Projects Abroad Volunteer Programs in Costa Rica

I did the Business Program

Going to Costa Rica for 4 weeks through Projects Abroad was without a doubt the best decision I have made thus far. I'm currently 21, still in college, and it was my first time traveling out of the country (and alone). As the day was approaching to leave home I was honestly getting really nervous. But the second I stepped into my home-stay and my house mom approached me I felt instantly at home. Costa Rica is in general a really relaxed and friendly country (the rumors are true), so everyone is always willing to lend a helping hand to foreigners; the Projects Abroad team is no exception. They really went above and beyond to make every volunteer feel comfortable and right at home. They would even put you at ease if you felt home sick or worried. From taking you out to breakfast on your first day, to giving you a map of the city, hosting volunteer events so everyone could get to know each other, and helping you plan out fun weekend trips. Within a week I genuinely felt like I had been friends with them for years. My only regret was not saving enough money to stay longer.

The families you stay with are complete angels. My house mom felt like a second mom considering how caring and generous she was. She introduced me to neighboring families and volunteers who I stay friends with till this day. She was also extremely accommodating to any volunteers she had who didn't speak spanish. She would talk really slow and make sure you learned spanish at a speed that was comfortable for you. I met a girl from Ohio who would only communicate through writing on a phone app, yet by her lat week she was speaking full sentences.

When working I helped out 2 local businesses in Heredia; a cool burger shack that doubled as an art gallery, and a man who was trying to kick-start his Jade jewelry business ( if you end up going the restaurant is called La Galleria and their burgers are to kill for). The work I did for both businesses was really interactive and not at all boring. I was helping them solve real life problems. I put all that I learned in my marketing classes to use and had a great time doing it. The businesses also really want for volunteers to help them grow and reach as many people. They want a different perspective so they graciously welcome opinions, advice, and all sorts of unique ideas.

I could honestly go on for hours on why Projects Abroad is so ideal and worthwhile. But long story short If you're looking for an affordable immersive volunteer program, with staff/families willing to support you 24/7, and the perk of meeting amazing young people from all over the world--- then this is your program.

In May of 2016 I was surrounded by the idea of ​​participating in an international volunteer program and one day at work someone told me about Projects Abroad. I began to inquire a little about who they were and what possibilities they offered me.

Immediately I discovered very interesting programs and soon I decided on Costa Rica, because the idea that I had of this country was "good climate, extreme landscapes, friendly people and safe environment".

Preparations for the trip and this new experience were quite simple. From Projects they offer a very detailed and useful information about how the stay will be and what are the things that should be taken into account.

In relation to the thoughts before my departure for this new adventure, to be honest, I have always preferred not to have them. Before I start something new, I just like to know what things to take to make sure everything is going well there. But I like to discover things and not carry preconceived ideas. The fact that every day is something new and full of surprises I think is part of this great experience, that for me, without a doubt, has been one of the best I have had in life.

Being able to live with a local family in a different culture and helping in the field of education to disadvantaged children makes you reflect on your real life in the country of origin. I guess when you get back there's something about you that's changed. Even if you return quickly to your everyday reality there is something, small or big, that is no longer the same. I have met excellent people and a whole example in many ways, perhaps the greatest, the spirit of overcoming. No doubt I have taken a part of them with me and I feel a lot of respect and admiration for what they have shown me. I greatly appreciate the love and appreciation with which they have treated me.

There is something that makes you see your life different and value it otherwise.

As for the family that hosted me I could not have more luck. I have lived with two siblings, Maggie and Dani, who have treated me as one of their own. They have made me feel at home; something easy to write, but difficult to do. I have taken two friends that I will never forget and hope to see again someday. I have certainly taken part of them with me.

Finally and in relation to other volunteers and volunteers I can tell you that there are always many people from different countries with which you can also discover other styles and different ways of life and above all, travel and know this country so beautiful and so full of PURA VIDA :-)

If you have the possibility, travel, meet, share and get the best of you. When you return, you will not be the same!!

My trip to Costa Rica was one of the best experiences ever. Before I left I was pretty nervous about a variety of things, however once I got there all my worries went out the window. Between teaching at the school, dance lessons, our weekend excursions and learning so many new things there wasn’t time to worry about anything. Teaching in the school was so rewarding. Being able to help the people in anyway possible was such a great feeling. Walking into the school even on the first day and to see how welcoming everyone was being was an amazing experience. Its a rare experience in America to walk into somewhere and have a genuine welcome. My favorite weekend excursion was our trip to the beach. It was absolutely beautiful; I wish I could have spent more than one day there. I have so many things I wish I could tell you about Costa Rica but you just need to go there and experience it for yourself.

I volunteered with Projects Abroad with a position as a teacher in Costa Rica for four weeks. Those four weeks I spent in Costa Rica were remarkable! To elaborate, this trip was the most significant trip I have taken thus far. Spending four weeks in a public school where I had the opportunity to teach English and Math to 3rd, 4th, and 6th graders was an experience that I encourage all future Educators to pursue. Being able to see the difference between the Education system in Costa Rica and the United States, seeing the difference between student’s eagerness in school, and the extracurricular activities offered in the schools was an eye opener.

At my placement in Escuela Cubujuqui I got so much support from the teachers I was working with as well as from the Project’s Abroad Program staff. Whenever I needed something or had questions there was always someone communicating with me in a prompt-timely manner. I also got weekly visit from the Project Abroad Staff at my placement, which I really enjoyed because they were able to address and answer any concerns I had at that moment. Furthermore, the staff always asked me how was everything and if I was enjoying and learning at my placement which showed their concerns about my comfortability and learning.

