Country: New Zealand, Age: 25
Hannah Thompson
The teachers at the school were great. They felt more like friends than teachers. I’m shocked at how much I managed to learn in such a short amount of time. This is largely attributed to the learning techniques they use.
Project: Learn and Study Spanish in Costa Rica
Volunteered: 11 November 2011
Country: Norway, Age: 22
Helene Hornstuen Mathiesen
My program was to volunteer at an orphanage for five weeks. The first day that I got there I was a little bit timid because I could barely understand the language, and speak it even less, but most of the kids didn’t really care about my lack of spanish knowledge.
Project: Childrens Home - Orphanage
Volunteered: 28 October 2011
Country: USA, Age: 27
Raili Marks
My name is Raili Marks, I'm 27 years old and from Seattle, Washington, USA. I decided to volunteer in Costa Rica because I was looking for an escape from the big city...
Project: Environmental Conservation
Volunteered: 14 October 2011
Country: New Zealand, Age: 38
Karina Hammond
And that's the bonus of the volunteering life-style. It allows you to experience both the stunning holiday destinations and also by working Monday to Thursday, you become involved in the lives of local people and begin to understand their day to day life. It really is the way to experience the best of both travel worlds!!
Project: Building and Construction Homes for Low Income Families
Volunteered: 11 October 2011
Country: USA, Age: 31
Kristin Nielsen
I enjoyed my experience teaching English to both adults and children. I especially enjoyed this experience because I am a teacher in the United States who works in a school that has numerous students in which English is their second language.
Project: Sea and Marine Turtle Conservation
Volunteered: 30 September 2011
Country: Canada, Age: 26
Kate Murphy
I came to Costa Rica not knowing any Spanish, nor understanding the Costa Rican culture. It took no time for me to be acquainted with the culture after being picked up by warm and loving Marianella...
Project: Animal Conservation
Volunteered: 16 September 2011
Country: USA, Age: 23
Christina Field
My six weeks in Costa Rica has been a progression of great experiences. For me, it has been a nice balance between work in San Ramon during the week and fun, adventurous weekends.
Project: Teaching English
Volunteered: 9 August 2011
Country: Canada, Age: 19
Sofia digirolamo
I felt that I had done a gook work knowing I had helped even just one person.
Project: Building and Construction Homes for Low Income Families
Volunteered: 13 May 2011
Country: Canada, Age: 20
Ashley Tabah
I met really nice people from different places and got to know them, immerse myself in a new culture, which was very rewarding.
Project: Building and Construction Homes for Low Income Families
Volunteered: 13 May 2011
Country: USA, Age: 18
Katherine Coats
The children are unbelievable. They have so lilttle, but are always similing.
Project: Community Education Project in Costa Rica
Volunteered: 13 May 2011
Country: USA, Age: 21
Sarah Coats
I can hardly describe how incredible the staff is. They included me into their group and made me feel right at home.
Project: Community Education Project in Costa Rica
Volunteered: 13 May 2011
Country: Canada, Age: 18
Maggie Stubbs
All in All it was a great experience, and I would do it again, in a diferent country.
Project: Learn and Study Spanish in Costa Rica
Volunteered: 7 May 2011
Country: USA, Age: 25
Brian Cramer
My focus in my search for a volunteer program was the social aspect.
Project: Teaching English
Volunteered: 5 May 2011
Country: USA, Age: 53
Lori Segall
I enjoyed talking with “real” Costa Ricans in class and helping those who were particularly interested in learning.
Project: Teaching English
Volunteered: 1 April 2011
Country: USA, Age: 20
Jessica Capurso
Every one of them was so appreciative of everything I did and it felt really nice to be welcomed every day with hugs from all of them.
Project: Physical Education Teacher
Volunteered: 1 April 2011
Country: USA, Age: 26
Aaron Barber
It turned out I would be working on a single house with family of the future resident.
Project: Building and Construction Homes for Low Income Families
Volunteered: 1 April 2011
Country: GBR, Age: 18
Lily Fish
it isn’t necessarily always fun, since seeing the circumstances these children are in can often be quite upsetting.
Project: Childrens Home - Orphanage
Volunteered: 18 March 2011
Country: USA, Age: 19
Ashley Schiefer
We had a great weekend off and were all anxious to start our work on Monday.
Project: Building and Construction Homes for Low Income Families
Volunteered: 4 March 2011
Country: USA, Age: 21
Courtney Duncan
Needless to say, the staff is amazing and gives a true picture of Costa Rican values.
Project: Building and Construction Homes for Low Income Families
Volunteered: 4 March 2011
Country: USA, Age: 21
Emily Krueger
Just playing with the kids or interacting in the classroom helps them tremendously and affords them the attention they don´t get at home.
Project: Building and Construction Homes for Low Income Families
Volunteered: 4 March 2011
Country: USA, Age: 19
Jenna Thompson
Although the construction of building the new school houses is hard work, it´s nice knowing that it is something that the kids and many kids to come will have forever.
Project: Community Education Project in Costa Rica
Volunteered: 4 March 2011
Country: USA, Age: 21
Nicole Barens
I want to start off by saying my trip to Costa Rica ws everything I had hoped and more.
I know that they have completely captured my heart and I´m in love with the children of Costa Rica.
Project: Community Education Project in Costa Rica
Volunteered: 4 March 2011
Country: USA, Age: 21
Samantha Bader
The time spent working with the children will never be forgotten.
