Why did you decide to volunteer with Tropical Adventures in Costa Rica?
Susan: After many years of vacationing in Costa Rica I had fallen in love with the country and it's people, I decided my next vacation I wanted to do more than lie on the beach. I wanted to learn more about the country and give something back. I found Tropical Adventures online and from the minute I contacted them I felt comfortable. They responded to my questions right away, set up phone calls to ask me about my skills and what type of experience I wanted. No questions was ever to silly or unimportant, every one received a prompt answer.
Describe your day to day activities as a volunteer.
Susan: I wrote about a typical day in Bambu for their website after my experience there.
What makes Tropical Adventures differnet?
Susan: Tropical Adventures is based in Costa Rica, unlike some larger foundations, where the person you are dealing with has never even been to the project you are considering or maybe not even visited Costa Rica.
Another thing- Tropical Adventures specializes in family travel and volunteering. It is very difficult for a family with children under 16 to find a volunteer project where all members of the family can participate. TA has 5 family friendly projects. Hojancha Daycare, Osa In Water Sea Turtle, Bambu, The wildlife rescue center and the reptile and wild animal rescue center. We have had grandparents with grandchildren, aunts and nieces and many many families!
How has this experience helped you grow personally and professionally?
Susan: After my volunteer experience in Costa Rica, I decided to make a big change. I had worked in hospitals in the nutrition department for 28 years and while I did love it, I decided I wanted to spend more time in Costa Rica.
I became a consultant for travel to Costa Rica for Tropical Adventures. This allows me to work from anywhere in the world, but also spend time in Costa Rica, visiting the projects, helping to develop new projects, and most importantly I am the first point of contact for potential new volunteers. I take pride in helping potential volunteer choose the best project for their interests and give them the great service I received them I was a volunteer myself.