Costa Rica

We volunteered for 10 days at the Sloth Sanctuary in Costa Rica, and we felt like family after just one day. The volunteer coordinators are so knowledgeable, the facilities are basic but fun, and the job is the most fun work we've ever done. We feel like the rewards we got from our work far outweighed the effort we put in. No matter what we asked, the answer was "Yes"! (Maybe not right away, but we got to try everything we wanted to while we were there.) Everyone on staff there is thoughtful and available to help volunteers. They even have staff who sweep and mop the dorm rooms every day or two.
They did accommodate all food issues: allergies, gluten, kosher, vegan!. We felt very secure and was happy to let my daughter move around the center property independently after the first day or so. Animal interactions were our favorite time. I also really enjoyed learning from the coordinators and going on the tours with our fellow volunteers. Every day was So Exciting!.

The whole ABV program experience in Costa Rica was a little challenging, but also VERY rewarding. I didn’t take the Spanish course but wish I did. Although I have a very basic understanding of Spanish and was able to get by, it was difficult not being able to fully listen to others or express my thoughts. However, I did learn to use physical cues and phrases that I did know to understand what was going on, which really improved my communication skills in general. I enjoyed my time at the hospital, where I got to hold babies and entertain children whose parents were out. It was fun communicating with the kids, and they seemed to love the fact that they could help teach me Spanish while I was there. The other volunteers were very passionate, and I admired the work they put in. After each day at the hospital, I loved exploring San Jose and checking out the area. I had plenty of time on the weekends, each weekend was a three day weekend, and I took advantage of this by traveling to other areas. It was really nice staying with a local host, which allowed a full immersion experience.

IVHQ offers highly affordable volunteer programs in Costa Rica, in a variety of fields including marine turtle Conservation project, which is the one that I did. It has been a life change experience. I felt accomplish every day feeling I was actually helping the planet to be a better place. I worked with beautiful animals, in stunning beaches, surrounded with super nice and friendly people, I literary could have not asked for anything better. I never felt unsafe because supported by IVHQ in my every needs, never making me feeling uncomfortable of asking for extra help. I highly recommend IVHQ and the whole experience, absolutely the best experience of my life!

We spent 2 weeks volunteering in Piedras Blancas National Park in March 2019, based at El Bonito ranger station. We were doing things like clearing trails through the park, putting up new signs and installing trap cameras. We were surrounded by incredible wildlife the entire time; toucans, macaws, agoutis, squirrel and white-faces capuchin monkeys, leaf-cutter ants and many more. Janina went above and beyond to find us the right volunteering programme and make sure we were well prepared. She was also super helpful with any questions we had, and we even ended up going to Panama after we finished on her recommendation. The park rangers were very funny, and patient with our low level of Spanish. Walking around the park whilst on tasks with them was like we had our own guide as they have incredible knowledge of the wildlife in the park. Most importantly, being in the jungle for those 2 weeks was an experience I’ll never forget and I’m so happy I had the chance to do it.

After researching a lot of different volunteer organizations, I found IVHQ and instantly new that this was the one I wanted to do. As a result, I quickly applied and was lucky enough to spend a week volunteering in the healthcare setting in downtown San Jose. I volunteered primarily with the elderly , in two locations to get more exposure. The medical staff there were very grateful and allowed us to help in many ways, feeding, topical applications, blood pressure, and more. They also walked us through and taught us various medical procedures, which was great to learn. Throughout the whole trip, a medical coordinator helped us get around and ensured our experience was great. Also, my host mom and family were incredible and awesome cooks. I really liked too that we had time on the weekends and after our shifts to explore Costa Rica, which is absolutely stunning. One of my favorite parts of this whole experience was meeting the other volunteers who are close friends of mine now. Overall, I highly recommend this program and location because Costa Rica is such a special place. Pura vida!

Everything about IVHQ was a really great experience for me - I am travelling for 6 months and my international flights didn’t match up with project start dates, but they were very accommodating and the communication throughout was brilliant! My host mum and the connection with Maximo Nivel in Costa Rica were both fantastic too! I felt fully supported from start to finish which allowed me to really relax and enjoy/get the most out of my project. I was working at a daycare centre in San José, one of many that Maximo and therefore IVHQ support. This project was so amazing - providing activities, food, cuddles and care for the kids in the poorest area of the city.
The whole programme and process was a pleasure to be part of!

My two week excursion with Green Life Volunteers exceeded my expectations. Janina's organization, enthusiasm, kindness, and humor throughout the trip united the diverse group of volunteers and allowed for a fun and engaging learning environment. Week one was spent in a classroom and workshop environment, giving everyone an opportunity to learn the technical application of solar power, as well as get hands-on to assemble panels with some of Puerto Jimenez's nicest community members. The second week was spent teaching students at a local high school and doing solar installs at two different schools—both totally rewarding experiences. I won't forget to mention the thrill of the dolphin tour, surfing, waterfall hikes, zip-lining, and bike on the beach activities. I've never seen such stunning flower, insect, and animal diversity in one place in my life!

I highly recommend this trip to anyone looking to explore Costa Rica or build resilience in rural communities. You're guaranteed to gain knowledge on solar systems, meet the most genuine people, get postcard-perfect pictures, and make unforgettable, adventurous memories. Oh, and try some of the best coffee, chocolate, and plantains in the planet—a perfectly delicious diet to survive by, even for a vegan like me ;)

My trip to Costa Rica with A Broader View was probably one of the best experiences of my life. Just like everyone would be if they came to a foreign country alone, I was nervous that something would go wrong or I would find the experience too difficult. With the support of the coordinator, her family, ABV in America, my volunteer location and the people of CR, I was the happiest person ever. I got to volunteer as well as learn the unique history of Escazu, CR and the local people. The US and CR have so many differences, but by coming to Escazu I have a new appreciation for happiness. Seeing the kids of the kindergarten come to school with big smiles of their faces reminded me that happiness isn’t based on the things that you have, but rather what you make of it!

I really could have not asked for a better experience. The senior center in CR was the highlight of my trip, even on top of the vacation week I took beforehand. Every person I met was friendly to me, which fueled me to give my best effort in my project. I could tell that the workers and residents really appreciated my work. They answered all my questions. They appreciated that I was communicating in Spanish to them. They could tell I was really enjoying myself. I am still in contact with a couple of the workers! On my last day, one of the workers gave a speech in front of all the residents basically giving thanks to us the volunteers. Then a couple residents said a few words, but the most memorable thing was that a resident said that their country is always open to us in the future. I cannot express how grateful I am for this experience. It was hard to say goodbye, especially since some residents even shed some tears. They want me to come back soon! Seeing the impact I made, for what little time I was there, was just breathtaking. When I came back to the US, I really missed my time in Costa Rica. This experience has given me a new outlook on life and on my future, which is invaluable.

I done the "Turtle Conservation Project", I spent 3 weeks in Junquillal beach, Costa Rica.
It was one of the most exiting experience in my life.
I knew amazing people! awesome staff, fantastic volunteers from all the world, a real little family.
I saw turtles laying eggs and to get in my hand a baby turtle, I have seen them go to the ocean. Very touching, trust me!
If you are looking for a restful holiday you are in the wrong place: but no work could be too hard if this is the reward.
Junquillal will be a piece of my heart forever, and I promise to myself, I will get back there one day.