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

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

As I first arrived at the airport I was greeted by my driver and brought to my host family. I was confused because I was told that I would be given a full-day orientation and stay one night in a hostel in San Jose. After I arrived at the home I was brought breakfast and then I received a program orientation from my coordinator.

ABV: The program you are describing is the sea turtle program, you went to San Jose, perhaps you are mixing the program guides. In your final volunteer Orientation guide is explained the orientation day in San Jose, always check your ABV account for the guide and check your spam email folder as well.

2- What was the most positive surprising thing you experienced while volunteering in Costa Rica?

a.- Program: The most surprising thing I experienced this far was how there are so little staff at the child care program. The children are all happy and upbeat, they are well fed and taken care of. Another surprising aspect is how well they get along with each other, there are fights but five minutes later they are all playing together and happy again.

b.- Host Family: The host family is very welcoming and nice. I was very surprised by how sweet they were to me. They always engage in conversation and are genuine when speaking. The food is also amazing, I was nervous at first to how it was going to taste but now I can’t seem to get enough of her cooking.

c.- Country: The country is beautiful. I am most surprised with how easy it is to get around. The bus terminals are easy to follow and people are extremely helpful. I was surprised that there was Uber here and that it is more safe than a taxi.

3- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?

a.- Program: The most challenging thing I experienced is the language barrier. I am not fluent in Spanish though I do have basic knowledge and the children and staff speak very quickly making it sometimes hard to understand. I have adapted and have an easier time communicating now.

b.- Host Family: The most challenging thing I experienced with my host family is that there is little to nothing to do close to the home. After I finish the program for the day I am in the house doing the same thing day in and day out because it is to late to go out into the town. The family has been extremely accommodating but it is challenging to find new things to keep yourself entertained. It was also a shock that there was no hot water (only warm water) or air conditioning but I have adapted and it does not bother me anymore.

c.- Country: In Costa Rica the most challenging thing is the prices. Although the transportation to areas and hostel are low in cost that is it. The tours are extremely expensive making it difficult to fully see each destination. There are also similar things to do at every destination making it seem a little bit repetitive.

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

1. Do not forget to pack a few things from your home country that you need, like books to read, a laptop, toiletries (although you can get them from the stores they are expensive) and definitely bring an umbrella

2. Make sure to bring a couple gifts for your host family before coming here like food or trinkets.

3. The atmosphere is completely different than where you live so make sure you have an open mind.

4. Always bring extra money, even if you don’t think you’ll need it.

5- Other things volunteers should know before coming here:

(thats not in the orientation guide)

a. There is no hot water or air conditioning 

b. There may not be other volunteers at your program or in your home, be prepared to travel alone

c. If you are not fluent in the language, make sure you study up and can hold a conversation

d. Do not have any expectations

ABV: all these tips are in the ABV volunteer guide.

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

At first I was nervous about the security of the neighborhood, there are bared wires on most of the houses and bars on the windows. As I have to walk to my program I was nervous but since Ive actually started doing it I am not worried about my safety. My host family has been great, the meals are amazing the empanadas being my favorite. They also offered to show me around the neighborhood which was nice. I have not interacted with any of the neighbors but I assume they are nice. I do not have any problems or complaints about my host family.

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

a.- Volunteer Program: My favorite memory at the orphanage was when it was a child three year old birthday. When we sang for him and brought out the cake his face lit up. Once he received his present, a monster truck that could lift its front wheels in the air, I have never seen him so happy. It was truly a great experience to see him get so excited and so happy about something. He did not stop playing with his truck for the rest of the day.

b.-Host Family: My favorite memory at the host family was them sitting with me and giving me advice on where to go for my trips and how to do so. They helped me figure out where the bus station was and the time to leave so I would still get my ticket. They are also very flexible on when they give me my meals.

c.-Country: My favorite experience was in La Fortuna. I went with a group of three other girls (who left the following week) and we did a canopy tour and spent the day in the hot springs. I enjoyed the zip-lines and Tarzan swing that was followed by relaxing and hot water.

8- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

For support I did not receive any. I did not call and they did not call me. I was pretty clueless about the entire trip until I had gotten here. In hindsight, I should have spoken to them before I committed to the program and regarding what the program was like and who I was going to be with, etc.

ABV: Our volunteers get at least 10 emails regarding the program, each step in the application, reservation and your ABV account have guides, useful links, our website has a chat online, toll free numbers and much more to get all the information you need prior the trip, this is not a valid answer. We also send 2-3 emails while you are in country and you never emailed us back.

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

I would have preferred to know if any other volunteers were going to be doing the program with me and if anyone else was going to stay in my host family. The system was fine expect they were not hands on and did not contact you unless you approached them.

ABV: volunteers have all the tools to contact us if they need. We provide everything online, if you have any questions contact us, we answer emails the same day and call back if you leave a message if the lines are busy. Also the Abv account will show a week prior traveling if you will be placed with other volunteers. Its your responsibility to check your ABV account for updates.

9.1- Who did you find Abroaderview website

I searched volunteer opportunities working in an orphanage abroad and I went through a couple websites until I found ABV. Overall it was the best price and had good feedbacks. I trusted it because it was a .org and had a government code to put on your taxes making me believe it was a legitimate organization.

ABV: many websites with .org are not always non profit, we are a US charity NonProfit all your expenses to volunteer are tax deductible.

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

Yes, of course. I would love to speak with anyone regarding my experience.