Costa Rica

CHILDCARE VOLUNTEER PROJECT WITH PROJECTS ABROAD

Being a volunteer in Costa Rica with childhood is a rewarding experience and there is always so much to do, from spending time in the school or special needs center, to getting involved in the wider community. Placements can last from just a couple of weeks to lengthier stays to suit your and the project’s needs. Volunteers are accommodated in comfortable homes and when you volunteer in Costa Rica, you also can take time out to go at weekends and discover the most beautiful places like waterfalls, volcanos, beaches, etc.
To make this experience possible I chose the enterprise Projects Abroad because it was safe and reliable and the organization of the experience was very clear from the very beginning until the end.
Another aspect I really valued was staying at the host family. The host family that I stayed with was incredible! They treated me as if I had been one of them from the day that I got there. They were able to help me with any questions/concern that I had not only with my project, but also with the culture in general. My experience would not have been the same if I had not stayed at a host family’s home. This opportunity also gave me the chance to meet other volunteers that were staying near the family house with me. In the short time that I was there I was able to make some new friends.
I hope this little review might be helpful for you!

I went on the beachside service adventure program in Costa Rica this summer, and it was an amazing experience. I was assigned to a service project that involved helping a community build a bridge so the children's walk to school would be more than cut in half, as the river we helped build a bridge over swelled up in the rainy season. The trip changed my perspective, and I went without knowing anyone else, so it really pushed me out of my comfort zone. I got to play basketball with local teenagers, take dance lessons, go swimming in the ocean at sunset, make new friends, try to make costa Rican style art, visit an animal sanctuary, a natural hot springs, and so much more. Everyone on the staff was so kind, on one of the last nights they all shared personal stories about how they ended up volunteering abroad, and they were all so inspiring.

This was my very first trip abroad without my family. I was very excited to go to Costa Rica to help out the sea turtles and see the culture. This program has definitely broadened my view of volunteering and the culture.

There is a lot to get “used to” when you arrive. There is a major shock due to lack of technology and limited electricity at the camp. You must be very social and open since you will be around other volunteers all the time.

My biggest problem was adjusting to being dirty every day, we did beach patrols, making holes for turtle eggs in the safe zone, digging out the eggs from the beach, making paths, cleaning the beach and much much more :)

I was a little nervous about moving to a completely different country for a couple of months, totally immersing myself into an area where English is barely spoken. With little knowledge of any Spanish, I imagined becoming very frustrated before flying to Costa Rica. But when I arrived, I felt very welcomed, at the volunteer house as well as the project I was working with, (helping with children in crisis.) The staff working with the program is very friendly and are always eager to help with any questions or issues we may have. The Spanish classes that are offered are very helpful, and after a few weeks of living here, I feel much more confident speaking to natives. I am sad to say I am leaving in a month, and my only regret is not staying longer!

I was a little nervous about moving to a completely different country for a couple of months, totally immersing myself into an area where English is barely spoken. With little knowledge of any Spanish, I imagined becoming very frustrated before flying to Costa Rica. But when I arrived, I felt very welcomed, at the volunteer house as well as the project I was working with, (helping with children in crisis.) The staff working with the program is very friendly and are always eager to help with any questions or issues we may have. The Spanish classes that are offered are very helpful, and after a few weeks of living here, I feel much more confident speaking to natives. I am sad to say I am leaving in a month, and my only regret is not staying longer!

I wanted to do some volunteering work for my year abroad as part of my university degree. I decided on the Mujer a Mujer programme via NGOabroad and I couldn't recommend them enough.
Ann is very helpful and willing to answer all of your questions. This is a real company, because I questioned it at first, but it's just very good and worth the money.
The project has been very good for me; eye opening and totally beneficial. This was the perfect programme for me and that's why NGOabroad is so good because they help you choose what's so well suited to you.
My one issue is that I'm a big worrier and I like to do my research and before you pay any money the information that is given to you is very limitied. Eventually it all worked out but that was my one reservation with this company.
Overall, I had a great experience and I'm so happy that I did it!

I went to Puerto Jimenez and the farm during the summer of my sophomore year in college for the purpose of learning Spanish and immersing myself into the Costa Rican culture. Not only were those two wishes satisfied, I also experienced the life of living on an organic farm that allowed me to come into close contact with nature and to live a month undisturbed by technology. The program founder and coordinator Janina was amazing. Before I embarked on the flight to Costa Rica, I had some issue with my itinerary. She was very patient and accommodating to my circumstance until I landed on the Costa Rican soil. So I felt very safe and secure. The family was stellar! I had very minimal Spanish going into the project, and the family accepted me right away! The farm was excellent for the unique experience it had to offer, and their house in the town of Puerto Jimenez was also welcoming and warm. They treated me like a family member and were really interested in my own culture as well. Grateful for the experience.

I went to Puerto Jimenez and the farm during the summer of my sophomore year in college for the purpose of learning Spanish and immersing myself into the Costa Rican culture. Not only were those two wishes satisfied, I also experienced the life of living on an organic farm that allowed me to come into close contact with nature and to live a month undisturbed by technology. The program founder and coordinator Janina was amazing. Before I embarked on the flight to Costa Rica, I had some issue with my itinerary. She was very patient and accommodating to my circumstance until I landed on the Costa Rican soil. So I felt very safe and secure. The family was stellar! I had very minimal Spanish going into the project, and the family accepted me right away! The farm was excellent for the unique experience it had to offer, and their house in the town of Puerto Jimenez was also welcoming and warm. They treated me like a family member and were really interested in my own culture as well. Grateful for the experience.

If you are like me who is passionate about renewable energy and wouldn't mind some dirt and work, then this program is just for you. Overall, it had been a very hands-on learning journey at the beautiful Osa Peninsula.

Looking back at the program, the one thing that made it such a memorable experience was how well it was organized by Janina, the owner of Green Life Volunteer. The lectures were packed with both technical information and troubleshooting experiences taught by very experienced professionals in the PV installation industry. Outside of work, it was a full culture immersion opportunity. Janina made sure to balance work with fun by taking us onto various eye opening adventures, some only known to the residents of the peninsula. And the most memorable part of the journey was that we were able to apply our knowledge to help bring electricity to a small elementary school that went 40 years without power. It was truly a once in a life time experience; I was glad that I was a part of the change, and I will definitely consider joining the program again next year. Pura Vida!

I spent 3 weeks in a volunteer group home volunteering at an Orphanage. It was overall a great experience. We had good support and great food, the house had a great family feel to it. The volunteering itself was very fulfilling and the worksite was at a convenient distance. The house was also one block away from the beach which is a bonus.