Project: Community Education Project in Costa Rica
Volunteered: 4 March 2011
Country: USA , Age: 19
Sean Dudley
My experience here with uVolunteer has been absolutely fantastic.
uVolunteer is a wonderful program, and I 100% support the work that goes on here.
Project: Community Education Project in Costa Rica
Volunteered: 4 March 2011
Country: USA, Age: 25
Christopher Skala
Even though I was only at the school for a quick five days, my Spanish dramatically improved, and I had a lot of fun learning.
Project: Teaching English
Volunteered: 18 February 2011
Country: Canada, Age: 22
Beverly Pollock
Something that´s really nice about volunteering is that the people you meet in the dorms are so similar to you, yet so different
Project: Childrens Home - Orphanage
Volunteered: 18 February 2011
Country: Canada, Age: 22
Shawna Aylard
They have taught me so much by opening my eyes, changing my persepective and touching my heart.
Project: Childrens Home - Orphanage
Volunteered: 18 February 2011
Country: USA, Age: 26
Masih Bahadori
It was a tough first few days digging a massive hole, but it is just the type of hard work that I had envisioned when I signed up for the construction project.
Project: Building and Construction Homes for Low Income Families
Volunteered: 18 February 2011
Country: Canada, Age: 20
Tanya Leclerc
I had fun with these children, getting to know them and having much play time.
Project: Childrens Home - Orphanage
Volunteered: 11 February 2011
Country: USA, Age: 20
Emily Castro
I feel that the experience that uVolunteer offers attracts the best kind of people. All of the volunteers are so nice, so much fun to be around, so kind, and so funny and I have just had a blast with everyone, the staff and the volunteers alike.
Project: Community Education Project in Costa Rica
Volunteered: 7 January 2011
Country: USA, Age: 20
Alexandra Rauland
The arrival into san Ramón was quick and easy!
Getting slide from the airport to Dońa Nidia´s house was really nice...
Project: Special Needs School
Volunteered: 26 November 2010
Country: USA, Age: 20
Irene Carlson
My experience here has been really great...
Dońa Nidia is amazing. We all love her and will miss her a lot when we leave...
Project: Special Needs School
Volunteered: 26 November 2010
Country: Australia, Age: 19
Laura Bainger
I had very basic Spanish and often couldn’t understand the kids, but they were very responsive to my enthusiasm!
Project: Childrens Home - Orphanage
Volunteered: 26 November 2010
Country: France, Age: 24
Flora Soyez
Madre Verde is a beautiful natural reserve and the staff is really nice...
I have been involved in the environmental conservation project for two weeks.
Project: Ecological Sustainable Farm
Volunteered: 12 November 2010
Country: Finland, Age: 19
Anne Mari Ikonen
My four weeks volunteering in San Ramon has been memorable...
I've met some awesome people and personalities, worked with most adorable kids ever!
Project: Childrens Home - Orphanage
Volunteered: 12 November 2010
Country: USA, Age: 61
Anne Ashford
The Park personnel are like one big family and are kind and warm...
Project: National Parks in Costa Rica
Volunteered: 12 November 2010
Country: UK, Age: 19
Lizzie Fawkes
I enjoyed teaching English there as it gave me a real sense of accomplishment...
. I loved living there because I was living with all the other volunteers and we had a lot of good times in the house.
Project: Teaching English
Volunteered: 29 October 2010
Country: Canada, Age: 21
Dylan Bowen
All the teachers and students were super nice, especially the English teacher we were helping!
Project: Learn and Study Spanish in Costa Rica
Volunteered: 23 October 2010
Country: Canada, Age: 15
Kathleen Stanford
When I arrived in San Jose I was really excited to finally be in Costa Rica...
I had travelled a fair amount before but never had I lived with a local family. I got my first taste of the friendly ways of the Ticos right at the airport with an abundance of airport staff offering to help me.
Project: Learn and Study Spanish in Costa Rica
Volunteered: 23 October 2010
Country: USA, Age: 29
Daisy Covarrubias
My time there was very rewarding and lots of fun...
I felt at home from the very first day. Every morning as I walked into the center the kids would great me with hugs and kisses, it felt so nice to see how much they appreciated my help!
Project: Daycare Center
Volunteered: 15 October 2010
Country: Canada, Age: 21
Audrey Law
uVolunteer had prepared me for culture shock beforehand, loading me with plenty of information about my projects and Costa Rica itself!
Project: Sea and Marine Turtle Conservation
Volunteered: 17 September 2010
Country: Australia, Age: 16
Phoebe Venz
I know we've both had such an amazing experience here and we're going to miss San Ramon...
It seemed to be one of the most rewarding programs and the best suited for us. Plus it was a great way to immerse ourselves into a completely different culture and learn Spanish!
Project: Teaching English
Volunteered: 3 September 2010
Country: USA, Age: 19
Christina Giordano
But really the orphanage was an experience in itself!
As you read in my exit survey the experience was like drifting away into clouds of dreams filled with rice and beans (shout out to Lizzie).
Project: Childrens Home - Orphanage
Volunteered: 1 September 2010
Country: USA, Age: 21
Jody Long
My volunteer story is a successful one. I was honestly terrified and had no idea of what to expect. I had never travelled out of the US and never travelled alone period, so of course it made perfect sense to up and jump on a plane headed for Costa Rica.
