Volunteering in Costa Rica

1.-How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country (airport pickup and drop off, orientation, introduction to work, availability, other)?

Great! They were very attentive to all our needs. Picked us up from the airport. Took us places for nearby sightseeing. Jenny accompanied us when we needed an interpreter for Spanish. She probably learned a lot of dentistry from us, while helping us.

Love her dogs!

2- What was the most positive surprise you experienced?

At the program: Got a great big hug from the child and Mom after I treated her child’s teeth. (Lot’s of tears for all of us!).She was in a lot of pain so was thrilled to feel better!

At the accommodation: Felt like we were at home

About the country: Has everything..Big malls but expensive!

3- What was most difficult/cultural shock to experience?

At the program: Not knowing Spanish was the hardest part!

At the accommodation: Very comfortable home that we were in.

Waking up to the roosters early AM!

The country: Great country, relatively poor country but seemed like there were very nice people.

Volunteer Dental Program

4- Any tips for future volunteers, give as many details as possible…

Clothing: T shirts, shorts, comfortable clothing, scrubs…a lot depends on where one is going to be.

Donations: $, toothbrushes, gloves, toothpaste, other dental supplies, flash light, any other toilet articles, toys for kids.

Weather: Occasionally rains, but when we were there it was pretty hot.

4.1- Other things volunteers should know, about what to bring, what to do in country, what to eat, transportation, other:

a.- Toilet articles, flip flops, comfortable walking shoes

b.- Snacks to munch on, but one can buy almost anything. We enjoyed some Costa Rican food from local restaurants.

c.- Uber works there too. But taxi’s are abundant. Credit cards mostly accepted everywhere

d.- Swim suits

5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial), don’t leave blank:

Great experience! We went to a dental clinic, a homeless shelter, a special needs home and an area where we saw a ton of kids that needed dental exams. (Also in a relatively low socioeconomic area) Also did dental checkups at a school.

Volunteer Costa Rica

6- How would you describe your accommodation, meals and security in detail:

The coordinator was super attentive to all our needs. She took great care of us. Prepared food almost daily. She paid a lot of attention to detail and let us do whatever we wanted in her kitchen as we pleased. That made us very comfortable. Her house had many rooms to accommodate all of us.

We felt secure almost anywhere we went.

7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

Program: Just having the variety of experiences, and able to help wherever we could. The experience provided how some people live in such poverty but appear content! But have minimal access to dental care.

Country: Beautiful mountains, scenery. The drive is pretty curvy if you are visiting the volcano 3 hrs away…Bring Dramamine if you get sick in long drives! Tours: an agent took us around for a tour to the Volcano and Baldi Spa…(One day- Time pass)

8.- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

Communication (Phone/emails/Online chat): Good. Mostly via Emails.

Website Information: We communicated mostly via Emails.

9 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?

Absolutely! Happy to! Wish we were able to speak with someone before we left.

10 – Can you be specific how did you find or know about A Broader View? 

Went through the Volunteer program through the ADA website

Volunteer Dental Costa Rica

Volunteer Costa Rica

1.-How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country?

My local ABV Coordinator, Jenny, was very helpful in every way possible. I was picked up on time at the airport, I had a nice city tour/introduction to Escazú, upon my arrival, she arranged all of my transportation to and from the Rescue program, was always available to converse with and ask questions and be of assistance.

Jenny coordinated my ‘weekend off’ visit to Mario Antonio National Park, and everything was just perfect. Jenny is very knowledgeable about her country, and she is always willing to share her knowledge. Her house is centrally located to everything, the accommodations were very comfortable, and the food was excellent.

2- What was the most positive surprise you experienced?

At the program: Everyone was so helpful, friendly and nice.

At the accommodation: Accommodations were very comfortable, very centrally located so you can walk everywhere.

About the country: People here are so happy, very willing to help you with anything, beautiful, just a lovely country with lovely people.

3- What was most difficult/cultural shock to experience?

At the program: The work at the rescue center, it can be difficult and tiring, but very rewarding.

At the accommodation: I’ve been to Costa Rica before so there was no difficult or cultural shock that I experienced.

The country: The noise is different than the U. S., traffic, horns, scooters, roosters, etc. But you get used to it!

