ISV - Volunteer Projects in Costa Rica

I heard about International Student Volunteers (ISV) through the flyers that were hung around my school. When they had the informational meeting, I thought "why not" and popped in to check it out. Their presentation was so intriguing and looked like everything I ever wanted; so I put down the deposit and submitted my application. Fast forward to June, I was anxiously sitting on the airplane not knowing what to expect AT ALL. But my nerves were eased as soon as I landed. (ISV was so helpful and engaging prior and throughout the trip). The program consisted of two parts (the second,the adventure, was optional). The first part was two weeks volunteering in the local community of Provedencia. The host families there adopted us like they're own as soon as they met us. Even though there was a language barrier, the love and hospitality poured from each and every home. The other volunteers were amazing; I know that my two roommates are going to be lifelong friends. Though they worked us hard cementing and farming, we learned so much and the experience it gave us was priceless. Everyone I met was so passionate for the cause. The last two weeks was the adventure part. We traveled around the entire country and did everything from surfing to nature treks to repelling. Again, everyone we met was AMAZING. I always felt safe, yet I wasn't smothered and never felt like I was being treated as if I were a child. I HIGHLY recommend volunteering with ISV.

Traveling to Costa Rica with ISV was my first time out of the country. Like most people, I was a little nervous about the experience. However, I found that ISV was well-organized and plans everything out for you, including transportation, lodging, and activities. My trip included a week of Spanish classes in Heredia, two weeks of volunteering in the Osa Peninsula, and two weeks of traveling around. Whatever volunteer project you go on will be challenging. For my project, we studied trees in the rain forest, which required hiking for 3-4 hours every day in very high humidity. It was physically demanding, but also rewarding to challenge myself and see what I could accomplish. We stayed with host families in simple accomodations, but that is truly the best way to immerse yourself in the culture of another country. Also, the food cooked by locals is ten times better than anything you will eat at a restaurant! You meet people very quickly in this program, so don't be afraid to go alone; the majority of the people I traveled with didn't know anybody. There were only two disappointments I had with the program that really stuck with me. One was during the Adventure Tour (the two weeks we traveled around the country), we were riding in a bus for 5-6 hours about every 2 days. So, while we got to experience a wide variety of really cool places in Costa Rica, it was also a lot of travel time. Also, be prepared to spend a large sum of money beyond what you pay for the trip. The expense of meals not covered as well as extra optional activities add up and aren't clearly explained in the itinerary. Other than that, I had a fantastic trip and met some really cool people. I would recommend this program to students currently enrolled in college. Take the risk and have an adventure of a lifetime - you won't regret it!

Costa Rica is an absolutely stunning county, with even more stunningly, nice people. The ISV program was very organized, and jam packed with humbling, once in a life time experiences. My experiences range from seeing monkeys swinging in the trees outside your door, to sliding down slippery muddy hills in the rain forest. The program forced me to learn a lot about myself, as well as learn about the amazing culture of Tikas and Tikos (Costa Ricans). It is an experience that I will always cherish and would not give up for anything.

I have been living in two completely different countries throughout my years so far. I have also been lucky to visit quiet a few. But for the first time in my life I felt a total connection with nature, people, and everything else around me. I visited some areas of the tropical rainforest which to me seemed more beautiful than the Swiss Alps with the difference of that of a very warm Summer breeze. The San Pedro community welcomes volunteers in such a way that you can't help but feel part of it and urges you to apply some of that warm welcoming family feeling back home upon the termination of your program. It has taught me so much about sustainability, environment but most importantly to continue pouring a piece of our heart in everything we do. This experience brought out the best in me but it also taught me how to apply it into daily chores in helping our community. Not just a life changing experience, but the kind of experience that everyone should live more than once. It fulfills you in ways one cannot imagine unless experienced.

For those of you interested in immersing yourself into a Costa Rican jungle, this is a great opportunity for you to spend 2-4 weeks volunteering to gather important data that will help protect valuable natural spaces.

Volunteering at Nancite beach in Costa Rica was an incredible experience. I was able to work hands on with the sea turtles as well as help the environment by cleaning the beach. Patrolling the beaches at night was amazing, even though we were sleep deprived. The cause for the project was enough to keep us motivated to keep waking us up for the shifts. It was an unbelievable experience and I learned so much working with the sea turtles and the leaders were very knowledgeable about everything!

It was probably one of the most interesting experiences of my life. Not only did I stay with a host family who was extremely kind and accommodating (even though I couldnt communicate too well as I only speak english). After meaningfully helping the community by building a small parking lot, concrete benches that used eco bricks (bottles that have plastic bags stuffed in them), and helping out on coffee plantations, I got the chance to explore the country, seeing the biggest volcano I the country, ziplining 100 meters above a forest canopy, and rafting to an island populated entirely by iguanas and hermit crabs.

I have absolutely loved traveling abroad with ISV. I have gone abroad a few times before, but never like this. Being in a foreign country, knowing absolutely no one, and knowing nothing about the culture, I was terrified. However, once I met my host family, I knew I would be alright. I scraped by with the little Spanish I knew, and soon met everyone in my group. From the hours and hours of trudging through the rainforests of the Osa Peninsula, swimming in natural pools, and surfing the oceans, I have shared memories with them I know none of us will ever forget. I have met some of the most inspirational people, had wonderful experiences, and I have made friendships that will last me my lifetime.