Project: Community Education Project in Costa Rica
Volunteered: 26 July 2010
Country: Canada, Age: 23
Victor Huynh
She is the most amazing cook and caring person...
Over the weekend, the rest of the volunteers and an amazing crew of coordinators, who really were the most friendly, enthusiastic and caring people, greeted us.
Project: Building and Construction Homes for Low Income Families
Volunteered: 23 July 2010
Country: USA, Age: 22
Jamie Durbin
Because privacy was pretty much non-existent in a house with 16 people, we took advantage of our opportunity to make amazing friendships with everyone in the house.
Project: Childrens Home - Orphanage
Volunteered: 12 July 2010
Country: USA, Age: 22
Derek Van De Wege
Our volunteer experience in Costa Rica was nothing short of amazing.
uVolunteer was an awesome program to work with and at the top of it all was the staff that was friendly, accommodating, understanding, and fun to hang out with.
Project: Building and Construction Homes for Low Income Families
Volunteered: 12 July 2010
Country: USA, Age: 22
Nykkiesha Starr
Working with the English teacher at my school, I felt like I was making a huge difference in the lives of the students, not only in terms of speaking English, but also as a friend to the teacher and the students.
Project: Teaching English
Volunteered: 28 June 2010
Country: USA, Age: 21
Maxine Ramirez
I volunteered for 6 weeks on the Orphanage Project in San Ramon. I absolutely fell in love with it. The children were so loving and bright and it was hard to say goodbye.
Project: Childrens Home - Orphanage
Volunteered: 28 June 2010
Country: USA, Age: 20
Jenna Siewertson
I was nervous about my first day of volunteering at an orphanage in a city called Palmares because I had to take a bus and really didn't know where I was going or what to expect. However, a UVolunteer worker came along with me to show me which bus to take and where to get off and walked with me to the orphanage. He also stayed with me my entire first day to help me get comfortable. I hadn't expected this and was really appreciative.
Project: Childrens Home - Orphanage
Volunteered: 7 June 2010
Country: USA, Age: 20
Brett Moldenhauer
I spent the majority of my summer volunteering and traveling in the beautiful country of Costa Rica. Looking back at my experience, I can sincerely say that I had the time of my life.
Project: Teaching English
Volunteered: 31 May 2010
Country: USA, Age: 17
Lillian Findlay
I felt very blessed at the project, as on the first night I saw a Leatherback turtle - which at the time of my project was extremely rare.
Project: Sea and Marine Turtle Conservation
Volunteered: 3 May 2010
Country: USA, Age: 21
Turner Paine
The way of life and timelessness pulled me in and I fell in love. So much so that I decided to cancel my flight home and to go live in Puerto Viejo and become a certified SCUBA dive master. I came here hoping for a month or so of new adventures and turns out it has sent me on my second adventure. All of Costa Rica has the pura vida charm, but I love the fact that different areas can still be so different from each other…almost a whole new experience.
Project: Physical Education Teacher
Volunteered: 19 March 2010
Country: USA, Age: 21
Scott Adams
After a few days in Bocas we were all pretty worn out, and took a bus back to Costa Rica and San Ramon, which was like coming home.
Project: Physical Education Teacher
Volunteered: 19 March 2010
Country: USA, Age: 27
Nina Luyando
For me, it’s always nice to visit other countries. You appreciate different things that maybe you would lose sight of at home. Life is simple. Simple is great. The small things in life are what matters most. I definitely had a life changing experience.
Project: Physical Education Teacher
Volunteered: 26 February 2010
Country: Canada, Age: 23
Kristy Moore
The kids get so excited every time they see you in the school and they chant “fisica, fisica!” and come up to hug you and give you high fives. The project goes by way too quickly so I suggest taking in every moment and if you’re having fun then I guarantee the kids are too.
Project: Physical Education Teacher
Volunteered: 26 February 2010
Country: USA, Age: 18
Kendra Wolpe
Leaving Camaronal was bittersweet. I was ready to move on to my next project in San Ramon, but I mourned for the loss of a place that has so inspired me, and given me the tranquility to just slow down and think about the world. But upon arriving in San Ramon, my feelings of loss were negated by the open arms and welcome that I found in my host mom.
Project: Teaching English
Volunteered: 5 February 2010
Country: USA, Age: 24
Wileen Hernandez
My appreciation for sea turtles and the importance regarding their conservation is as clear as water.
Project: Sea and Marine Turtle Conservation
Volunteered: 22 January 2010
Country: USA, Age: 28
Vardon Norton
Patrol is a really enriching experience, as one can easily see the remnants of hundreds of dug up nests on the beach. After moving four or five nests a night into the hatchery or a safer location, it is a great feeling to know that you have really made a difference.
Project: Sea and Marine Turtle Conservation
Volunteered: 25 December 2009
Country: USA, Age: 21
Antonina Pondo
The best moment by far occurred during an early morning shift as the sun was rising. Our group had stumbled upon turtles hatching, with ten sets of tracks already reaching the waves by the time we had found it, indicating that these turtles had already made it out sea. There were about six more turtles that we helped to release from that nest, and it was very rewarding to see.
Project: Sea and Marine Turtle Conservation
Volunteered: 27 November 2009
Country: Great Britain, Age: 40
Karen Tindall
Volunteer in Costa Rica – would I do it again? Yes I would!
