Wildlife Expedition in Costa Rica 100% Overall Rating

I applied for a 1 month stay through this program and my only regret is that I didn't choose a longer option. I currently work full time, and luckily my job supports educational leave. It was a great break for me during the winter months to advance my experience and knowledge. I work in the Zoological field, so I was very comfortable with the volunteer work, but no experience is necessary, you will be fully trained before you set out into the forest. People come from a variety of backgrounds (environmental/animal related to business) and a variety of ages. I had co-volunteers who were still in college receiving credit, to people between jobs or attempting a career change. If you are young, there are plenty of young volunteers, but if you are older and above 30, don't hesitate to go. There were multiple people in their 30s or above. There really is a great mix and everyone has different reasons for going on a GVI program. You don't have to be in excellent physical shape to go, but there is a lot of hiking so it is demanding. It is not a lounging on the beach vacation. This is a working vacation, so you will be doing work. The best part about it is, the work you do directly contributes to wildlife conservation. You will be trained to do surveys that are important and do make a difference. I also got to see amazing animals; including a jaguar far off in the distance (a rare site), monkey's, amazing birds like toucans, mankins and trogans, tons of insects/butterflies and amphibians and reptiles. You get to stay in a cabin, and there are showers and flush toilets (though the water is cold, but its very hot most of the time so its not an issue). The food was better than i envisioned, but it is mostly vegetarian with meat 1-2 times per week (optional). I couldn't eat rice for a month after I came back, though. I did bring a box of protein bars which was definitely worth it. 1-2x per month, you do get to take a boat into town and eat restaurant food and buy snacks to bring back. You are out in the national park, but you do get a glimpse of civilization now and then, but besides the going in for food, I really didn't miss the internet, my phone, or the TV. I was too busy learning and reading and enjoying life to really care for the lack of technology.