Dulce Estevez is a undergraduate student at California State University at Monterey Bay. She is pursuing her bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Education. She currently working in addition to school to save up for her next trip. She loves volunteering, learning new languages and cultures all around the world.
I choose this program because it gave me the opportunity to volunteer in a specific project and give back to the community. At the same time it gave me an opportunity to travel around the country and experience the culture.
Being an environmental student I am very passionate in conversation of habitat and species. ISV gave me the opportunity to work with the conservation of sea turtles and it was a life changing experience that I will never forget.
One important piece of advice I wish I had ahead of time is more information about the type of weather the country has. This will make it more simple to pack and organize the right things.
Also, arrive to the country with an open mindset because when you leave you will miss every moment.
Be open to try new things and be emerged within the culture by eating typical foods and practice the language spoken.
An unforgettable moment being part of the ISV team was when I hiked for about an hour or so to get to our luggage at the place we were staying. This was very challenging, especially with the warm temperatures of Costa Rica.
There was a moment that I began to cry and felt as if I wasn't going to make it to our place in Nancite. I began to debate if I should continue or go back and leave the program early. With the help of the tour leaders' positive encouragement, I was able to continue the hike.
Once getting to our place I was so amazed by how much I pushed myself. This motivated me to set high goals and never give up because I now know how much stronger I am. PURA VIDA!