Program Reviews

I had such an incredible experience volunteering in both Nicaragua and Costa Rica with VIDA. Not only was I able to perform evaluations and procedures that were years beyond my experience, but I was also able to connect with and invest in people of a different culture. I would definitely go again in the future. The experiences gained and lessons learned cannot be taught from a classroom; this trip is a MUST!

VIDA is a great program. I joined one of their veterinary adventures in Nicaragua. I learned sooooooooo much, not only about veterinary medicine, but about the importance of global volunteering and the culture of Nicaragua. I absolutely loved all of the people I met there. VIDA staff were wonderful at organizing, teaching, keeping us safe, and showing us to a fun time; home-stay families were extremely generous and loving; and pet owners were very grateful!

I enjoyed my VIDA trip to Nicaragua so much that I am currently coordinating the trip for my university! I had so much fun with the VIDA staff, they were great! I learned so much more about the medical field. I gained so much valuable experience working with patients. Also, I enjoyed the down time zip-lining and swimming at the lagoon.

The VIDA program was an amazing volunteer experience. We had a mix of clinic days and free days, in which we went white-water rafting and zip-lining. The clinic days were so useful in gaining experience in the healthcare field, as we worked directly with the doctors in Costa Rica, and were able to see different cases of tropical diseases. We were also able to serve many different patients in the communities on the clinic days. We traveled in a bus together, and were given time to explore the cities and towns we visited, sight-see, and experience some amazing sights of Costa Rica!

Like everyone leaving the country with people you don't know I was afraid of what was going to happen. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that every person I met (even the natives on the street) were nice, patient, and overall really happy to see you! We travelled to Masaya in Nicaragua as well as a few cities in Costa Rica. I the poorest cities in America parents don't let their children leave the house, however in Central America the cities that VIDA takes you to are so safe the the kids are running around all over the place. And no we did not spend every day in a run down hotel with no hot water (just 2 or 3 ;)). My homestay family were super sweet people and the two sisters are on my facebook now. The only thing not so great about the trip for us Americans was that the Costa Rican's eat dinner around 7 or 8 at night, so we were always really hungry. They also don't have quite the same strictness with scheduling as we do, so when you go don't expect to follow the schedule exactly. But, you should definately go! I hope to go back again before my college experience is over!

Part of the VIDA experience is allowing their volunteers to experience as much of Central America as possible. The two week trip to Nicaragua and Costa Rica is the perfect way to experience more than one lifestyle and culture. VIDA does an amazing job working with their volunteers to make sure they have the time of their life. The hands-on volunteer work in the medical or dental field is unparalleled. This trip or any other trip with VIDA would be an amazing opportunity for everyone to experience.

As a trip coordinator I was in constant contact with the VIDA staff in Costa Rica and they are great people to work with! The planning of this trip went extremely smooth because of them. They helped make it possible for many students to have the experience of a life time! I would recommend participating in a trip with VIDA to anyone who is interested in traveling abroad to gain great medical and dental volunteer experience.

Was one of twenty students who went on this medical and veterinary service trip last January. 5 clinic days, 2 recreation days. Homestay experience was incredible and better than I could have ever imagined. The ziplining activity was extremely fun. Be prepared for an action packed, but enjoyable trip! Loved getting to tour the country for the first time. Not a ton of free time - almost all of the days are scheduled with activities, meals, etc. which is good if you're worried about what you will be doing when you're not working. Would definitely recommend VIDA for this type of experience!

Experience of a lifetime! Learned about the culture, the healthcare, and the social scene. Best 2 weeks of my life! I hope to be able to go on a trip like this again. Only downside was that our group of volunteers was over 50 people. Hard to get to know everyone and it was very "clique-y". Other than that, it was a blast! The translators and physicians were amazing and extremely helpful. Highly recommend this trip!

I truly enjoyed all of the time I spent in Nicaragua. Only half of my VIDA volunteer opportunity was spent there, but I wish it could've been more. The time we spent on the island of Ometepe was most enjoyable. I really loved the local culture, but it highlighted the the everyday difficulties that locals faced. I did not see a phone or computer the entire time I was there. The only acceptable, by most peoples standards, bathroom I used was the only in my hotel. However, the experience was eye-opening and I would not change it for anything.