By far the highlight of my volunteering experience was teaching the evening adult English classes. This is something I had previous experience of but volunteering here in Costa Rica was tremendously rewarding as the students were so keen to learn.
Project: Teaching English
Volunteered: 13 November 2009
Country: USA, Age: 20
Rosie Worthen
The three weeks went by so rapidly, I was so sad to leave Camaronal, and I plan to return in the future because of the strong ties and friendships that I made there, I feel like I truly made a difference there, not just by patrolling at night and relocating eggs, but also by educating people and helping by spreading the word, by talking to people like volunteers or tourists, or even members of the nearby community.
Project: Sea and Marine Turtle Conservation
Volunteered: 1 November 2009
Country: USA, Age: 21
Edward Dale
This routine led to a program full of starry nights (a few of which consisted of meteor showers) and beautiful sunrises. It was also very rewarding knowing that you are making a difference to species that otherwise are dwindling in population. It is especially amazing to see these different groups of people from distant parts of the world uniting under one cause.
Project: Sea and Marine Turtle Conservation
Volunteered: 1 November 2009
Country: USA, Age: 28
Emilie Covell
The teachers at this school were very welcoming, and appreciative. They also acted very loving to the students and seemed to genuinely love their jobs. The children at this school were adorable and I really enjoyed spending time with them.
Project: Special Needs School
Volunteered: 16 October 2009
Country: Canada, Age: 24
Lisa Eger
Every day I was excited to go to the school and see the smiling faces of the little kids. The school atmosphere was awesome, because as soon as you walk into the school there is a load of kids there to greet you with hugs, hellos, smiles and questions each and every day.
Project: Physical Education Teacher
Volunteered: 9 October 2009
Country: New Zealand, Age: 22
Rosie Shelton
On our building site we were lucky enough to be treated to a daily freshly cooked Costa Rican breakfast of gallo pinto, eggs and tortillas by our builder’s Dad. Gallo Pinto serves wonders mid morning after some muscle burning work! Because of limited funds, these houses are built completely from scratch and rely heavily on the help of volunteers to help speed up the process and actually get the job done. I thoroughly enjoyed my two weeks here and wished I could have stayed longer to see the completed product.
Project: Building and Construction Homes for Low Income Families
Volunteered: 2 October 2009
Country: USA, Age: 32
Sara Ramsey
I could go on and on about how happy I was with the staff at uVolunteer. Everything was more organized than I expected and the staff was so cool and friendly. The volunteer dorm was also nicer than I expected and Doña Isabel, who cooks and takes care of the dorm, is the sweetest woman ever.
Project: Teaching English
Volunteered: 18 September 2009
Country: USA, Age: 19
Niki Pollock
Having a host family was such a good experience for me!...I loved getting to see how they lived and telling them about my life back in America.
Project: Animal Conservation
Volunteered: 18 September 2009
Country: German, Age: 23
Moritz Knickrehm
I think my entire experience would have been fundamentally different (for the worse) had I gone through a large corporate organisation. The staff was amazing. Full stop.
Project: Teaching English
Volunteered: 3 September 2009
Country: British, Age: 21
Dina Rickman
I feel like I’ve done something genuinely worthwhile and I’ve had a fantastic time.
Doing the building with your best friends brings you closer as a group and improves your ability to work in a team.
Project: Building and Construction Homes for Low Income Families
Volunteered: 26 August 2009
Country: German, Age: 24
Leonie Hagedorn
Not only did I meet some of nicest volunteers from around the globe but I was also able to dedicate my free time to help the Costa Rican community in San Ramon.
Project: Teaching English
Volunteered: 20 August 2009
Country: British, Age: 50
Zsuzsanna Baranyi
Would I come again to CR? YES! Would I choose uVolunteer for my agency? YES! Pura Vida!!!
Project: Learn and Study Spanish in Costa Rica
Volunteered: 20 August 2009
Country: USA, Age: 17
Kira Radstrom
Overall, this trip was possibly the greatest experience of my life. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to volunteer in such a beautiful country. I can’t wait to share all my pictures with my friends and family, and I hope to be back next year!
Project: Daycare Center
Volunteered: 20 August 2009
Country: USA, Age: 35
Al Heinle
Each day would present me with new challenges and surprises. Looking back, I feel the experience was both memorable and widened my view of the world around me.
Project: Sea and Marine Turtle Conservation
Volunteered: 20 August 2009
Country: Canada, Age: 16
Greg McGrath
I met countless amazing people, saw beautiful things, had a great time volunteering, and I also feel that I grew as a person.
Project: Sea and Marine Turtle Conservation
Volunteered: 20 August 2009
Country: British, Age: 21
Charlotte Rankin
It was quite an intense period of time so understandably we were really looking forward to settle into the volunteer dorms and start the building project for uVolunteer.
Project: Building and Construction Homes for Low Income Families
Volunteered: 20 August 2009
Country: USA, Age: 17
Daria Kobayashi-Ritch
I definitely hope to volunteer with uVolunteer again.
Project: Daycare Center
Volunteered: 7 August 2009
Country: USA, Age: 23
Holly Sanderson
This trip had a great balance of hard work mixed with great fun!
Project: Building and Construction Homes for Low Income Families
Volunteered: 7 August 2009
Country: USA, Age: 20
Katelyn Kyler
What can I say, Costa Rica is amazing. I have loved every minute of being here.