4- Any tips for future volunteers, give as many details as possible…

Clothing: Just need warm weather clothing, and bring an umbrella for the rain.

Weather: Very warm, humid and rainy

4.1-Other things volunteers should know, about what to bring, what to do in country, what to eat, transportation, other:

a.- Bring an umbrella

b.- The coasts are beautiful so I would suggest trying to get to either the Pacific Ocean or Caribbean while you are here.

c.-Bring comfortable shoes, you walk a lot.

d.- Bring any snacks you prefer from home

5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial), don’t leave blank:

I had a fantastic experience all the way around with ABV. From the time I inquired about their programs, to almost the day before I left to come to Costa Rica, ABV was continually in touch with me making sure everything was arranged, taken care of, answered any questions I had. ABV is a very professional organization and one I would volunteer with again.

Volunteering in Costa Rica

6- How would you describe your accommodation, meals and security in detail:

Accommodations were very comfortable, had my own room, shared a bathroom, the food was excellent, Jenny accommodated my vegetarianism, and she continually made sure I was where I was supposed to be and safe. I loved my Spanish lessons also. The teacher was amazing. The class is about four blocks away from the host house.

7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

Program: Working at the rescue center, quite an experience!

Country: Loved staying with a Costa Rican family and see how they live in this country..

Tours: I enjoyed going to Manuel Antonio National Park, what a grand experience it was, earthquake and all!

8.- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

Communication (Phone/emails/Online chat): Perfect, I always felt ABV was on top of everything. I liked the constant communication.

Website Information: Website has all the information you need, almost. If you need more, ABV will respond quickly to your email, chat, phone call.

9 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?

Absolutely!

1-What were your daily tasks in this Project?

My daily tasks were to help the teachers teach English and Math to the students, decorate the school for special events, and play games with the students.

2-How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country ?

My ABV Coordinator provided the utmost support and kindness when I arrived in Costa Rica. My airport pickup went smoothly and my orientation and introduction into work was perfectly done.

3- What was the most positive surprise you experienced?

At the program: The most positive surprise I experienced at the school was how kind and caring the students are. Every morning when I would arrive at the school, they would all greet me with smiling faces and big hugs.

At the accommodation: The most positive surprise I experienced at the house was the wonderful food and the welcoming family I stayed with.

About the country: The most positive surprise I experienced while staying in Costa Rica was how incredibly nice everyone is and that economic status does not make the social status of people. Everyone is generous and welcoming. Costa Ricans are truly the nicest people I have ever met.

4- What was most difficult/cultural shock to experience?

At the program: The school sometimes felt like a daycare for the students. I realized this is because of the size of the school and the low budget they have.

At the accommodation: Honestly, I did not experience any type of cultural-shock at the house I stayed at. I was homesick for the first few days, but I think homesickness comes when you travel anywhere for the first time.

The country: Costa Rica was an amazing place to do volunteer work. I did not experience any cultural-shock while I was getting to know this beautiful country.

5- Any tips for future volunteers, give as many details as possible…

Clothing: I arrived in Costa Rica with only shorts. The school prefers for you to wear pants, so bring three to four pairs. Read the ABV guide.

Weather: I recommend packing an umbrella.

6- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial), don’t leave blank:

I am incredibly grateful for the experience that ABV gave me. The ABV program has opened my eyes to the value of experiencing another culture and learning another language. My experience in Costa Rica was far beyond my expectations and I will always hold Costa Rica in my heart and know it as my home away from home.

7- How would you describe your accommodation, meals and security in detail:

The house I stayed in and the family I stayed with were perfect. The meals were delicious and filling. I felt secure and protected at all times.

8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

Program: My favorite memory of the school was dancing Zumba with all of the students.

Country: My favorite memory of Costa Rica was meeting so many ABV volunteers and being able to travel with them and explore Costa Rica on the weekends.

Tours: My favorite tours were in Arenal in La Fortuna. I traveled there with another ABV volunteer and we planned three tours with the same company. We went zip-lining, repelling, tubing down a river, and completed challenge courses.

9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

Communication (Phone/emails/Online chat):

The ABV support prior to traveling was amazing. If I had any questions, I would email them and I would get a response within the next hour

Website Information:

The website information was accurate and simple to understand.

10- Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?

I am very willing to speak with other potential ABV volunteers. I want others to experience the same happiness in Costa Rica that I did!

