Program Reviews

Everything here is amazing, im so fortunate to meet Erin, Alec and Lauren, amazing people they never hesitated to assist us! The trip in general is awesome, even when we are on our ways for excursions this is a living learning community. Costa Rica is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds. Consider taking a guided tour to see these animals up close in their natural habitat, which we had the chance to explore. Visit the Costa Rica's lush rainforests are a must-see attraction, with stunning waterfalls, exotic plants, and unique wildlife. Some popular destinations include Arenal Volcano National Park and Corcovado National Park.

The time that we spent in Costa Rica was fantastic and really encouraged me to continue to travel and expand my horizons and worldview. I had a lot of fun learning about the culture and people of Costa Rica! The cultural immersion activities were well thought out and really let us experience the country and Latin culture. I was excited to see the plethora of native wildlife; we went on a number of nature hikes, stayed at an animal rescue sanctuary, examined a bat colony up-close, and went on the water to look for marine life! Our hearts are as full as the days were packed!

I think this is probably one of the best trips that I’ve been on. It really opened up my eyes to how crucial the things that we do can not only just impact one place, but places globally. I also got the chance to intern with the institute and it has truly been a blessing. Running all social media platforms I had the opportunity to fuel my passion for creativity. Also, on the trip I was able to get the chance to meet some really amazing people and make long lasting connections and friendships. I will definitely be coming back!

I loved my experience here and truly felt one in the community. I really loved my experience at OSA and the spanish cooking lessons and spanish dancing and the whole conservation part really helped me build a rapport and better the community. I really loved the teaching aspect of this whole experience and really studying abroad, I truly made long time friends and really made an impact here in Costa Rica, and the research aspect helped me a lot and truly want to use my experience here and take it back with me to the states and to the Middle East.

I really enjoyed doing the TESOL certification and teaching practice as part of Hibiscus Travels. My professors were very kind and knowledgeable and they were available to answer any questions. I also loved the teaching practice as I was able to practice what I learned and I was able to connect with the community of Puerto Jimenez in Costa Rica.
I really recommend this program not only because it opens job opportunities but because you are able to make a difference in the community and have a rewarding teaching experience.

Lauren made me feel so welcome from the moment I applied. The project was amazing and you are living like a local. You build a family from the moment you arrive and it’s obvious how much Lauren cares about the volunteers. The projects are sustainable long term and so rewarding, I did the marine conservation which included patrols for turtles and dolphin monitoring. I felt supported through it all and the Spanish lessons were so helpful. The food was delicious and the chef and her family make you feel at home. There is a great opportunity to learn your Spanish and experience the Costa Rican culture. Every single person I met was so friendly and welcoming and despite travelling solo I never once felt alone.

I planned to do a 2-month volunteer staying with children in the local IMAS children’s center for low income families and helping with the dogs at the domestic animal rescue. Unfortunately, Covid-19 pandemic developed after one month and a few days into my program. Luckily, the program director was efficient in quickly reacting to the situation in various ways: emergency food preparation, emergency coordination with the embassy and airport, and offered continued housing as long as I needed it for until the situation resolved. During the crisis, I especially appreciated the program director making me feel as a part of her family, she cooked all sorts of delicious local dishes for me to try out and I was able to spend quality time with her baby Sofia, watching her learn how to walk. We developed a close relationship during quarantine, spending most mornings walking and getting to know each other through the countryside and beautiful scenery. I recommend the program if you want to experience the charm of Costa Rica in daily life. The program really helps participants to immerse into the culture, make unforgettable experiences and acquaintances and also to improve or learn Spanish. At the same time you can enjoy nearby touristic attractions like going to the amazing waterfalls, enjoying time on the beach, boat trips, museums, indigenous tribes, and experiencing the local cuisine. For me it was an unforgettable, amazing experience!

It’s an excellent program to explore and volunteer, as well as learn some spanish and eat good food! Some of the activities included waterfalls, hikes, ziplining, and my personal favorite, visiting the beautiful beaches. During my time here, I felt very safe in the houses and I felt comfortable walking in the neighborhood at night when I want to get a late night snack. The program is also very structured and organized. They feed you every morning, lunch, and evening. They are also excellent at listening to your dietary needs and concerns. It’s a great program for any universities and companies who want to have a good time

If you are thinking about exploring Costa Rica this is a great program to do through your school or friends! We went to a waterfall, beaches, and zip lining. Each activity was a lot of fun and a great experience. It was so phenomenal being engulfed in this culture. While staying at this house we eat Costa Rican based food like rice and beans and many juicy fresh fruits! This trip is definitely worth it and is highly recommended for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Costa Rican culture as well as enjoying themselves.

This is a great program for students looking to be involved in the culture and education in Costa Rica. This experience gives you the ability to understand and be involved in the typical life of a Costa Rican resident. Volunteers will eat food native to the country. We also engaged in many diverse activities including ziplining, cultural museums, hiking waterfalls, and visiting local beaches. As the group does all of the excursions together, the bonds formed will be life long friends! Even bonds have been formed with our van driver as well!