I was able to work in the orphanage with my cousin Holly. The kids were all so cute and fun to play with.
Project: Building and Construction Homes for Low Income Families
Volunteered: 7 August 2009
Country: USA, Age: 24
Tia Metzger
A close friend and I then came upon an amazing idea, let’s volunteer in Costa Rica. Upon endless amounts of searching we finally picked a great organization that was affordable, safe and had great volunteer reviews...uVolunteer.
Project: Building and Construction Homes for Low Income Families
Volunteered: 29 July 2009
Country: USA, Age: 23
Kristin Marmion
Although I was nervous to travel alone to a new country, I couldn’t have chosen better.
uVolunteer is an amazing organization that eased the transition.
Project: Teaching English
Volunteered: 29 July 2009
Country: British, Age: 18
Louise Linthwaite
I wouldn’t change any part of this trip it has been one of the best experiences of my life.
Project: Teaching English
Volunteered: 29 July 2009
Country: USA, Age: 21
Alexander Rounds
My only hope is that when or if someone else reads this it helps them choose to come here and not only learn about and help another country, but learn about themselves as well.
Project: Physical Education Teacher
Volunteered: 29 July 2009
Country: Canada, Age: 22
Adrienne Attorp
My time in Costa Rica was amazing, and I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to come here and volunteer.
Project: Daycare Center
Volunteered: 24 July 2009
Country: Canada, Age: 19
Michelle Chung
This was first trip alone into a place I’ve never gone before.
Arriving, I was so scared, not knowing Spanish and being a lone female. But this was a trip of a lifetime.
Project: Sea and Marine Turtle Conservation
Volunteered: 24 July 2009
Country: Belgium, Age: 18
Laure Van Grootel
When I arrived at Playa Buena Vista it soon became clear that all my worries had been for nothing. I was greeted by a whole bunch of friendly and enthousiastic volunteers who welcomed me to the camp and explained everything.
Project: Sea and Marine Turtle Conservation
Volunteered: 24 July 2009
Country: USA, Age: 54
Robert Cox
From Kentucky to Costa Rica: It's a Long, Long Way
At twice the age of most of the other uVolunteer workers, I found myself in San Ramon, Costa Rica this summer.
Project: Teaching English
Volunteered: 11 July 2009
Country: British, Age: 18
Helena Cicmil
My 5 weeks in Costa Rica have gone beyond my expectations.
It is no exaggeration to say that it has changed me, that I have given more than I thought I would, and I have met some amazing people.
Project: Teaching English
Volunteered: 11 July 2009
Country: USA, Age: 19
Jeremy Bhatia
To be honest I wish I could live this same life for many months more.
Project: Physical Education Teacher
Volunteered: 10 July 2009
Country: USA, Age: 20
Michael Band
Upon arriving in San Jose on July 7th my hopes were high and my expectations were endless.
Needless to say I was unbelievable excited to meet my host family.
Project: Physical Education Teacher
Volunteered: 10 July 2009
Country: Canada, Age: 18
Cian Currie
My time here in San Ramon has been awesome and I regret only booking for one month.
My time here has been full of different experiences, good and not so good but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Project: Daycare Center
Volunteered: 3 July 2009
Country: USA, Age: 30
Jennifer Poynton
My experience with uVolunteer totally surpassed my expectations!
Living and teaching in San Ramon was an experience that I will remember for the rest of my life. Pura Vida!
Project: Teaching English
Volunteered: 12 June 2009
Country: USA, Age: 18
Sara Feldman
My expectations for my uVolunteer experience in San Ramon were high, but they truly were surpassed!
Yes, I was expecting to make new friends, become more proficient in speaking the Spanish language and travel to some beautiful places in Costa Rica, but I was not expecting to fall in love with the country.
Project: Childrens Home - Orphanage
Volunteered: 1 June 2009
Country: USA, Age: 21
Lindsey and Sana
The past six weeks volunteering in San Ramon in a nearby orphanage have been truly unforgettable.
Upon arrival in San Jose, we were warmly greeted by Meaw and Lindsey. They eagerly helped us with our luggage and made sure we were comfortable while we waited for the other volunteers to arrive.
Project: Childrens Home - Orphanage
Volunteered: 29 May 2009
Country: USA, Age: 24
Vladimir Aristov
I’ve been traveling to various places around the world for some time but never quite got out to Central America. Costa Rica did not disappoint.
Project: Building and Construction Homes for Low Income Families
Volunteered: 26 May 2009
Country: USA, Age: 31
Matthew Cohen
We were all looking to enhance our own life perceptions, while stimulating the lives of those in need, and at times less fortunate. When speaking about our jobs each night, everyone seemed to wear a smile of accomplishment and gratitude. Whether it be working with children, teaching adults, building homes, or engaging in turtle conservation, my experiences were rewarding and unique.
Project: Teaching English
Volunteered: 26 May 2009
Country: Australia, Age: 28
Madeline Joll
I chose to come to Costa Rica to volunteer for a number of reasons.
I have travelled to a few other countries in Latin America, and wanted to give something back to the communities I was visiting.
Project: Teaching English
Volunteered: 26 May 2009
Country: USA, Age: 33
Tom Townsend
arrive to a high level of Spanish, learn a different culture, and help out the country in which I was living.
