I chose to volunteer with Proyecto San Gerardo (PSG) because I wanted a somewhat structured opportunity to volunteer and live in Costa Rica. I was interested in living with a family in order to immerse myself in the culture and the language.
PSG provided me with a safe and supportive environment to engage in meaningful volunteer work, but also allowed space for me to explore the community and learn about myself.
The interim program director was very accessible before and during my time with PSG. I knew exactly what to pack and had a general idea of what I would be doing once I arrived in Herradura. The program director helped me to meet with community members to organize my English language lessons and the youth group. I had freedom over what I would teach and what activities I would lead with the youth group, which was both exciting and challenging. Resources were limited, and I wish I had had more time for preparation before leading the groups.
Don't be afraid to talk to people. The community is so welcoming, and you will learn the most about yourself and Herradura from talking to others and living in the community. I was shy at first and afraid of speaking in Spanish among fluent speakers, but everyone was so friendly and wanted to help me learn. I wish I had taken more risks in that regard earlier.
Each day I woke up (to the rooster crows!) and ate a home cooked meal with my family. I tried to go for a run in the morning before I tutored my Amigos Ingles during the day. Some days, I would have a couple of tutoring sessions. On slower days, I would head to the school and volunteer in the English classrooms.
On my days off, I would go hiking and explore the area. I wish I had spent more time in San Gerardo, as that area seemed to be more social and the presence of Cafe Bambu is a nice gathering place for locals and ex-pats.
I was a bit nervous about traveling by myself as a female, but I felt very safe in Costa Rica, and especially Herradura. The people are very friendly and the community of Herradura looks out for you. There is no nightlife scene, so there is not much trouble you can get into in Herradura. Martina and Phillippe took very good care of me and always checked in, had me over for meals, and treated me like family. My homestay family treated me as part of their family as well and were incredibly accommodating. My appreciation for family and communal relationships grew while I was in Costa Rica.