Costa Rica

This was the first volunteering project I worked on overseas and Green life volunteers proved to be a good choice. On arrival in Puerto Jimenez, I was met off the bus by Janina early in the morning. I had already been provided with a list of items I should bring with me to Costa Rica but should I have forgotten any items, Janina was there to show me where in town I could find things like medicines, footwear or banking services. After settling in with a host family and some orientation lessons about the local area, I met up with the project lead to discuss further the schedule for the coming weeks and discuss any concerns I may have. The activity schedule was clear and accurately reflected the program which had interested me on the Green Life Volunteers website. Working on the bird conservation project, some of my duties included social media support, bird surveys and plant nursery work. The diversity of avian species on the Osa peninsula is quite unique and was by far the richest in Costa Rica. Throughout my stay in Costa Rica, Green Life Volunteers were always providing support to enable the success of the project and to ensure a good work life balance where I could enjoy the many activities available on the Osa peninsula like surfing, fishing, kayaking and hiking in the Corcovado National Park. Costa Rica proved to be a safe destination with a friendly and helpful community who want to share in their ‘Pura Vida’ lifestyle and I would recommend Green Life Volunteers to anyone who wishes to help protect the unique ecosystem of the Osa peninsula.

I had an amazing experience with Walking Tree Travel in Costa Rica. We went to a variety of places including a national park, hot springs, small towns, beautiful beaches, and more!

One of my favorite things about traveling with Walking Tree Travel is how immersive they make the experience. We had the opportunity to go to places that average tourists wouldn’t. As a result of this I learned about a lot about the local culture and felt that I had a very unique experience. Also, the guides were incredibly well educated about the places we visited, which helped make each destination even more exciting. The people I met in Costa Rica were incredibly friendly and I felt safe the entire time I was there. I highly recommend Walking Tree Travel!

We were able to work with Casey for pre-travel with efficient time response and flexibilty! Hibiscus Travels was the absolute best! Genuine and pure customer service! All three service projects set up for us was well organized, extremely efficient, and we felt humbled and proud of the service we shared with Puntarenas. Hibiscus Travels also executed our meals and transportation very well! Unforgettable experience!

Hibiscus travel was amazing! It was the perfect way to get to know Costa Rica while making a difference in the community. They had great service options, each one was amazing. The coordinators always make sure you have a fabulous experience no matter the circumstance. It is very easy to get along with the Hibiscus staff and the house itself. It felt as if I was at home. The meals are great and a big money saver ! The people from each project site are wonderful are very caring. The service doesn't even feel like work. The people in charge of each site are always willing to teach more about Costa Rica so you can fit right in. Apart from service projects, Hibiscus offers great opportunities for adventure. I am definitely considering returning once again. Fell in love with the program as well as the city of Puntarenas itself. I recommend staying with Hibiscus Travels.

Lauren was amazing even before we left the States. She was able to take care of everything from the moment we landed until the moment we left Costa Rica. Hibiscus travels location is great way to experience the best of Puntarenas, Costa Rica. My group and I were able to work on cleaning the beach, soup kitchen and feeding homeless and helping at Hogar Cristiano. The entire experience was amazing and unforgettable. I will definently work again with Lauren and Hibiscus travels.

Very good!
Hibiscus travels was the best!!

This company is a scam. We overpaid for the room and board at the sanctuary. Other volunteers come directly and pay a fraction of the price. They say they have 24 hr customer service but they NEVER answer the phone NEVER. They took a couple days to answer my email. The sanctuary has 75+ volunteers and they make us starve. They gave us literally two pancakes for breakfast and some chips and beans for dinner. We are not allowed to ask for a second serving. Most people go snack on their own budget since we are all still hungry. Three of the four bathrooms are broken. I am still here at the moment and they haven't been been fixed for a week since I arrived. Keep in mind there are over 70 volunteers here. We try to find stuff to do but there is nothing to do for all of us. They keep getting mad if we just stand around. We work long days and are not allowed outside of the property to even go visit other places except on our day off once every seven days. I planned on being here for four weeks but am so disappointed that I am trying to leave asap. They will not respond to us or negotiate any sort of refund or credit for the three more weeks I have left. All I am asking at this point is to not make us starve. This is human rights abuse. Do not keep bringing in more volunteers and make us suffer. When I asked where does the $2000 I paid for the month go they say they are working on "research" projects that require the funds. Nothing but a SCAM. Would not reccomend it ever. There are tons of volunteer opportunities around the world where they treat you right and I am happy working for. Frontier is not one of them.

I went on the Initiative for Children in Costa Rica last summer and I loved it! I had done lots of service before, but this was my first time going abroad for service. I wasn't disappointed. People warned me that a lot of times these programs are more for just having fun and not actually helping out people, but we had a total of 17 work days and 4 "play" days, which I think is a very healthy balance. It also felt much more like a community-helping-community experience than a foreigners-helping-under privileged because GLA so actively involved the entire community in our project. The community led out project and gathered the materials and supplies, and it was up to them after we left to maintain the park - we just helped build it. I met so many amazing people and I'm so glad I went with GLA because they made my summer of 2016 one that I can never forget.

I went to Costa Rica on the Beachside Service Adventure this past summer and have come back with new insight, views, values, and an abundance of incredible memories. I was able to volunteer at a local school by making and laying concrete for an outdoor basketball court. Not only do Global Leadership Adventure trips involve students giving back to those in need, but you also get to meet amazing people, experience and learn a new culture, and grow as an individual. GLA has given me a life-changing experience that I will never forget.

My experience in Costa Rica for 3 weeks this winter break with SOL Education Abroad was amazing. I would never trade the experience for anything. I learned so much Spanish in 3 weeks, I wish I could've stayed a full semester! I would imagine that students who do are close to fluent. We went white water rafting, zip-lining, and to the beach. We took a Costa Rican cooking class, a dance class, went to the wildlife rescue center closeby, and had free time to spare! I learned so much Spanish from taking classes 8-12 every day, and even more from long talks with my Mama Tica in Spanish after dinner each night. We brought in the New Year with our host family, and they were so welcoming that I didn't feel far from home at all. In fact, I adapted really well to the culture in Costa Rica, so much that I was barely homesick the whole time I was there. Everyone is so friendly. Like I said, I wish I could've stayed a full semester. I can't wait to go back! I have nothing but praise for SOL Education Abroad's program in Costa Rica.