Project: Physical Education Teacher
Volunteered: 15 May 2009
Country: USA, Age: 18
Jordan Simpson
I came to Costa Rica to practice my Spanish and work with children, a passion of mine.
Six weeks in, I must say that this is one of the best experiences of my life.
Project: Childrens Home - Orphanage
Volunteered: 15 May 2009
Country: USA, Age: 34
Debi and Randy
Other than what we learned from our pre-arrival information that uVolunteer sent us we didn’t really know what to expect so we didn’t have a lot of expectations. We arrived tired and hungry and were very relieved to see a member of the uVolunteer staff holding a sign with our names on it at the airport!
Project: Teaching English
Volunteered: 1 May 2009
Country: Canada, Age: 20
Lindsay Olsen
Gandoca is not only a place where you are submerged into a different kind of life but a place of learning and utter enjoyment. uVolunteer the organization I went through to get to Gandoca was very helpful
Project: Sea and Marine Turtle Conservation
Volunteered: 1 April 2009
Country: UK, Age: 21
Diane Dick
One of my most memorable moments at the school was when a bunch of children kept giving me stickers.
I had a rough idea of what the project was going to be like from reading the leaflets. But when I thought San Ramon was a small town and many people about, but it was actually quite a busy little city! Everything around was pretty much walking distance which was really good.
Project: Teaching English
Volunteered: 1 March 2009
Country: USA, Age: 18
Daniel Bach
Costa Rica ha sido para mĂ, una buena experiencia. TenĂa la oportunidad de viajar mucho y conocer a muchas personas no solo de Costa Rica, sino de varios otros paises. Además la habilidad de vivir con una familia "tica" enriquece la experiecia cultural. Por eso, las Ăşltimas seis semanas pasaron con mucha rapidez.
Project: Daycare Center
Volunteered: 1 March 2009
Country: USA, Age: 23
Lindsey and Christina
Besides being here in this unbelievable country and volunteering through uVolunteer who made everything so easy and fun - our lives changed for the better and we ended up making a best friend!
Project: Teaching English
Volunteered: 21 February 2009
Country: USA, Age: 18
Molly Drazin
At my first glimpse of Costa Rica, as the plane lowered itself onto the runway, I knew I was going to love my experience here, although I didn´t really know what it was I was expecting.
Project: Teaching English
Volunteered: 1 February 2009
Country: USA, Age: 22
Elsa Salazar
This was a great way to see what life was like for Ticos and not just tourists.
My arrival to Montezuma was smooth and made me feel very comfortable. As soon as I stepped outside of the airport Karissa and Fiorella were waiting for me holding a sign with my name on it.
Project: Teaching English
Volunteered: 1 February 2009
Country: Canada, Age: 22
Iza Labbe
Upon arrival in San Jose, staff from u-volunteer picked us, another volunteer and myself, up and brought us to the San Ramon where we would be living with a host-family for the duration of our project.
Project: Physical Education Teacher
Volunteered: 1 February 2009
Country: USA, Age: 20
Jessie Strom
When I decided to volunteer abroad I had no idea what to expect. I chose Costa Rica because I wanted to learn Spanish while traveling in a beautiful country.
Project: Learn and Study Spanish in Costa Rica
Volunteered: 1 February 2009
Country: USA, Age: 24
Jeffrey Kamenski
There is no more appropriate way to end this testimony than by ending with PURA VIDA!
My time spent in Costa Rica has been very memorable!
Project: Learn and Study Spanish in Costa Rica
Volunteered: 1 February 2009
Country: USA, Age: 26
Matthew Lee
My time is coming to an end here at the reserve. I have had a great experience working here!
Monday was my first day of work on La Reserva. I followed Omar, who works at the reserve and I currently live with, as we made a trek around the perimeter of the forest, clearing trails and repairing fences. Omar would pause to point out some of the wildlife we would encounter. Once we finished we fed the chickens and the rest of the animals.
Project: Tropical Reforestation
Volunteered: 1 February 2009
Country: USA, Age: 25
Chris Long
Forty-eight hours earlier, I was living in the hectic, fast-paced and insane life of New York City.
Project: Tropical Reforestation
Volunteered: 1 February 2009
Country: USA, Age: 27
Sara Rothan
I arrived to San Jose exhausted from a 20 hours trip from SFO. An employee from the language school that I was going to be attending for a week was there waiting for me with a sign that had my name on it. Immediately relieved...
Project: Teaching English
Volunteered: 1 January 2009
Country: USA, Age: 28
Josh Lowe
They did not speak much English, and my Spanish was definitely beginner level.
My program with uVolunteer included one week of Spanish classes in a language school in San Jose
Project: Building and Construction Homes for Low Income Families
Volunteered: 1 January 2009
Country: USA, Age: 17
Natalia Bruke
My experience in Costa Rica through uVolunteer goes down as one of the best times of my life.
For my senior year I wanted to do something big. Preparing to turn eighteen and become an adult, I knew it was time to go off on my own and I couldn't think of a better way than to volunteer in another country. I love working with kids and was immediately interested in the Child Care Center in San Ramon.
Project: Childrens Home - Orphanage
Volunteered: 1 December 2008
Country: USA, Age: 25
Brooke Durant
Overall I am extremely happy I chose to volunteer with uVolunteer!
I want to thank uVolunteer for providing the opportunity.
