Care Volunteer in Costa Rica

After graduating college with a degree in communications, I was still unsure of the direction I wanted to head in with my career. After talking with a friend of mine who volunteered with Projects Abroad, I just knew I had to take some time off and volunteer abroad. I contacted Projects Abroad, still unsure of what my future would hold, and they helped me sort through the details seamlessly. I was able to decide where and when I wanted to volunteer with complete flexibility, and they supported me in my choices 100% (unlike some other companies that require rigid time periods/destinations). I decided that I would volunteer in Costa Rica for one month. They soon provided me with all of my host family information and location prior to leaving, as well as dates for orientation and information booklets on the country I was going to live in.

Once I got to my new home in Costa Rica, the staff supported me from day one. On top of transporting me to my host family, introducing me to my fellow volunteers, and giving me an orientation of the program, they also took me around the city and showed me helpful locations (banks, restaurants, bus stations, etc). Also, they came to my placement with me the first day of volunteering to make sure everything was okay. Knowing that you have an organization behind you full of support and information makes the entire transition much more comfortable and enjoyable.

My host family was great and welcomed me with open arms, including me in their family traditions and get-togethers. Since I was also living with another volunteer, the two of us would spend time with our host family but also explore Costa Rica on our own. I had as much independence from the company as I wanted, knowing that I could reach out if I had questions or concerns, but also explore the country, have fun, and experience things on my own. I was able to travel the country and also create new projects at my placement (repainting chairs, etc.) I loved my experience with Projects Abroad so much, that it actually led to me teaching English and living abroad for another year and a half in other countries. I am now back home getting my Master’s in Social Work, but I owe all of my experiences and future goals to that first step I took with Projects Abroad! It really changed my life!