Most Affordable & Trusted Volunteer & Gap Year Programs in Costa Rica | IVHQ

IVHQ was the best decision I made in 2021. I just graduated college COVID style and I was feeling a little stuck and conflicted on what my next step would be. I didn’t get to study abroad due to COVID and then I came across IVHQ and I thought this was perfect!

I knew I wanted to travel and volunteer somewhere in Latin America and I knew I’d be doing this trip solo, so I looked at was IVHQ recommended for solo travelers and the Childcare project in Costa Rica instantly got my attention.

I planned my trip only one month in advance. I did my individual research and asked all my questions with my IVHQ advisor and by the week before I left felt pretty prepared on what to expect during my trip.

IVHQ emphasizes their 24/hr and they lived up to it. I felt well supported throughout my time in Costa Rica. The orientation was very thorough with providing us with information about our placements/transportation/ Costa Rica need to knows/ volunteer activities/ etc. We were also able to meet all the volunteers even if we had different projects. I met some of the best people through this experience!

My time at the Daycare/School that I volunteered at was great! The language barrier was tough at times but the in-class teachers always tried to include me in the activities and care for the children. A new face in the classroom is something all the kids appreciated and I felt very welcomed.

Outside of the volunteer work, I was able to spend my free time exploring and appreciating the culture in Costa Rica. I spent my weekends traveling to different parts of Costs Rica with some of the other volunteers. I also liked how our placements and IVHQ headquarters was in the center of the city so it was easy to explore San José.

My program was short because I wanted to try out this program and see if it was trustworthy before I commit to multiple weeks at another destination. After my first experience with IVHQ, I already started saving for my next project with IVHQ! Overall my experience in Costa Rica was humbling yet liberating!

I had an amazing experience doing the childcare program in Costa Rica. Not only were the kids and staff amazing, but I made unforgettable memories with some amazing new friends! I spent two weeks volunteering at a daycare serving underprivileged children. I also had enough free time in the afternoon and at night to explore Costa Rica and all the country had to offer. I felt very safe and welcomed by not only the Maximo Nivel staff but by my host family and the staff at the daycare. Would highly recommend!

Amazing company, changed my life. Volunteering abroad is such a great experience. I traveled to Costa Rica and am planning a trip to Tanzania!! IVHQ helps you all the way through and provides you with all the help and advice you need. I will be going on MANY more IVHQ trips! This experience is eye opening and helps you make a difference on the world. I worked at a daycare in Jan Jose Costa Rica, each day we put smiles on the children's faces and its so heartwarming. Experiencing another culture and volunteering is an amazing experience and I am forever grateful for IVHQ!

Enjoyed seeing the gorgeous terrain and meeting very kind people in COSTA RICA while I worked with other Americans and a few Brits to help with the weeklong Christmas experience for local kids and an adult special needs home. Local contacts were very responsive to minor issues as they came up and host family Lopez was so welcoming and relaxing at the end of each day. Seeing the children's museum in san jose...a renovated jail from early 1900s whose doors and windows are gorgeous cast iron was super!

Last month, I returned from a week-long medical project in San Jose, Costa Rica. To say that it was one of the best experiences I've ever had is not an exaggeration! My program manager and the pre-departure IVHQ team were very kind and attentive to my questions. They provided ample resources to ensure my preparation for the trip, including COVID-19 safety procedures while in-country. Upon arrival to Costa Rica, the in-country team was extremely helpful and present for my every need! My homestay family was kind and clean, and the food was great. I also made some good friends along the way.

My only complaint would be with the medical project itself. Although everyone at the site was very sweet, welcoming, and knowledgeable, they seemed unprepared to take on an IVHQ volunteer. I was left multiple times standing around with nothing to do, even after continuously asking if I could help with or participate in anything. Besides this minor detail, I had an incredible experience and would recommend volunteering with IVHQ to everyone!

I really loved everything about this experience in Costa Rica. I stayed in San Jose with Doña Flora and I had a really great time during my stay. Even though it was during Covid times, I met new people and had lots of fun with all of the sanitary measurements. I went to Manuel Antonio and it was soooo fun. The national park was amazing and also the boat tour named Ocean King. I definitely recommend those two. I also visited the Irazu volcano and the hotsprings. I went to see the waterfalls La Paz that were really pretty as well. I recommend to ask Maximo Nivel for their tours, since they helped me a lot and had lots of things to do.

It's so rare that you spontaneously decide to do a trip like volunteering abroad with IVHQ, and all of your expectations are not only met, but wildly exceeded. From the moment I signed up for my trip to Costa Rica, I experienced timely communication from my Program Manager, who often responded to all of my emails with questions and concerns within 24 hours. Upon arrival in Costa Rica, I was met by a representative of the local team who drove me from the airport to my homestay (also, my host family was incredible, friendly, helpful, and served incredible food). During orientation, I learned everything I needed to know, including safety and culture. On the first day of my project, a local team member rode the bus with me to my project to make sure I knew the way and introduce me to the project staff, whom were very friendly and appreciative of the support. I am so impressed by my whole experience. My only regret is I wish that I had volunteered longer! My trip went by way too quickly, and I can't express how grateful I am for this experience and the people I met. Doing a trip with IVHQ is something you won't regret!

I recently completed a trip to Costa Rica and it was such a special way to spend the holidays! Costa Rica is an amazing country, with amazing people. As the holiday program covers multiple projects, we got to meet many amazing people and help with such different things. We got to paint a mural and playground at two schools and hand out christmas gifts to many children. We got to work on the construction program on such a meaningful project, apartments for single mothers, which was completely funded through donations! I look forward to returning and getting to take part on more projects