Projects Abroad Volunteer Programs in Costa Rica

Why did you pick this program?

When I was trying to decide what program to go through in order to volunteer over spring break, I based my decision off of reviews. My main priority was safety, and after lots of internet research, Projects Abroad was the most reputable.

Once I trusted that I would be safe, I liked what Projects Abroad offered - the chance to stay and learn from a host family, lots of interaction with kids, and the opportunity for free time.

What do you wish someone had told you before you went abroad?

This sounds trivial, but I wish I had been better prepared for the weather and climate. Coming from Seattle, any temperature over 65 seems extreme. I wish someone had given me advice to better prep for the change!

I now know to bring a water bottle, and it's super important to get the proper amount of sleep/rest!

What is the most important thing you learned abroad?

I learned how to communicate non-verbally. As a person who loves to travel but is awful at languages, that has always been a huge barrier for me. However, when I was working with 3 year olds who knew just about as much Spanish as I do, we had to figure out how to communicate in other ways.

One specific memory I have is when this little girl was running around the playground and she fell and hurt herself. She immediately began crying, and since I was unable to comfort her with words, I got down on her level and opened my arms, gesturing for a hug.

She ran over and embraced me, and within a matter of seconds, began to feel lots better. Moments like this one show how the language barrier can be overcome, and knowing how to do so has helped immensely with some of my other travels since.

What do you tell your friends who are thinking about going abroad?

DO IT. There's no better way to grow as a person than putting yourself outside your comfort zone. Traveling, and specifically volunteering abroad, offers so much.

Not only do you learn a ton about another culture and other people, but you begin to understand yourself a lot better, too. Some of these opportunities really do only happen once in a life time, so don't hesitate!

What was hardest part about going abroad?

For me, it's the change in lifestyle. It's easy to get really comfortable at home - I have a routine, I know who my friends are, everything feels familiar and safe. I know how to behave. Then, all of a sudden, all of that disappears and you are left to figure things out practically on your own.

It can be tough, and it requires a certain amount of confidence and independence. But don't be scared - it's worth it! The best thing to do to make this transition as easy as possible is to be prepared - do research, reach out via email or social media to people who will be there with you, pack well, know who to call in case of an emergency, figure out a way to keep in touch with your friends back home, etc.

What's your favorite story to tell about your time abroad?

The little girl who fell and hurt herself is one of my most memorable experiences from the trip. In addition to that, the kids were just all so adorable! Before snack time, our job was to help dry their hands, so after they washed, they would come running as fast as possible to us with giant grins on their faces. It was small moments like these that I remember the most.

What made this experience unique and special?

I really loved having the opportunity to work with locals and interact with little kids, but I also loved having the chance to get to know some of the other volunteers.

One other girl and I were staying with the same host family, so we were able to commute together, volunteer in the same classroom, and have free time together. To this day, several months after we were there, we still talk on a regular basis, swapping long emails or texts! Being able to make a friend abroad and bond over this shared experience has made this trip even greater for me.

Tell us about an experience you had that you could not have had at home.

Again, this goes back to the language barrier and being outside your comfort zone. Not being able to speak the language is extremely humbling, because you begin to realize how communication truly is a two way street.

I tried my best to communicate with others, and the people there tried their best to slow down their Spanish and gesticulate as well. It's just a heartwarming experience, as cheesy as that sounds, to see someone genuinely trying to help you.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Make sure you have a good attitude. Seriously. As exciting as being abroad is, it can also be exhausting, and it's easy to slip into a bad mood. Don't self sabotage yourself! Go into your experience knowing that it's not going to be completely easy breezy, but that is totally okay.

Listen to your body and take care of yourself, but also be willing to put in more effort than you might normally do. There were times where I was so tired that all I wanted to do was curl up in bed and sleep, but then I would remind myself how lucky I was to be in Costa Rica and that I would completely regret wasting this experience.

What made this trip meaningful to you, or how did this trip change your perceptions, future path?

I've wanted to be a teacher for a long, long time, and I always thought I would work with older kids, preferably high school. I simply did not think that I had the patience for little kids, or the stamina. However, little kids are GREAT.

They are so full of life and love, and it's just a positive experience. Now that I have hands on experience with younger children, I am now considering working with them full time.

What else is there to do in Costa Rica?

THERE'S TONS! Had I done a better job at researching beforehand, I would have loved to fly out a day or two earlier. That way, I could have spent an entire day at the beach (San Jose is right in the middle, so it takes a while to take public transportation to the coast).

There are lots of areas to walk around - either in the city to do some shopping and eating, or in the quieter neighborhoods. Find parks and have a picnic, plan a hike, etc.!

What is your favorite travel memory?

My first trip through South America I was able to visit Argentina, Peru, and Bolivia. When I was 22 years old I visited one of my best friends who was studying abroad in Buenos Aires and I can say it was a life changing experience.

My favorite part of the trip was the road trip we made in the North of Argentina. We got to speak with the locals and other travelers from all over the world, and to stop in small towns that weren't that touristic.

It was fantastic to be able to get to know other cultures, and look at the world from a completely different perspective.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I believe a have a more global perspective. I am so much more aware of the fact that every country is different in all contexts - political, geographical, social - and therefore every aspect of life is managed different depending on your culture.

At the same time we are all humans and we are all able to make a difference in other people's lives, and that it doesn't take much to make an impact and to help others.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

I helped a whole family to prepare for their trip to Tanzania. It was a family of two boys, a girl and their parents, and each of them did a different project.

I thought it was a really nice idea to travel along with your whole family but also travel with a purpose.

When they got back to their hometown, the father have had such a valuable experience working with his organization that he decided to make a big donation to the program and to continue working with them.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I would love going to the Community Village Project in Tanzania. I believe that this project is very interesting to get to know the roots of a completely different culture.

It is an incredible opportunity to immersing one-self in a rich, traditional culture, and helping people along the way. It's a rare opportunity to look at the world through the eyes of an ancient well-kept traditional community, and also to disconnect from the world and really get to open your mind to a completely different context.

This might be a difficult project at the beginning because of the remote location and rare contact with the outside world, but I am sure it is an unforgettable experience.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

I believe that it is a company that provides a great alternative to travel and see the world, and help others at the same time. We are all really committed people and I believe that the work we do as a whole is really valuable.

I am especially happy when I read the feedback from the volunteers and they are happy about the work and help they provided. I feel that we don't only change the lives of the people we help but also, the lives of the people who are doing the work.

If we are able to change the mind of at least one person and that person is convinced that he/she is able to make a change, then I believe we are on the right track.