Costa Rica - ¡Pura Vida!

Volunteering in Costa Rica through ISV has been the most rewarding and amazing experience of my life so far. In 5 weeks I was able to participate in a range of activities across the country. The first week involved a homestay and language program in Heredia, where I was able to practice my Spanish with my mama tica, learn more about the country and culture (including the national phrase Pura Vida! or, Pure Life) and explore the city - including one day where we went in search of a panaderia (bakery), got a little lost and had fun walking through markets and shops making our way back. I then spent 2 weeks living in a very remote area of the rainforest in the Osa Peninsula where I assisted in collecting data about tree reproduction and how animals and birds are important - also living with a family during this time and learning the different customs and ways of life. During this two weeks I had the opportunity to see a number of Scarlett Macaws and Toucans every day! In the final two weeks of the program we travelled to a different 'tourist' location every 2 days- visiting volcanos, going to mud spas and hot springs, doing nature walks to search for animals/birds, and participating in fun adventure activities like zip-lining, white-water rafting, horse riding, and jumping off many many rocks into different rivers!

It was the best 5 weeks of my life!