Why did you pick this program?
Maya: All I knew when I first decided that I wanted to travel was that I wanted to travel with Rustic Pathways and I wanted to do community service on my trip. From there it took a lot of searching, but I ended up liking the idea of Costa Rica.
The Sarapiqui Service Adventure was a nine day trip. This was a length that both my parents and I were comfortable with considering it was my first time traveling by myself. The deciding factor was probably that we would be doing community service activities along with adventure activities, the idea of getting both in one trip really appealed to me. I wanted to help communities but also see a different side of Costa Rica, and this program offered he perfect opportunity.
What's your favorite story to tell about your time abroad?
Maya: Rain isn't unusual right now in Costa Rica, but the town nearest where you're is staying is having the worst rainy season they've seen in 45 years.
The night before we drove back to San Jose, the rain came down pretty hard for the entirety of the night which caused lots of people's homes to flood. Then next day, we had planned play with the local kids before we left, but when we boarded the bus our counselors told us they had a different plan. We were going to a church where people who had lost their homes had found shelter to play with their kids.
We played games, hit a piñata, and ate lots of cake but that wasn't what made my last day significant. It was significant because we got to bring people that were obviously experiencing so much hardship a couple hours of happiness and play and fun.
Tell us about an experience you had that you could not have had at home.
Maya: The experience that I could not have had at home was probably my favorite part of the trip, independence. I loved being able to be responsible for myself without my parents for a week, as much as I missed them.
On the trip, you were responsible for being places on time, making meal times, taking care of your things, and much more. It felt really good to be able to make my own choices and it was an experience I wouldn't trade for anything. Now that I have traveled by myself, I feel more mature and ironically experienced. I want to try new things. And that is not something I could've learned at home.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
Maya: If you are going on the same program I am, you're going to be in the middle of the rainforest, so I advise that you pack wisely. Don't overpack, but don't be afraid to pack one or two extra changes of clothes.
Also bring a pair of shoes you don't mind getting a little dirty. It's the rainy season in Costa Rica, and where you will be, it rains a lot. The rain probably won't be postponing your service, depending on what your doing, you'll probably be working through it. You'll be getting wet and a little muddy but when the rain clears and you can see all the work that you put in through the rain it feels really good.
Last but not least, don't forget bug spray! I went through one whole full-sized can.