, visa fees if applicable.
Do I need to bring my own tools or equipment?▶
No. All tools and project materials are provided. Bring appropriate clothing for tropical and mountain weather, personal hygiene items, and personal medications.
Is there a scholarship or financial aid?▶
We recommend exploring national youth volunteering funds, Erasmus programs, or local environmental grants. We're happy to provide a letter of participation to support those applications. Reach out and we'll discuss options.
Requirements & Eligibility
Who can apply?▶
Anyone 18–30 years old passionate about the environment and committed to full-time participation. We welcome volunteers from all countries and backgrounds. Basic English preferred but not strictly required — the team is multilingual.
Do I need prior experience in environmental work?▶
No prior experience required. The virtual training is designed to prepare you from the ground up. What matters most is your attitude — curiosity, respect, and willingness to learn and work hard.
What documents do I need?▶
Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity, and international health insurance. Costa Rica generally doesn't require a visa for most nationalities — verify yours. We'll guide you through the full checklist after acceptance.
Do I need to speak Spanish?▶
No. The program operates in English and the team is multilingual. Basic Spanish is helpful for interacting with local communities — many volunteers pick up a lot during the experience.
Living Conditions & Daily Life
Where do volunteers stay?▶
Shared accommodation near the project sites. Conditions vary — in some communities it's a shared house with running water and electricity; during the Trek, community schools or rustic camp setups. This is not a resort — it's real, immersive field living.
What kind of food is there? Is it included?▶
Yes, all meals are included (full board). Typical Costa Rican fare — rice, beans, plantains, vegetables, local produce. We accommodate dietary restrictions communicated in advance, but options in remote communities can be limited.
Is there internet access?▶
Available in some areas but limited or intermittent near indigenous communities and during the Trek. Many volunteers find periods of disconnect one of the most valuable parts of the experience.
Is it safe?▶
Safety is our top priority. Greentalist has a comprehensive health and safety policy with trained staff on the ground at all times. We do site risk assessments before every project and trek phase, brief volunteers on protocols, and have emergency response plans in place. Like any field experience, inherent risks exist — we manage these actively and transparently.
Application & Process
What is the application process?▶
After this call you'll receive the application form. Once submitted and reviewed, we confirm acceptance and send onboarding documents — pre-departure checklist, accommodation info, and virtual module schedule. Applications close ~6–8 weeks before program start.
Can I apply with a friend or partner?▶
Yes. Applications are individual but we do our best to place friends/couples in the same program cycle when possible.
What if I need to cancel after confirming?▶
We understand life happens. We have a cancellation policy in the participation agreement. Please communicate with us as early as possible — we'll do our best to find a solution.
The Trek — Specific Questions
Do I need hiking experience for the Trek?▶
No advanced experience required, but you should be physically active and comfortable walking 10–20 km per day on uneven mountain terrain. By Trek time, you've been active for weeks — the program builds you to it progressively.
Is the Trek culturally respectful?▶
Absolutely. The Trek is designed in close collaboration with indigenous community leaders. Volunteers receive a full cultural briefing before entering indigenous territories — protocols for respectful engagement, photography norms, and communication guidelines. We approach these communities with deep respect for their autonomy and traditions.
What workshops do volunteers run in the schools?▶
Interactive workshops aligned with Greentalist's methodology, covering: climate change and local impacts, biodiversity and ecosystem conservation, water and natural resource stewardship, and environmental leadership. Activities are adapted for children's age — visual, participatory, hands-on.
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Quick Facts
Fast-access answers for during the call.
DURATION~10–12 weeks total
AGE RANGE18–30 years old
COMMITMENTFull-time during program
VIRTUAL4 weeks online (pre-arrival)
INDUCTION1 week, Costa Rica
PROJECT4 weeks fieldwork
TREK8 days indigenous territory
PASSPORTValid, 6+ months remaining
INSURANCEInternational health required
LANGUAGEBasic English preferred
LOCATIONCaribbean Coast, Costa Rica
PROJECT TYPEWater systems, reforestation, education
WEBSITEwww.greentalist.org
EMAILinfo@greentalist.org
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Program Dates
2026 — OPEN NOW
Program 1 OPEN
Virtual Training: Sep 4 – Sep 25, 2026
In-Country: Oct 2 – Nov 4, 2026
Program 2 OPEN
Virtual Training: Oct 2 – Oct 23, 2026
In-Country: Oct 30 – Dec 2, 2026
2027
Program 1
Virtual Training: Dec '26 – Jan 2027
In-Country: Feb – Apr 2027
Program 2
Virtual Training: Apr – May 2027
In-Country: May – Jul 2027
Program 3
Virtual Training: Jul – Aug 2027
In-Country: Aug – Oct 2027
Program 4
Virtual Training: Sep – Oct 2027
In-Country: Oct – Dec 2027
→ Applications open ~3 months before each program start. Always confirm exact dates before the call.
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What's Included
Included in program fee
Accommodation (shared, full program)
Full board — all meals
All internal transportation
4-week virtual training (pre-arrival)
Accident insurance during activities
In-field facilitation and mentoring
All project tools and materials
In-country induction week
The Trek (8-day expedition)
Not included
International flights
International health insurance (required)
Personal expenses & souvenirs
Visa fees (if applicable)
Travel vaccinations
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Virtual Educational Modules
4 weeks of live online webinars before arrival. All materials provided. Flexible scheduling.
01
Environmental Foundations
Biodiversity, ecosystems, and Costa Rica's conservation model. Understanding the context of where you'll be working.
02
Climate & Community Resilience
Climate change impacts on local communities. Adaptation strategies and the role of volunteers in resilience projects.
03
Environmental Education Methods
How to teach sustainability to children in indigenous schools. Greentalist's methodology: hands-on, local, solution-focused.
04
Leadership & Cultural Sensitivity
Ethical volunteering, indigenous community protocols, photography norms, and developing personal leadership in the field.
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Call Checklist
Check off each item during the call. Resets on page refresh.
- Small talk — asked where they're from
- Asked what motivated them to apply
- Noted their key interests / motivation
- Explained Phase 1 — Virtual Training
- Explained Phase 2 — Volunteer Induction
- Explained Phase 3 — Community Project (Water for Life)
- Explained Phase 4 — The Trek
- Paused and asked if they had questions
- Answered their questions
- Mentioned available program dates
- Covered what's included in the fee
- Mentioned what's NOT included (flights, insurance)
- Asked them to move forward with the application
- Confirmed best follow-up method
- Warm close — positive ending
- Sent application link after the call
- Sent follow-up email with personal touch
