Volunteer Abroad in Costa Rica

Country: USA, Age: 22

Jamie Durbin

I cherished my time with the children at the orphanage and have a huge respect for the tias who work so hard to make the lives of the kids as happy as possible.

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: Construction and Community Development
Volunteered: 12 July 2010

Country: USA, Age: 22

Nykkiesha Starr

I made a difference in two different communities, I traveled through an entire country and back, and I had a great time every step of the way. As cliché as it sounds, my life will never be the same!

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

Turner Paine

When we got to the dorm I was shocked as to how nice it was…a real house with all the comforts of home. We were brought up to speed a little on major cultural differences as well as some San Ramon history, which is worth knowing. By the time the weekend was over, we had been shown around town while learning about what San Ramon has to offer.

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

We figured out that they are crazy about baseball, thanks to a past volunteer who taught them a little. It was their game of choice. However they were actually very easy to entertain, because they would enjoy doing anything that allowed them to run around, and the more we as volunteers joined in on the games, the more they wanted to bond and interact with us.

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

The minute I stepped foot in Costa Rica, people were friendly as well as Wagner, a teacher from the Spanish school, who picked me up.

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

I settled into San Ramon pretty quickly, as it’s very easy to get around and everyone was quite helpful. My project itself was amazing!

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

I loved Camaronal so much I decided to stay an extra month. Apart from the incredible sea turtle visits, all of the people there are lovely people with remarkable life stories. I realized, with so many amazing people coming in and out of Camaronal to volunteer, that bad people just don’t volunteer with turtles.

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: 22

Lexie Van Nostrand

The kids are adorable and love you from the start. There are always happy and laughing and such a pleasure to be around!

I started teaching English classes at night about a month into my stay. uVolunteer gave free classes to the community and needed some volunteers to help...I am so glad I decided to participate. These classes added so much to my experience. The people are so friendly and eager to learn English. It has been a great learning experience.

Project: Daycare Center
Volunteered: 22 January 2010

Country: USA, Age: 24

Wileen Hernandez

Serving as a volunteer through the uvolunteer organization at Camaronal exposed me to many amazing and unique experiences. This sea turtle conservation project at Camaronal has allowed me to spend time serving turtles in need of human aid and it has also taught me to value our environment to its fullest.

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: Canada, Age: 20

Nick Vitiello

Going into Camaronal, I was not quite sure what to expect, but the most important thing to remember is that your experience is totally up to you and it will be what you make of it.

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

Spending three weeks in Costa Rica on Camaronal Beach and working with others from around the globe was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had abroad. In a heartbeat I would go back and continue to work with uVolunteer.

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 transition from the United States to Camaronal went so smoothly, and we were so lucky to be able to have traveled with the volunteer coordinator, the first few nights at the station were really fun and hectic, even though there were so many volunteers, it didn’t feel overwhelming at all. It was great to be able to have gone out on the first night as soon as we arrived on the beach, and to be so lucky to see turtles, babies, and a leatherback within the first couple days, it was amazing.

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

The stay in the San Ramon dorms gave us a brief taste of Costa Rican culture and city life.Once actually to Camaronal Beach, the project started and turned out to be phenomenal.

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

After picking up three other volunteers, we all proceeded to the dorms in San Ramon where we were warmly welcomed by the pre-existing volunteers, and a delicious Costa Rican meal cooked by the kind-hearted mother of the dorm, Dona Isabel.

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

My all around experience in Costa Rica has been amazing! My 4 weeks of volunteering in a school in Costa Rica has been more than I could have hoped for in a volunteer experience.

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

Arriving in Costa Rica was a bit of a shock for me, being the first non western, non English speaking country I had ever been to. Instantly I was bombarded with the language and culture change but loved every part of this new environment.

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: Construction and Community Development
Volunteered: 2 October 2009

Country: USA, Age: 32

Sara Ramsey

I had such a great experience with all of my classes. Working as a teaching assistant was amazing. The teacher and the small staff made me feel so welcome and the kids were so adorable. I often left school with flowers, stickers and notes from the kids and ended up becoming friends with the English teacher.

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

My third day at the zoo the owner brought me and another volunteer to explain everything. Once he talked to me I felt a lot more comfortable and was really inspired by the zoo that he was running...The zoo has been in his family and was passed down to him. I haven’t met many people that are so devoted to a cause and it is truly inspiring to see.

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

It’s difficult to summarise the best time of my life on one page. Although I had some expectations from the trip, little did I know then that they would all be exceeded!

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: Construction and Community Development
Volunteered: 26 August 2009

Country: German, Age: 24

Leonie Hagedorn

Volunteering in Costa Rica has been one of the most significant and rewarding experiences in my life.