Project: Physical Education Teacher
Volunteered: 1 November 2008
Country: New Zealand, Age: 25
Jessica Dowden
I was a volunteer in San Ramon, Costa Rica for seven weeks. While I was there I worked at an Orphanage and I also taught community English classes.
Project: Daycare Center
Volunteered: 1 November 2008
Country: USA, Age: 23
Matthew Kinzelberg
My name at school is "Profe"... short for professor.
When I come to school kids swarm me with hugs, pounds, high fives, chest bumps, and anything else you can think of a universal greeting.
Project: Physical Education Teacher
Volunteered: 1 September 2008
Country: USA, Age: 23
Benjamin Eisele
Volunteering at Ecological Farm was one of the most memorable experiences of my life.
Project: Ecological Sustainable Farm
Volunteered: 1 August 2008
Country: USA, Age: 23
Kristen Wilcox
My uVolunteer experience has been amazing. After graduating college my boyfriend and I came to Costa Rica, and four months later it feels like home. Our host family has become our family and it is going to be very hard to say goodbye.
Project: Childrens Home - Orphanage
Volunteered: 1 August 2008
Country: Spain, Age: 34
Cristina and Jose
Last year I read an article about a college graduate's fantastic trip. The former student had volunteered during her summer break working as an English teacher in India prior to starting her full time professional job in the private banking sector.
Project: Childrens Home - Orphanage
Volunteered: 1 August 2008
Country: USA, Age: 20
Brianna Acker
San Ramon is a beautiful place surrounded by rolling hills, full of friendly people-
Every morning at 4:30am the house hold bird rouses the rest of the family. I drift in between sleep and consciousness where I listen to breakfast chatter and at about 7:30 I make my way to the kitchenfor a five-pound plate of rice and beans...
Project: Physical Education Teacher
Volunteered: 1 July 2008
Country: USA, Age: 21
David Ross
These kids were amazing, a burst of life. A remind of all the good that is still in the world…
Every day I arose with the morning light and the soft summer dew collected on the window. I had my beans and rice plate and was out the door, on my way to the unexpected.
Project: Physical Education Teacher
Volunteered: 1 July 2008
Country: Holland, Age: 18
Eline Strom
On the third of July I arrived in Costa Rica, together with my friend Aniek. The next day we met Fiorella of uVolunteer, and we get introduced to our host family where we would stay for a month.
Project: Childrens Home - Orphanage
Volunteered: 1 July 2008
Country: Holland, Age: 18
Aniek Woudstra
I did the Canopy Tour in Monteverde, This means I flew above the forest and jungle. Very tuanis!
My trip to Costa Rica started on 31 July 2008. I took the airplane from the Netherlands together with a friend. Fiorella brought us to our host family and our adventure begun.
Project: Childrens Home - Orphanage
Volunteered: 1 July 2008
Country: USA, Age: 24
Jennifer Huntley
Two weeks is a short time to be here in San Ramon. What surprises me is how much life I have experienced in less than nine days already. It was enough time to see that the orphanage where I worked is a family.
Project: Childrens Home - Orphanage
Volunteered: 1 July 2008
Country: USA, Age: 23
Josh and Katrina
Katrina and I wanted an excuse for a second honeymoon, and what better way to enjoy that then by spending 5 weeks in a tropical paradise helping others during the week, and relaxing the days away when the weekends arrive.
Project: Daycare Center
Volunteered: 1 July 2008
Country: Canada, Age: 25
Danielle Lafleur
The uVolunteer staff was very accommodating and helpful.
Project: Daycare Center
Volunteered: 1 July 2008
Country: USA, Age: 21
Daniel Schmidth
With uVolunteer I had the opportunity to work in the Escuela Sabana and assist the professors teaching English. The kids were very cute, the first week they would ask me my name five times in a row and then try to repeat it. In the hallways they would shake your hand and try to talk to you.
Project: Teaching English
Volunteered: 1 June 2008
Country: USA, Age: 16
Samuel Tilles
By the second week the kids started to talk to me more and some wanted to play soccer with me...
My time with the program I think went pretty good. I arrived not really knowing how volunteer programs are like. My time with the program I think went pretty good. I arrived not really knowing how volunteer programs are like.
Project: Physical Education Teacher
Volunteered: 1 June 2008
Country: USA, Age: 23
Lindsey Lawless
I'll be at quite a loss back in the states if I can't find some plantains to fry!
I chose to go to Costa Rica because of both the country's beauty and the opportunity to work with children. Arriving alone at San Jose was a bit nerve wracking, but I soon met my uVolunteer coordinator who took me by bus and taxi to my home stay.
Project: Special Needs School
Volunteered: 1 June 2008
Country: USA, Age: 19
Silvia Acevedo
The actions that caught my attention where the efforts the coordinators gave for the volunteers.
The high-light of this trip was mainly my host family. They brought me extreme warmth and comfort each time I felt home sick. I hope to come back one day and visit. During my trip in Costa Rica I consider myself very lucky.
Project: Daycare Center
Volunteered: 1 June 2008
Country: Norway, Age: 20
Ingrid Rieser
I found uVolunteer a different way than most. I had already been living and studying in Costa Rica for a couple of months when I decided, cheesy as it may sound, that it was time to do more than lounge around.
