Volunteer Review Costa Rica

How were the local ABV Coordinator/staff and the support provided in-country (airport, orientation day, follow up, communication, emergencies)?

Overall, the local ABV coordinator (Alexander) was extremely helpful and willing to assist with anything I needed along the way. From my arrival in Costa Rica and throughout my program I felt like I was supported and staff went above and beyond in order to make my experience a memorable one. My first day and orientation, whilst being an intimidating experience, was made easier by a friendly coordinator who was thorough in addressing all areas of concern.

volunteer in costa ricaVolunteer ReviewWhat was the most positive surprising thing you experienced?

a.- Volunteer Program: The most positive experience during my program was the rewards of volunteering and the feeling of being able to give back whilst simultaneously becoming immersed in a foreign country and experiencing all that Costa Rica has to offer.

b.- Host Family: The most positive aspect of my host family was their willingness to make me feel comfortable in their home without hesitation. Prior to my arrival, I had concerns as to living in someone else’s home but my host family was beyond great.

c.- Country: The best part about Costa Rica is not only the wonderful and friendly locals but also its beauty and how within a matter of hours you can experience a variety of nature and landscapes.

Volunteer in Costa Rica

3- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?

a.- Program: The most challenging part of my program would be a language barrier but despite this, communicating with volunteers, hospital workers and the children became much easier over the duration of the program with the help of the Spanish language immersion.

b.- Host Family: Overall I experienced no challenges with my host family, they were supportive and were able to provide for everything I needed and more.

c.- Country: Again, the language barrier was a slight difficulty during my stay in Costa Rica but communicating became easier and locals, my host family, and ABV staff were always willing to assist me.

4- Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations, a gift for the host family)

Pack for a variety of weather conditions but try to pack lightly, have a smaller extra bag so you can efficiently go on weekend trips, which there are plenty of in Costa Rica.

5.1- Other things volunteers should know before coming here:

Tips for future volunteers would be to be prepared to be out of your comfort zone. The best experiences I had in my program were the ones that I had never experienced anything like before and was not afraid to get involved in. Definitely take initiative throughout your program, although you are in a foreign environment be proactive in making your program the best it can be so you don’t have any regrets.

Gap Year Costa Rica

6- Personal Paragraph about the entire experience (ABV Program Testimonial) give as much detail as you can:

Overall, my ABV experience was one that I will never forget. My experience volunteering was extremely positive and I had a wonderful time at the children’s hospital. The staff I met were friendly and willing to help. My language immersion was a great experience and I learned a lot very quickly which was a huge help in navigating CR. My host family went above and beyond to assist me throughout my program and I am so grateful for all they have done. Overall I was extremely pleased with my program and felt very supported throughout.

7- How would you describe: your accommodation, what meal did you enjoy the most, security in the house/neighborhood, friendliness, quality others:

My accommodation was definitely a highlight of my program as my host family was incredible. The house was clean and had everything I needed and I never felt unsafe. The food was excellent and I really enjoyed all the meals cooked by Alice.

8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?:

a.- Program: My favorite memory of my program was forming bonds with children at the hospital and hopefully improving the quality of their day.

b.- Host Family: My favorite memory of my host family is the feeling of being welcomed as part of the family, which I felt from the day of my arrival in CR.

c.- Country: My favorite memory of Costa Rica is the scenery, nature and incredible landscape that you cannot find anywhere else in the world.

Volunteer Trips Overseas

9- How was the ABV USA support prior to traveling? (who helped you, emails, phone calls, chat online, how fast did you got an answer, did you got all your answers).

ABV support prior to my travel was good and I received emails from staff providing me with contacts to answer any and all of my questions. I did not have many questions prior to the beginning of my program as the guide was thorough and detailed and answered any questions I had.

9.1- What do you think about the reservation system online?

I think the online system was easy to use and was well set out and it was an easy step by step process that ensured that no important information was missed.

Volunteer Reviews Costa Rica

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!