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: USA, Age: 20

Rawan Mustafa

Coming to CR I had three goals in mind; to learn more Spanish, learn and experience a culture I knew very little about, and to challenge myself – to put myself in situations that are not common in my life at home.

Throughout this past month I can confidently say that I’ve accomplished all three goals!

Project: Teaching English
Volunteered: 20 August 2009

Country: British, Age: 50

Zsuzsanna Baranyi

I didn’t have any problem filling in my weekends in CR during the three months. I’ve got a rich repertoire of places I visited - I won’t even start listing them!

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

Two years ago, I came to Costa Rica and loved almost everything about it. The people, the beaches, and the food- it was amazing. Now that I have returned, I realized how much I missed out on the first time.

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

Looking back on my two weeks, I can honestly say I experienced every imaginable emotion. From the thrill and excitement of catching sea turtle eggs on the beach at 2 AM, to the envy of those back home with hot water and electricity.

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

The best experience of my life… That is the statement I would use to describe my trip to Costa Rica.

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

Before the volunteer project started my friends and I decided to spend four weeks travelling Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

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: Construction and Community Development
Volunteered: 20 August 2009

Country: USA, Age: 17

Daria Kobayashi-Ritch

What I learned from this trip is to try and be open to new things. Don´t give up; give yourself time to adjust into a new way of life. You´re bound to find something beautiful anywhere you go.

I definitely hope to volunteer with uVolunteer again.

Project: Daycare Center
Volunteered: 7 August 2009

Country: USA, Age: 23

Holly Sanderson

What more can I say than this has been the trip of a lifetime! Not quite what I was expecting but so much more than I thought I wanted!

This trip had a great balance of hard work mixed with great fun!

Project: Construction and Community Development
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: Construction and Community Development
Volunteered: 7 August 2009

Country: USA, Age: 24

Tia Metzger

After graduating this spring from University I knew I wanted to do something different, a change from studying, tests and also to try something exciting before starting a career.

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: Construction and Community Development
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

When I planned to come to Costa Rica I had no idea what to expect, but as soon as I arrived I felt at home, especially in the dorm.

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 time in Costa Rica working for uVolunteer has been the best time of my life, and I do not say that lightly, the people that I’ve met and the places that I’ve been have been truly incredible.

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 name is Adrienne Attorp, and I am a Canadian university student who has spent the past four months living and volunteering in Costa Rica as part of my undergraduate degree.

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 signed up for the Buena Vista turtle project I was a little nervous. It was the first real trip on my own and although I had seen pictures I couldn't really imagine what it would be like.

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

Despite the fact I chose to only come to Costa Rica for a month I still find it hard to face the fact that this trip is coming to an end.

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

All in all, Costa Rica brings a lot to the table, from construction to teaching English, to relaxing and taking it all in on the beaches of Puerto Viejo, I’ve definitely had my fair share of indulgence.

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: Construction and Community Development
Volunteered: 26 May 2009

Country: USA, Age: 31

Matthew Cohen

Everybody's job was different. All volunteers were of all different personalities and ages, however we all shared a crucial common interest.

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

When planning my volunteer trip to Costa Rica, I was hoping to accomplish three things with my time in Costa Rica:

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

We arrived in Costa Rica after 17 hours of travelling from Alaska. Neither my wife, nor I, had ever been to Costa Rica and we were both very excited.

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

The bus ride to Gandoca was really long and dragged on for hours!!! At first I really wasn't sure about what I was getting myself into.

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

Es increíble que se pueda aprender tantas cosas en tan poco tiempo. Llegué acá con un nivel bastante avanzado por haber estudiado en España por diez meses hace dos años.

Costa Rica ha sido para mí, una buena experiencia. Tenía 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 últimas seis semanas pasaron con mucha rapidez.

Project: Daycare Center
Volunteered: 1 March 2009

Country: USA, Age: 23

Lindsey and Christina

One our favorite parts of San Ramon was our daily meetings in the park with Jessie, our volunteer sister, for chocolate covered bananas!

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

Every volunteers story here will be different, but it´s what you make of your time here, and I know I have made a difference in my two months for the kids in my classes.

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

I got to play sports and games with kids, teach english to adults, meet a ton of people, and even sneak away on weekends to several amazing locations along the Pacific Coast…

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

Traveling every weekend was one of my favorite parts of the experience. Costa Rica has so much to offer and is easy and inexpensive to get around.

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

It took a four and half hour flight, one night in San Jose and a four hour bus ride to Tilaran, but I finally made it!

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

The students were greatful for my assistance and my only work is that I had been able to absorb and learn more of the language.

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: Construction and Community Development
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

Helping out at the orphanage is an experience which I will never forget and the children will stay in my heart always...

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

One day we drove about ten minutes up the road to a forty foot bridge and jumped off of it with Terry.

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

It's hard to believe we will be going back to the US soon, but I treasure my time here and look forward to coming back!

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

Day by day I would try my best to put their minds off their devastating family experiences and situations to be able to reach the hearts of these children in great need of unconditional love, care and affection.

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

Because of the contact with my host family and the kids at the center (who didn´t speak English), I practiced my Spanish…

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

I asked my seventy-five year old mom on the second day of being here what the secret was to a happy long-life…

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

We lived with a wonderful host family during our stay in San Ramon. They were caring and considerate and made us feel right at home.

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

All in all, although there were some negative aspects of this experience, the whole was a great experience that has helped me grow as a person and learn about a different culture.

The uVolunteer staff was very accommodating and helpful.

Project: Daycare Center
Volunteered: 1 July 2008

Country: USA, Age: 21

Daniel Schmidth

It was a great opportunity to get to know how other people view the United States and see things from other people's perspectives.

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

We cover various altered forms of baseball, basketball, volleyball, American football, dodge ball and various tag games…

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

Now that I´m done here (for now, of course), the only thing I can think about is when I can next travel!

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

It was a pleasure to see their smiling faces every morning and hearing their excited voices yelling 'Teacher! Teacher!…

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

The first few days I worked in the garden and helped paint the kids hands on a wall by the playground…

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 first arrived in Costa Rica, I had certain expectations of exactly what I wanted my trip to be like. I was so exited + nervous for everything.

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

In my third week, they are practicing basic conversation, questions and answers, and take any error they might make with a smile...

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

During any free time you may have you are free to sit on the beach, enjoy the sun or go for a swim…

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

I've been fortunate enough to be given a glimpse into life in another culture, and my perspective's broadened from it!

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

On my first night, 200 eggs hatched. It was so exciting. It's like seeing a swarm of little aliens emerge from the ground!

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

One day we drove about ten minutes up the road to a forty foot bridge and jumped off of it with Terry.

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

We hiked to waterfalls, drove to a bridge and jumped off, crossed a river to ride horses, just things that I had never been exposed to.

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

Now that I´m done here (for now, of course), the only thing I can think about is when I can next travel!...

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

My three week stay on the farm felt more like months, but I still wasn't ready to go once my time was up!

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

I thought it would be difficult waking up so early and adapting to farm life, but it took only a few days.

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 been a teacher for a number of years and love children, but didn't want to do the conventional teaching thing on my vacation.

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

Tico families are big so there are always families and friends in the house, talking, laughing, and of course eating!

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

Volunteer Stories & Testimonials from Costa Rica

Jamie Durbin

Derek Van De Wege

Nykkiesha Starr

Turner Paine

Scott Adams

Nina Luyando

Kristy Moore

Kendra Wolpe

Lexie Van Nostrand

Wileen Hernandez

Nick Vitiello

Antonina Pondo

Karen Tindall

Rosie Worthen

Edward Dale

Emilie Covell

Lisa Eger

Rosie Shelton

Sara Ramsey

Niki Pollock

Moritz Knickrehm

Dina Rickman

Leonie Hagedorn

Rawan Mustafa

Zsuzsanna Baranyi

Kira Radstrom

Al Heinle

Greg McGrath

Charlotte Rankin

Daria Kobayashi-Ritch

Holly Sanderson

Katelyn Kyler

Tia Metzger

Kristin Marmion

Louise Linthwaite

Alexander Rounds

Adrienne Attorp

Michelle Chung

Laure Van Grootel

Robert Cox

Helena Cicmil

Jeremy Bhatia

Michael Band

Cian Currie

Jennifer Poynton

Sara Feldman

Lindsey and Sana

Vladimir Aristov

Matthew Cohen

Madeline Joll

Tom Townsend

Jordan Simpson

Debi and Randy

Lindsay Olsen

Diane Dick

Daniel Bach

Lindsey and Christina

Molly Drazin

Elsa Salazar

Iza Labbe

Jessie Strom

Jeffrey Kamenski

Matthew Lee

Chris Long

Sara Rothan

Josh Lowe

Natalia Bruke

Brooke Durant

Jessica Dowden

Matthew Kinzelberg

Benjamin Eisele

Kristen Wilcox

Cristina and Jose

Brianna Acker

David Ross

Eline Strom

Aniek Woudstra

Jennifer Huntley

Josh and Katrina