Project: Physical Education Teacher
Volunteered: 1 May 2008
Country: USA, Age: 19
Lauren Landy
When I came to Costa Rica, I really had no sense whatsoever of how it would be. It ended up being the most unique and impactful experience of my life so far.
Project: Childrens Home - Orphanage
Volunteered: 1 May 2008
Country: Canada, Age: 23
Heather Auld
I arrived in San Jose a day early and spent the night in a hotel. The following day Meaw and Santiago picked me up at the hotel. We went to pick up another volunteer then proceeded to San Ramon.
Project: Daycare Center
Volunteered: 1 May 2008
Country: USA, Age: 21
Erin Gantz
When I arrived in San Ramon, I was greeted by an enthusiastic woman who spoke Spanish so fast I thought she was speaking a whole other language.
Project: Daycare Center
Volunteered: 1 May 2008
Country: USA, Age: 27
Alana De Matteo
When I arrived at the airport, I was greeted by to volunteer coordinator. It was such a relief to see to people smiling faces holding a sign with my name on it.
Project: Physical Education Teacher
Volunteered: 1 April 2008
Country: Norway, Age: 19
Joachim Mowinckel
After 3 weeks of Spanish school in Samara, I felt prepared to undertake the main bulk of my uVolunteer program: 8 weeks of teaching English in San Ramon.
Project: Physical Education Teacher
Volunteered: 1 March 2008
Country: Canada, Age: 17
Jenna Dickson
At first I was a little nervous to travel to Costa Rica by myself. I am only 17 years old, and I was afraid of all the little things that could possibly go wrong. However, all of those fears quickly disappeared the moment I arrived and was greeted by uVolunteer.
Project: Sea and Marine Turtle Conservation
Volunteered: 1 March 2008
Country: Scothland, Age: 21
Lucy Black
Let me start by saying that if you are reading this and thinking of volunteering, then you are on the right path. I have just finished my turtle conservation project at Buenavista and can honestly say that it exceeded my expectations in every way possible.
Project: Sea and Marine Turtle Conservation
Volunteered: 1 January 2008
Country: Ireland, Age: 29
Etain McGucklain
So you're thinking of signing up for the turtle project... well, I'll try and paint a clearer picture so you know a little more about what to expect.
Project: Sea and Marine Turtle Conservation
Volunteered: 1 November 2007
Country: USA, Age: 25
Katie Blixer
This project needs to continue to help save the world, one clutch of sea turtles at a time.
Let me start by saying that I have always been a traveler at heart. Nothing fills me with more joy than heading out into the unknown with an open mind, ready to explore.
Project: Sea and Marine Turtle Conservation
Volunteered: 1 October 2007
Country: USA, Age: 20
Colin Nicol
Volunteering at Ecological Farm was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. The farm was a perfect getaway from school work and the monotones of city life. It was hard work, but it was honest work
Project: Ecological Sustainable Farm
Volunteered: 1 July 2007
Country: USA, Age: 20
Daniel Niemhoff
My experience as a volunteer was certainly a life changing one. Two friends and I were going on a 5-week trip, and we wanted to do something productive with our time in Costa Rica. From the website
Project: Ecological Sustainable Farm
Volunteered: 1 July 2007
Country: USA, Age: 20
Jenna Harvey
My name is Jenna. I just turned 21 and I am from California. While many young adults were spending July 2007 perfecting their tans, working a part time job, or grasping on those last few moments of warm weather,
Project: Bilingual Nursery Center
Volunteered: 1 July 2007
Country: USA, Age: 20
Mike Safyan
I traveled to Costa Rica through uVolunteer with two of my friends (Colin and Daniel) from high school. Our trip started with us arriving in San Jose at about midnight. We taxied over to our hostel Pangea, which was
Project: Ecological Sustainable Farm
Volunteered: 1 June 2007
Country: USA, Age: 25
Laura Holt
After finishing my graduate degree, I knew I wanted to travel before getting a real job. After searching for quite a while on the internet I found an organization that met all of my requirements. It was affordable, easy,
Project: Ecological Sustainable Farm
Volunteered: 1 June 2007
Country: USA, Age: 36
Nancy Hamm
I have wanted to visit Costa Rica for a long time because of its vast natural resources: rivers, oceans, beaches, rain forest, swamp lands, mountains, etc.
Project: Childrens Home - Orphanage
Volunteered: 1 June 2007
Country: USA, Age: 23
Allison Carragher
I am having a great time on San Ramon. It is the perfect place to be because it is small enough to walk everywhere but it has all the amenities of a city. There is plenty to do. The weather here is perfect too.
Project: Teaching English
Volunteered: 1 April 2007
Country: England, Age: 28
Marie Bateson
At turtle camp, you find out just how little you need in order to have a really good time.
A few days before I set off for the turtle conservation project on Playa Buena Vista, I met a volunteer who'd recently completed two weeks out there. After half an hour of chatting to him, I was almost ready to cancel my stay out there.
Project: Sea and Marine Turtle Conservation
Volunteered: 1 February 2007
Country: , Age:
Daryl Lovett
As I arrived on my first day of teaching, right away, I fell in love with the kids.
Project: Teaching English
Volunteered:
Country: , Age:
David Goings
Thursday December 9th 2010 was a sleepless night knowing I’m going to (uVolunteer) in Costa Rica.
This is a laid back country, unhurried, no deadlines you can arrive late but not for the buses, be on time.
Project: Environmental Conservation
Volunteered:
