Costa Rica Volunteer Programs | Most Affordable & Trusted

I liked how it helped me regain my spanish skills. Also it helped me to reaffirm that I want to be in the medical field. I feel like I helped a lot of people and I am leaving with the urge to continue helping people. I liked seeing all of the beautiful scenery when driving to and from each activity. It really made me wish that I had the same kind of views back in the states. I had to balance between excitement and nervousness a lot of the time, but once getting on site of the mission the nerves vanished. I had a really great time and I would do this trip again.

This is a very awesome and fulfilling experience. I had fun. I learned a lot. I saw a lot of dogs on the run. Seeing the dogs was a highlight of my day. Also, I learned lots of things about what to do to administer basic healthcare. I feel like I helped a lot of people. I wish I could have helped the dogs. The dogs ran through the clinic and it was really funny. Okay, but on the real I learned a lot and I was taught what to do since I didn't know anything going into this trip. Would highly recommend.

I loved the program! The activities they had planned everyday was very organized. Everything we did was very was very fulfilling. This helped me learn Spanish, build experience, and gain knowledge in the healthcare field. I always felt safe in my group. The one thing I would change is where we ate everyday. Change it up! Also, I wish our program was n the afternoon from 8/1 but instead it was in the afternoon. It would have been nice to have to have the afternoon to sight see. Also, beware of the odd addresses!

I went to Costa Rica with IVHQ to do construction for a month earlier this fall. It was a great time, and everyone I met was extremely kind and helpful. I spent mornings volunteering in a daycare, and although somedays we didn’t make much progress it was still a rewarding experience. I got to meet so many different people from all over which is probably one of my favorite parts of the whole thing. I also loved exploring and seeing the area. I would definitely recommend, and I can’t wait to volunteer somewhere else soon!

I began looking for volunteer trips and companies years ago in middle school (I am now 23) as I had always dreamed of having this opportunity. I found IVHQ a few years ago and have kept going back to their page and looking at the various locations and projects and finally decided to take the plunge last December. They had the cheapest cost yet still seemed to provide a ton of support and assistance as well as great reviews, which were all important to me. The project I chose, Teaching English in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, was run by another company that IVHQ partners with and although that I was hesitant at first, I found that both companies worked very well together and both equally kept in contact with me and helped me as I prepared to travel. Maximo Nivel was the partner company who runs projects in Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Peru and they do a wonderful job. IVHQ was involved with everything and supported me up until I departed and then Maximo took over, yet IVHQ still checked in throughout the trip and I felt that between the both of them, I had as much support as needed, and had someone to call no matter what. From the moment I was picked up at the airport, to my first night at a host family in San Jose, and then finally my transfer to Manuel Antonio the following day, I felt safe and secure and I was with other volunteers who ended up becoming my host family and some really great friends. The project was very basic as far as the supplies and the setup, it was located in a community building as a part of the church and the room was very basic having only tables, chairs and a white board with some markers, but what else do you need with imagination? Classes were held from 3-4:30 for the children whose ages ranged from 4 to 10 and then adult classes were from 4:30-6 and we ended up splitting the adult group in half for beginners and intermediate students. This project did require a decent amount of planning due to the lack of a curriculum or established lessons, but it wasn't difficult since the local team works with you and has many resources for you to use. Overall, the best part of the experience was seeing how much of an impact you have on your students, helping them do better at work, get better grade sin school, get into college and feel confident when speaking with the large amount of visitors from all over the world. Plus, every morning and weekend were our free time and we did so much, such as visiting La Fortuna/Arenal in the north part of the country, touring Manuel Antonio National Park, taking catamaran cruises to local islands off the coast, and really becoming locals exploring the town and finding our favorite spots. Overall, it was an amazing few weeks and I cried as the plane took off to head home because part of my heart will always be left with the people of Costa Rica, although I was excited to be in the world of air conditioning again! :)

Working with the amazing Maximo Nivel staff and patients of Virgen del Socorro this past August has been such a wonderful and eye-opening experience for me. I am honored to have been a part of such a beneficial and rewarding program. I have made so many incredible and unforgettable memories and have many, many great stories to tell to my friends and family. The host family I stayed with was so sweet and caring, and the food was amazing! There were many options for those with dietary restrictions and allergies, and I had the opportunity to try many new traditional meals. I always felt safe, as long as I was with someone else, and was able to take advantage of the many social events and night programs offered through Maximo, such as salsa lessons! I look forward to returning in the near future!

Its a bit cliche, I know, but going overseas to be a service to the outside world set me on a new path in life. One that has let me see the positive and optimistic side of life. Going to volunteer in Costa Rica instilled a confidence in me of people's true proclivity for good and helping the world around them. It was through IVHQ that I was able to fulfill this life-long desire of mine to be a positive influence beyond my local sphere. From the staff, the amenities, and events - everything was exactly what I needed it to be. I will, for the rest of my life, look back on my experience as a such a positive influence on a better life! Honestly, I have had many amazing experiences but there is just something unsaid and special about volunteering. Perhaps it was just a case of right place, right time. Now its just a matter of when I get back for round 2.

Through IVHQ my mom and I travelled to Costa Rica to help in the childcare program. I worked with 2-3 years olds, they were the cutest, sweetest kids ever. Each day my mom and I did a different activity with the kids. I usually brought different books and they loved to look at the pictures. I would recommend everyone to do this. You will get a better outlook on the world. Growing up in a wealthier part of California, I was able to see what you really needed to be happy. Most of the things the kids played with were recycled things, but they enjoyed every moment. This is an unforgettable experience!! It contains memories that I will never forget!Also the volunteer program in Costa Rica connected us to an amazing tour, where we visited a coffee plantation, volcano, and waterfalls.