As for housing accommodations, I was fortunate enough to be hosted by an incredible family who lived in San Joaquin de Flores. My host family was very welcoming and attentive to all of the volunteers. My host family took me out to their dinners, took me to the activities they participated in such as cooking class, bible talk, and hosted a potluck for all of the volunteers in Costa Rica. Living with a host family granted me the opportunity to really learn more about the Costa Rican culture and experience it firsthand.

After graduating college with a degree in communications, I was still unsure of the direction I wanted to head in with my career. After talking with a friend of mine who volunteered with Projects Abroad, I just knew I had to take some time off and volunteer abroad. I contacted Projects Abroad, still unsure of what my future would hold, and they helped me sort through the details seamlessly. I was able to decide where and when I wanted to volunteer with complete flexibility, and they supported me in my choices 100% (unlike some other companies that require rigid time periods/destinations). I decided that I would volunteer in Costa Rica for one month. They soon provided me with all of my host family information and location prior to leaving, as well as dates for orientation and information booklets on the country I was going to live in.

Once I got to my new home in Costa Rica, the staff supported me from day one. On top of transporting me to my host family, introducing me to my fellow volunteers, and giving me an orientation of the program, they also took me around the city and showed me helpful locations (banks, restaurants, bus stations, etc). Also, they came to my placement with me the first day of volunteering to make sure everything was okay. Knowing that you have an organization behind you full of support and information makes the entire transition much more comfortable and enjoyable.

My host family was great and welcomed me with open arms, including me in their family traditions and get-togethers. Since I was also living with another volunteer, the two of us would spend time with our host family but also explore Costa Rica on our own. I had as much independence from the company as I wanted, knowing that I could reach out if I had questions or concerns, but also explore the country, have fun, and experience things on my own. I was able to travel the country and also create new projects at my placement (repainting chairs, etc.) I loved my experience with Projects Abroad so much, that it actually led to me teaching English and living abroad for another year and a half in other countries. I am now back home getting my Master’s in Social Work, but I owe all of my experiences and future goals to that first step I took with Projects Abroad! It really changed my life!

I really enjoyed volunteering through Projects Abroad. From the very start, I was given very specific and clear instructions on how to prepare for my trip. I was confident that I could always get in touch with a staff member and receive the proper assistance. Once I actually arrived in Costa Rica, I had a great time. I enjoyed having the opportunity to live with a host family, which came with many benefits, such as learning about Costa Rican culture, as well as being able to participate in the activities they enjoy, such as taking a Zumba class. Furthermore, I was able to live and volunteer with another volunteer, so it was nice having another person there while I was trying to figure out how to get to and from my volunteer location. As for the volunteering itself, I loved it! I worked with a classroom full of hyper 3 year olds, and while it was exhausting, it was well worth it. Intially, I was concerned that my inability to speak Spanish might be an issue, but I quickly learned other ways to communicate, such as through gestures and body language. There seemed to be a good balance between volunteering and free time. Most of the time, I was free by 4pm, giving me the chance to explore a little and/or rest early, to combat the exhaustion. My general tips for people are to be prepared for how different the climate it: I got dehydrated easily, and really had to drink a lot of water to combat that! All in all, I had a wonderful experience, and I would recommend this program.

I went on the environmental conservation project in Costa Rica through Projects Abroad as part of my gap semester and I really loved it. If you are at all interested in living in a tropical forest and meeting wonderful people from all around the world, I would highly recommend you check out this program! My biggest concerns prior to the trip were about my safety and the authenticity of the experience. By the end of my first day at Barra Honda National Park, both of these worries were put to rest. The staff are so friendly and were always ready to help. The living conditions are simple, but comfortable, and they provide you with wonderful meals and safe drinking water. In terms of the experience itself, I cannot imagine a more enjoyable program. The projects were engaging and so much fun to work on. My favorites were the bat projects and bird surveys, but all of the work I did there taught me something new and kept me laughing everyday. The relationships I made with the staff members and volunteers from all over the world are ones that I will treasure for years to come. Do not pass up this opportunity! Pura vida!

My time spent in Costa Rica was highly beneficial and amazing. The support of the staff was more then I could have expected. For example, my roommate fell ill at one point, and the staff was quick to act and took her to a professional right away. Our guide stayed with her the entire time and made sure she was okay, constantly checking in on her throughout the following days. In addition, the staff was very accommodating, and catered to our needs when they arose. They were very flexible and made sure we got to do as much as we could during our very limited free time.

The host family they set us up with was great! They were warm and welcoming and made us all feel at home and a part of the family. The one thing that I would recommend for someone who is staying with a host family is to look into the traditional food that is eaten in the country. I am a picky eater and was open to trying new things, but there are some things I do not like. Such as beans, which is one of the foods they eat with almost every meal. Do not hesitate in stating your diet needs and what you like and do not like! Your host family will not be offended and will make sure to meet your needs as best as they can.

The day care that they arranged for us to work in was great. It was different then any other day care I have worked in, and was a great chance to push me out of my comfort zone. The staff was very welcoming and was excited to have our support and guidance. There was a bit of a culture shock in the school and how things are run. Which was expected, but still throw me off the first day.

Overall, this was a great experience and I would do it again.