This was my second time going on a VIDA trip, this time I went after just having gone through a breakup a couple days before. This experience gave me another purpose while I was dealing with the emotions, it gave me a community of friends and leaders who kept me smiling and laughing when it would be really easy to just be down. Being able to help communities that had little basic needs was super impactful to me and made the emotional stress fade as I started to realize that those people were so happy. Seeing the smiles of our patients owners as they received their pet back was so rewarding and I wish everyone could experience helping others like that. The staff is incredibly friendly, welcoming, and supportive both in the clinic as well as outside.

This is the best thing I have ever done, it was a 10/10 experience. I got so much hands on experience, and got to see so many cool places. Also, the staff was so nice, it felt like you were apart of a family. Also, the food was so good, and the fruit so fresh. It was my first time out of the country, and I am glad this was my first experience. They made everything so easy and care free. The staff always made sure we had everything we needed, and frequently asked if we were going okay. They honestly cared so much!

My specific program ended up being a smaller group than Vida Volunteer normally has but it gave us the unique opportunity to get super close to every single person. Not only did I learn so much about patient care and communication but I also learned how to do it in spanish as well! The staff were all so friendly and helpful and encouraged us to work hard and immerse ourselves. I also found the homestays to be incredibly life-changing. This trip inspired me and reminded me why I am in school and that my future career in the medical field will all be worth it. I 100% recommend this trip to someone who is looking to make an impact and have a lasting impact on themselves as well :)

I had a lot of fun and learned hands on with a great team of doctors, staff, and fellow volunteers. I loved the opportunity it provided me and the confidence that it helped give me. In fact it helped me know that I had chosen the correct field for me and helped clear any doubts I had about a career in medicine. It has left me motivated to want a career in medicine and has left me wanting to go back on another medical trip with Vida. The memories I made during this trip will last a life time and vida is definitely worth recommending to a friend.

I am incredibly happy that I joined Vida’s Volunteer trip to Costa Rica. I was able to practice and learn, and affirmed my belief that I would like to pursue a career in dentistry. The dental doctors went above and beyond to support the dental students, ensuring to answer all and any questions we had, and provided amazing demonstrations. I made many new friends on this trip and have been able to make so many memories. I would love to go on another Vida Volunteer trip, and hope I could further my experience in a new country!

It was a life changing experience. It may seem cliche but it truly is. Reading reviews before coming, I saw how many people loved it and I was still extremely skeptical about it but I am so glad I came. It was the trip of a lifetime. I learned so much more than i thought I would and made way more friends than I expected. I went in with pretty low expectation to be honest and I was blown out of the water. The kindness of the staff and the people of Costa Rica was truly enlightening and it made me more grateful and appreciative of everything I have.

This trip is a great experience for students looking for experience! The purpose and the work we do involved in this organization is absolutely incredible and once in a lifetime opportunity. The faces of patients brightens your day and makes you realize how much this program helps the people of these countries. Paulo and Cairo were absolutely amazing and really made us feel at home and made the trip enjoyable. They answered all our silly questions and taught us about the culture. Vida is great!!

Paulo and Cairo were absolutely amazing at organizing everyone. They were very professional throughout the entire trip, and they were always willing to help with anything that we needed. Marcia was a fantastic teacher for the dental team!! Marcia, Vanessa, and Javier all did an amazing job teaching us and letting us assist with extractions, fillings, cleanings, and assisted brushing. Although it was pricey, we got to do a lot that we otherwise would not get to. The transportation was also reliable.