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. 
Program Volunteer Costa Rica
Project: Volunteer Teaching English in Costa Rica
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.
After a long day of travelling from the US, then making a pitstop in San Jose to pick up other volunteers headed to San Ramon as well, all I could think about was the grumbling in my stomach. At the bus stop in San Jose, I finally found the empanada I was in great need of, and as good as that empanada felt in my empty stomach, that´s how good my experience has been here in San Ramon.
When I arrived at my home stay that night, I immediately new it would be a perfect fit.
My host mother was so friendly, welcoming, and kind, and once she realized I could speak Spanish, she opened up even more. The next day I met the rest of the family, and they were just as welcoming as my host mother. I always felt at home there, whether it´s returning from an afternoon at the farmers market with my host father or arriving back to the house from a weekend of travelling.
My first placement was a short week, working with adult students learning English. It was fun, and the students were great, but after that week, my placement in the elementary school was ready for me, and that´s where I really wanted to be. My experience at la Escuela Sabana has been amazing. After seven weeks there, the kids have made me feel like a real teacher, as well as a friend. When I walk into the school each morning I hear ¨niña Molly¨ from all directions and in each classroom several kids run up to greet me with the traditional kiss on the cheek. I know I have been really helpful for the English teacher I worked with, and I´m glad I have been able to help her with her classes, as well as with practicing her own English skills. My time at la Escuela Sabana has been rewarding not only for the students, and teacher, but for me as well, and I wish I was able to stay longer.
Because of the shortened work week with Uvolunteer, it was easy to take substantial weekend trips. I was able to experience many of the various climates and cultures of Costa Rica, from the rainforest, canopy tour in Monteverde, to the Carribean culture of Puerto Viejo, Limon, to the beaches of Guanacaste. There is so much to see in this small country, but sometimes just staying in San Ramon for the weekend was just as fun as travelling. Apart from going out with the other volunteers, the Ticos I met here in San Ramon have been incredibly nice, and always looking for a good time. I feel as though I´ve become a part of the community here, whether it´s saying a quick ¨buenos dias¨ to the storeowner I pass every day on the way to work, or being greeted by students in the park. It´s great to be able to travel on the weekends, but I came to learn that I could have a fun time just staying in San Ramon as well.
Overall the experience here has been unforgettable. 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, as well as becoming a part of the community, and making several Tico friends. I have no complaints or regrets about spending my time here, and I only wish I was able to stay longer!
Molly Drazin
