Program Reviews

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 :)

This was an amazing experience to see where people lived and how they lived. One of my favorite things was when we went house to house looking for animals to treat, just seeing the people living there and how appreciative they were was such an amazing feeling. Also, being able to interact with the community was incredible because even though we couldn’t understand each other, we were able to connect through the animal. Another big part of this trip was the staff, they were all amazing and really took the time to get to know us, and guide us.

One thing I never thought about was how kind the staff were and how much fun it was to explore the cities and meet the other students on the team. We felt like one giant friend group and got close so quickly, making the experience feel so much more comfortable and fun. It’s been a few days since my trip ended, and I miss everyone I met so much. We all opened up to each other about school, our personal lives, our families, and so on. I still haven’t stopped texting and calling my new friends. Additionally, of course, the trip was eye-opening in terms of noticing health disparities in the world and living with that reality. This trip makes you want to do anything you possibly can to help other people who don’t enjoy the same privileges as us. I was also inspired by the positive attitudes and joy embodied by most of my patients, even the ones in the most difficult of situations. Overall, so much is taken from this trip, more than I ever could’ve expected or paid for.

Juan Jose was a PHENOMENAL trip leader! 100/10 for him. Super supportive and easy to talk to, also professional at the same time. He taught us so much and will be missed. On the medical team, Dr. Mynor could not have been better. He lets you think for yourself, again is easy to talk to, is professional, and is there for you! It is tiring to do the case discussions after but again, Mynor is taking time out of his day to teach you and educate you more. I am Already planning another trip as we speak :) Barbara was a great translator too, so super friendly and nice!

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.

This VIDA trip was definitely one to remember and that I would do again. I was on the vet team, and the mentors were amazing. They were kind, helpful, and were interested in you and your questions. The amount of hands on work is nothing like what you can get in the states and I’m so happy I got the opportunity to experience it. I will go home and recommend this to any pre vet student I know and make sure to get VIDAS name out there on my campus. I’m even contemplating being a VIDA coordinator for my school to bring some students back here with me to get this opportunity. But overall, I made so many friends and made so many new memories that will last a lifetime.