11- Can you be specific how did you find or know about A Broader View?  What keywords did you use, what did you search for.

I found ABV while searching for a study abroad program. I searched, “study abroad programs” and I chose it because it was exactly what I was looking for.

12- What do you do in your free time?

In my free time in Costa Rica, I would hang out with the other volunteers and we would oftentimes go to the mall.

1- How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country?
Knew good English and showed me around the capital city before taking the bus

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?
How kind everyone in the area was towards tourists and ABV volunteers

3- What was most difficult to experience?
The heat, drink lots of water

4- Any tips for future volunteers… (Clothing, travel, personal items, donations)
Pack light Learn some spanish Keep an open mind

5- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial):
Have fun and make your time last

6- How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security (e: host family, on-site, shared)
People who really care about your accommodation and are dedicated to making it a good experience

7- What was your favorite memory of this trip?
Host family was extremely kind and caring, meals were well thought out.

8- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?
Meeting the locals

9 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Good, answered all the questions I had about the trip

10 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?
Yes

 1- What was your daily task in this Project

• Limpieza de los alrededores del establecimiento y de las jaulas de los animales
• Preparación de alimentos para los animales
• Alimentar a los animales
• Ayudar a los clientes/visitantes

2- How was the local ABV Coordinator and the support provided in-country (airport pickup and drop off, orientation, introduction to work, availability, other)?

• Al momento de llegar a Costa Rica, la persona que me busco fue puntual, estaba bien identificado, fue cordial y muy amable al contestar cada pregunta que tenía sobre el programa y sobre Costa Rica en general. Al llegar a la casa me sentí tranquilo, y muy cómodo porque desde el principio fueron muy amigables y me hicieron sentir bienvenido en la casa. Mi primer día, Jenny, la coordinadora, dio el viaje conmigo para enseñarme como viajar en bus, que hacer, que no hacer, me aconsejo en todo momento y siempre estuvo pendiente de mi bienestar.

3- What was the most positive surprise you experienced?

At the program:

• La cantidad variable de animales en el refugio en el que trabajé. Los empleados del refugio fueron muy buenos conmigo, me explicaron todo y me contestaron cada pregunta que les hacia

At the accommodation:

• La casa era muy cómoda, limpia, siempre había algo para comer, el baño estaba en muy buenas condiciones, tienen servicio de agua caliente, me facilitaron llaves de cada una de las puertas, los cuartos tenían todo lo que uno necesitaba, tiene un muy buen sistema de wifi y de lavandería.

About the country:

• Las personas son muy amables. Como en todo país, siempre hay sitios peligrosos, agradables, su gente buena y su gente mala, pero gracias a Dios mi experiencia fue una de excelencia. No tuve ningún inconveniente con nadie Uno encuentra más de una opción para transportarse; durante mis 3 semanas estuve viajando a diferentes partes de Costa Rica, como, por ejemplo, Arenal, Guanacaste y San José

4- What was most difficult/culturalshock to experience?

At the program:

• No tuve ninguna dificultad en el programa

At the accommodation:

• Creo que los más difícil fue acoplarme al hecho de que estaba viviendo en una casa ajena y muchas de las cosas que quizás pueda hacer en mi casa con mi familia, pues aquí no las podía hacer. Pero realmente eso no fue un impedimento para sentirme agradable en la casa de Jenny. Estoy más que agradecido por todo y si se me diera la oportunidad de volver al programa, yo mismo pediría quedarme en la misma casa con las mismas personas.

The country:

• De donde vengo es muy parecido a Costa Rica. Soy fluido en el español, pero aun así hubo una que otra palabra que me tomo 2 o 3 días acostumbrarme a ellas. Por todo lo demás, todo fue excelente.

5- Any tips for future volunteers, give as many details as possible…

Clothing:

• Traigan ropa suficiente, que sea fresca y cómoda. Si son alérgicos a mosquitos, entonces es preferible que traigan ropa manga larga y pantalones largos.

Donations:

• El programa de ABroader View les da la opción de crear una cuenta de “fundraising”. Ellos se quedarán con el 5% de lo que ustedes recauden, pero realmente vale la pena. Me quede por 3 semanas y no tuve que gastar un solo centavo en el pago del programa, todo lo recaude por donaciones.

