My choice to visit Costa Rica of all destinations was unexpectedly easy. Arriving at the uVolunteer dorms in San Ramon was very exciting - it was better than I could have imagined. 
Program Volunteer Costa Rica
Project: Volunteer in a Childrens Home/Orphanage in Costa Rica
Something thatīs really nice about volunteering is that the people you meet in the dorms are so similar to you, yet so different
My choice to visit Costa Rica of all destinations was unexpectedly easy. I decided to take the trip, and was lucky enough that my friend Shawna decided to come with me. Arriving at the uVolunteer dorms in San Ramon was very exciting - it was better than I could have imagined.
Thereīs something special about kids in orphanages; after all theyīve been through, they still smile and laugh everyday.
The dorms are clean, comfortable, and very home-like. Our host mother Doņa Isabelīs cooking is AMAZING. To be completely honest, Doņa Isabel was definitely one of the highlights of staying in dorms! She would even take care of us when we were sick. Iīm really going to miss her, and her cooking. Something thatīs really nice about travelling and especially volunteering is that the people you meet in the dorms are so similar to you, yet so different. Everyone is kind, open-hearted, and giving (which is probably a given, considering that theyīre doing the selfless act of volunteering). Most everyone is looking to learn things about themselves and others, as well as a new culture. This being said, everyone is so different, coming from different places. They have different beliefs, backgrounds, and morals. Living in dorms was definitely a great choice, and something I would do again without hesitation.
I worked in the orphanage ĻHogarcitoĻin Palmares. My friend and I both worked together on this project which is definitely something I would recommend. We had a lot of fun and itīs really nice to have someone to share the experience with. Hogarcito is a really nice orphanage, and Shawna and I were both very happy to se how well the kids were taken care of. The tias (the women who take care of the kids) were always so kind to us and appreciative of our time. We did many activities with them, like skipping, soccer, playdough, chalk, and colouring. They LOVE to colour. Theyīre always saying ĻMuchacha!!ĻĻ (what they called us), ĻPinta!!!Ļ(colour!). They also really love playing house in their ĻcasitaĻ, and playing on the swings. Getting to know the kids was definitely an experience. One thing we were taught about the kids was that many of them actually do have parents, however, there was some factor that made it not possible to live with them. It may have been lack of money, sexual abuse, or another things. Some of the childrenīs parents came to visit them once a week, which made the kids ecstatic.Iīm so sad to leave the kids! Itīs really amazing, the connection you build with a child after only four weeks. Thereīs something special about kids in orphanages; after all theyīve been through, they still smile and laugh everyday. It leads you to a whole new appreciation of life.
During our four weeks in Costa Rica, we travelled every weekend (which I definitely suggest you do!). We went to Puntarenas the first weekend and relaxed on the beach. The next weekend, we travelled to La Fortuna and saw Volcan Arenal. If you can, go! Stay at Arenal Backpackers Resort, and do as many tours as you can! The next weekend we went to Tamarindo. Tamarindo is so much fun, no matter what youīre into. Beautiful beaches, great clubs, and great beach parties! Itīs also a great place to learn to surf. And donīt worry - most people speak English here. We went to Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast for the next weekend. Itīs a major party town, but itīs also ideal for relaxing. Stay at Rocking Jīs if you want to party. Also, if you can, rent bikes for a day and voyage through and past the town, there is so much to see. Puerto Viejo has a lot of culture, and a LOT of Bob Marley. The dorms were a really great way to meet people, because we got to do all this travelling together! All in all, volunteering in Costa Rica with uVolunteer was an amazing experience. My tips! - donīt judge Costa Rica by San Jose. Itīs not even close to similar. - eat Trits, and nachoes, as often as you can. - keep your mind open to new food, new places, new things, and new people - recognize and remember that even if a culture is different from yours, it is by no means inferior. It works for them, and theyīre happy. DONīT hold back - live and let live.
Beverly Pollock
