Conservation Volunteer Program in Costa Rica

Great trip. However, I wish things had been planned out a little better in order to understand what we are doing during the trip. Also, more information needed to be provided before the trip, for safety reasons and for general knowledge. Moreover, I think more communication being exchanged between the volunteers participating in the group hosting the trip. I think the excursions during the trip were wonderful. However, I would add more excursion opportunities to make the trip become more enjoyable to the volunteers for their spring break. Another thing, is that the hosts could provide a mesl plan to prepare the volunteers and let them be aware of the food they will be receiving during the trip. Also, you could tell volunteers to bring items like clothing or toys to donate to the students and families they are teaching. Or instead of only teaching English you could do some physical labor activities like building houses and schools.

It is a beautiful area and place to volunteer. The house is nice that we stayed in a pretty spacious for all of us. The staff is welcoming, friendly, and accommodating. We were able to do a few excursions besides volunteering which was very nice althoughwish we could do a few more. We went to Manuel Antonio, waterfall, local stores. Going to the local stores was cery fun and we were able to spend a full day at Manuel Antonio. The work is very rewarding because it is very clear the need that is here for volunteers. The people of the community are also very welcoming and very thankful you are there and are extremely eager to learn. We were able to teach adults and children. It was nice teaching the different age groups as it shows you a very diverse range.

Serving and traveling with Hibiscus was awesome!
I really enjoyed having the opportunity to teach both children and adults English. Due to Costa Rica’s rapidly growing tourism industry, knowing English continues to be a more desired skill. Because of this it felt like my group was really making an impact in the small rural community we were teaching in.
The venture trips were awesome. Our first adventure was on a guided walk of Manuel Antonio National Park and then to a beach and it was absolutely gorgeous. Our second venture trip included a trip to Playa Ventanas and then to the Waterfall of Gochal. We also had the opportunity to try local Costa Rican cuisine which was an awesome addition.
The trip also includes Spanish lessons so if you aren’t fluent in Spanish you are able to communicate simply with the students, both adults and children’s.
The hosts are also incredibly welcoming and hospitablex

Volunteering with Hibiscus has given me an opportunity to see a new country and culture in a vastly different way than through a vacation. I am able to share my skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm while immersing myself in someone else’s life, discovering new places, and contributing to the lives of amazing natives. Teaching English to the students and adults has been a wonderful opportunity for me as a personal growth experience. Planning my own lessons for the students and adults has taught me responsibility. I am a future Special Education teacher, so this trip has helped me with ESL training and has influenced me to minor in Spanish and hopefully achieve my licensure to be an ESL teacher or Spanish teacher. If anyone has an interest in teaching ESL, I highly recommend this trip and experiencing this wonderful opportunity.

I came on my first mission trip with Hibiscus Travels and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences. Coming into this trip, I wasn’t sure what to expect and was very nervous to be coming abroad. Once I got here, the coordinators and directors were fantastic. We were supported and encouraged throughout the trip. I have been able to interact with and learn from some of the most interesting people this week. We have been able to engage with the community on a personal level, which has been truly eye opening. We have also been exposed to the beauty of the countryside and have been able to visit local beaches, waterfalls, and rainforests. The opportunity for learning and adventure are incredible. I couldn’t ask more from my first mission trip. I would definitely work with Hibiscus again.

My daughter and I have volunteered for 2 weeks in Costa Rica! The first week we were at a medical clinic. We got to see and take care of patients, as well as go on a couple emergency runs to hotels. We had a wonderful host family and also got to explore Central America! We went on two day tours, one on a ranch, and one on a boat, in which we went to an island, where we had the chance to go snorkeling. The second week, we volunteered at an orphanage, where we took care of children and helped to do chores around the house. We also stayed with a wonderful host family here! This journey has far exceeded our expectations and we would definitely not hesitate to come back! The coordinator Lauren has made our first time volunteering abroad run smoothly and she was in contact with us the whole time and made sure we were well taken care of!

I came across their website on Facebook and was pleased to find programs and projects that benefit the community. I really wanted to do something to make a difference before grad school, and this program was the perfect fit. I taught English to the elementary students of the town. In the evenings, Lauren and I held community classes for the adults of the community, and surprising most were so willing to learn and knew so much already. As previous participants have mentioned already, Lauren answered any questions I had before I arrived. The house I slept in was comfortable and included wifi. I included the beach tour with my package and i'm so glad I did. The beaches on the pacific coast are gorgeous! If you are looking for a vacation that will make a different, choose HIbiscus Travels.

Lauren was great, she answered any questions I had before arrival and took care of everything while I was here. She even took the time to take me on a tour of the city to show me the best places to eat and more. Teaching english to a community that really wants to learn was so rewarding. I recieved school credit for this program but I also gained an experience I wont ever forget. I also opted in for an extra excursion on the weekend - I'm so glad I did!