Weather:

• Costa Rica es un lugar caluroso. En temporada de invierno, literalmente lloverá todos los días después del mediodía. Eso nunca fallo en las 3 semanas que estuve aquí.

5.1- Other things volunteers should know, about what to bring, what to do in country, what to eat, transportation, other:

• Repelente para mosquitos
• Todo lo que en tu día diario usas allá en tu casa
• Dinero en efectivo, tanto dólares como en colones
• Pruebas cosas nuevas, específicamente comidas típicas de Costa Rica, aunque pienses que no te vaya a gustar, inténtalo.
• Muchos deseos de conocer y acoplarte a una cultura nueva

6- Personal Paragraph (ABV Program Testimonial), don’t leave blank:

Estoy más que complacido por todo lo que ABV me ha ayudado. Desde antes de venir a Costa Rica, ya el programa me estaba facilitando grandemente el proceso de solicitar y completar cada uno de los requisitos para participar en el programa. Es muy fácil de completar, si tienes una duda tienen un muy buen sistema de “online chat” el cual uno puede usar cada vez que tiene cualquier tipo de duda.

Una vez ya aquí en Costa Rica, todo ha ido fluido de acuerdos a mis expectativas. La coordinadora (Jenny) ha sido una extraordinaria persona, me ayudó en todo lo que ella pudo, me aconsejo en cada momento, me dio muy buenas recomendaciones y hasta me ayudaba a planificar mis paseos en los fines de semana. La estadía, el programa y la comida sobrepasaron todas mis expectativas.

Recomiendo al 100% que continúen estos tipos de programas y le recomiendo a cada personas menor o adulta que si están buscando en donde hacer un voluntariado, tengan a ABV como la primera, segunda y tercera opción. Seria excelente que poco a poco puedan seguir expandiendo este programa a más países.

7- How would you describe your accommodation, meals and security in detail:

• Todo estuvo excelente, el hogar, la comida y la seguridad. Dentro de la casa te sentirás muy seguro, tanto puertas como ventanas tiene rejas con un muy bien sistema de candados.

8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?

Program:

• Todo el tiempo que pude estar cerca de los animales, toque animales que nunca pensé que tocaria en mi corta edad

Country:

• La amabilidad de la mayoría de las personas y lo hermoso que es Costa Rica en sus lugares turisticos

Tours:

• Todo me encanto, pero los tours que di en mis fines de semana fueron estupendos. Lo mejor que hizo fue tener libre de sábado a lunes, porque esto me daba la oportunidad de tener 3 días para viajar y conocer más al país.

9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

Communication (Phone/emails/Online chat):

• El Sistema de comunicación fue muy eficaz, cada pregunta que hizo por email, chat o llamadas me las contestaban bastante rápido. Siempre sentí el apoyo de ellos.

Website Information:

• La página de internet de ABV es muy fácil de usar y te permite obtener información de cada duda que tengas sobre el programa. Te facilita muchísimo los procesos que debes completar antes de viajar a Costa Rica

10- Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?

• Si

11- Can you be specific how did you find or know about A Broader View?  What keywords did you use, what did you search for.

• Estaba buscando programas de voluntarios relacionado a animales y ahí fue que conseguí la página web de ABV.

12- What do you do in your free time?

• Mi free time lo utilice para comunicarme con mi familia, para compartir con los otros voluntarios en la casa y con la familia que vive en la casa. También para planificar que haremos en el fin de semana.

Volunteer Costa Rica

How was the local abv coordinator and the support provided in-country?

Very good support, al questions were answered, made me feel more comfortable about traveling in a foreign country

What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

Everyone i met was extremely kind and open

What was most difficult to experience?

Getting use to the heat

Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations)

Pack light learn some Spanish bring spending money

Other things volunteers should know:

Keep an open mind, have fun

Volunteer Reviews

Personal paragraph (abv program testimonial):

A great organization dedicated to making difference. Very well organized and makes for a life changing experience.

How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security (e: host family, on-site, shared)

Steady meals that were well prepared, very kind host family

What was your favorite memory of this trip?

Getting to know my host family meeting people from all parts of the world

How was the abv USA support prior traveling?

Good provided me with all the information I needed

Are you willing to speak to other potential abv volunteers?

Yes