How long have you been part of the team at ISV? What is your role?
Manuel: I started with ISV on summer 2004 and since then I´ve led 58 groups in Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic and Ecuador. I've also helped out on a couple of adventure tours. For a short while I worked as a Project Coordinator in ISV’s Costa Rican, Ecuadorian and Dominican offices, but as I missed being out in the field and working with our volunteer groups so much I decided to return to project leading.
What inspired you to join ISV?
Manuel: The fact that I could help others, and feel myself useful for the humankind and nature as well. Thanks to ISV I found a great balance in my 2 careers: Anthropology & Tourism, plus getting to know a lot of people with a similar philosophy of working hard for a cause, regardless of the economic benefits.
What is your favorite aspect of ISV's programs in Costa Rica?
Manuel: That they combine rewarding jobs with environmentally friendly people, supporting wildlife AND communities, surrounded by amazing landscapes.
What is the best story you've heard of a volunteer's experience with ISV in Costa Rica?
Manuel: This girl Kelsey, who's sister Shantel was one of my participants four years ago in the Dominican Republic, told me that her sister always talked about how the ISV trip changed her perspective in life and that was the motivation for her to enroll in this trip.
Then when Kelsey realized who her Project Leader was (me), she remembered that I was the same guy who her sister Shantel used to credit as her inspiration while on her volunteer project. Luckily, after her project, Kelsey agreed with her sister about the program and my role in facilitating her taking the greatest advantage of it.
What tips/insights do you have for volunteers considering Costa Rica as their next volunteering destination?
Manuel: Be willing to think outside of the box and step out of your comfort zone to be able to enjoy all the wonders this Costa Rican landscape and culture have to offer. This includes practicing one of our most important virtues - PATIENCE (with our weather, locals procrastinating, locals' basic level of English, which in fact is true for all the cultural challenges you might encounter).