Volunteering Gap Year Programs in Costa Rica

I was in Quepos for 6 weeks did Spanish classes, surf classes and two volunteer projects (working with kids and teaching english). I made a lot of new friends, got more independent and experienced an amazing country like a local.

Everything is part of the experience. Learning how to go with the flow is an essential part of staying here. I’ve made so many new friends, locally and from around the world. The workers are fantastic and super accommodating, as long as you’re reachable and communicating. I’ve enjoyed working with kids and every new day brings about something new to learn. I love my Spanish classes and we’ve been correcting things I learned in school and building off of it. I’m really excited for the rest of my time here. ¡Pura vida!

I stayed in Costa Rica for 4 months and for my Gap Year with Maximo and it was the best choice I could’ve made. I did the customized path with Spanish Immersion and Volunteering with Children. They were extremely accommodating to my needs and made sure I had the best experience. From the close proximity to many beaches to my classes to my host family. This program was everything I could’ve dreamed of and more. So much so that I already planned my next journey back for the New Year!

I loved being in Costa Rica, it honestly was the best experience I met so many people from all over and we made so many fun memories. I would definitely come back to Costa Rica I loved my host family they were truly amazing and so kind I will definitely recommend doing this.

My time in Costa Rica with Maximo Nivel was definitely one that I will cherish and hold near and dear to my heart for forever. There were so many amazing people to meet and so many amazing experiences to be had. My host mom, Marisol was an amazing host and made us all feel very comfortable and happy, all while keeping a fun and lighthearted atmosphere in the house. The campus in Quepos, Costa Rica is very comfortable and well made and I enjoyed spending time there as well!

I had a very nice time here in Costa Rica, my family was very nice and ever was welcoming to me. Both of my projects were fun and I have learned a lot since being here! I am exciting for my trips to Guatemala and Peru

I have recently come back from my gap year and while I was there I spent a month working on the relationships between humans and elephants. So why would I recommend Oyster? I am so glad I picked to do this project with Oyster because they made me feel very well taken care of and looked after me before and during the project. They talk you though everything you need to know before the project takes place and what clothes and necessities you may need to pack. So what does the project consist of? I would do this project a million times if I could, and if you don’t believe me lots of people who were doing the project had already done it before and had come back because of how much they enjoyed it. So the project is on a two week program and you have the option to stay from two weeks to 3 months. The first week is amazing because you build walls for the local community. Some days some of the locals will come and help, or a few kids will come and keep you company, that is amazing because you feel so immersed, it’s definitely a once in a lifetime experience. The second week is spent tracking elephants. This was my favourite out of the two because you learn all about the elephants foot prints. We also managed to see a two day old elephant which we were lucky enough to name !!! So why pick this project? I think this project and Oyster have a lot of selling points. For starters Oyster takes very good care of you and help you organise yourself before the project starts so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Secondly you are in the middle of the desert, I don’t think you could get anymore rural than that. You don’t really have much service so it’s lovely to disconnect for two weeks. You get to spend some time with lovely people who you may not meet on a day to day basis, people from different countries, locals, and different ages. You camp under the stars which is also amazing. Overall I would always recommend this amazing project, such a special experience!!

Oyster Worldwide responded to this reviewAugust 13, 2024

Wonderful to read about your experience, thank you Emily! The Oyster Team

Pacific Discovery and their partner travel coordinators have been amazing! This is the first time I have sent one of my children on a gap program and it has been everything I could have hoped and dreamed. My child not only received college credit for this adventure, but she developed invaluable social skills, worldly knowledge, self-reliance and independence that I am already seeing make a positive impact on her interpersonal relationships and self-esteem.

Joined this trip as a 22-year-old on a year off of college and had an absolute blast with an amazing group. We hiked, kayaked, ziplined, rafted in the Pacuare river (one of the top five in the world for it), surfed, took yoga and dance classes, and stayed in several beautiful, small-scale rural family farms and eco lodges as part of the program that were truly unforgettable!

I really feel I grew as a person on this trip. I learned so much about myself, my strengths and weaknesses, and local cultures. Both mentally and physically I feel like a stronger person! My main lesson was learning how important it is to look on the bright side of every situation. If I could tell my pre-program self anything, it would be to be positive. Make sure not to let negatives consume you. You’re in these beautiful, unique places - Make the most of it. I’d recommend this program to grow as a person and learn about yourself, and to make friends for life. I feel like some of these people I’m gonna stay in touch with for years to come.

This program was awesome! It was a once in a lifetime experience that i will never forget where I got to travel to awesome new places and make life long friends! and the leaders were awesome! I’m so glad I got to experience something so incredible and eye opening like this.

I had the best time volunteering at Maximo Nivel, I like that they put a very thoughtful approach to my trip! I felt safe throughout my entire stay, I really appreciate the careful thought that the staff put in not only for my experience but everything else involved.

My experience was truly once in a lifetime. I was able to meet amazing people and see amazing things as well as learn so much more about a new culture. I would recommend this program to others because you will learn so much about yourself and about a new beautiful place.

I definitely think I grew as a person on this trip. This program has made me a tougher person both physically and mentally. There were a lot of physical challenges for me on this trip which forced me to toughen up mentally and keep pushing. I think this program has also given me a greater appreciation for the environment and simpler ways of living. Overall, I feel more grateful and grounded coming out of this trip.

I loved the activities in this program! From hiking 10 miles to kayaking to swimming in many bodies of water to rafting through class 4 rapids, this trip has brought out a new self for me. I’ve discovered who I am in hard core activities with amazing people. I am beyond proud of myself for getting through all of the challenges!

This is an amazing opportunity for anyone who wants to explore the world and enjoy there time doing it. Everyday is amazing and different, the people and places are wonderful and you will love every second of it. The living situations can feel difficult at times but it is worth it for all of the life long experiences.

South Africa has been the best experience ever- African Impact has been life-changing! sports volunteering was brilliant. The kids were a pleasure to coach and welcomed me with open arms. The coaches at the schools are doing great job and I will miss them all greatly! I came to South Africa alone and was very nervous but everyone did a fantastic job of making me feel this was my home. I'm leaving here feeling more than content with a completely different outlook on life.

It’s given me a lot more confidence about what to do next, just because you’re retired doesn’t mean you haven’t got those skills and experience. Something I do notice where I’ve perhaps helped younger people is it’s all new to them whereas I’ve seen it all before. That experience does count for quite a bit, so that has been validating.

Learned so much. Beautiful country. Great people willing to help. The staff was so helpful and my host mom was so wonderful. I met so many awesome people and everyone I worked with was super helpful. I absolutely love my host mom and I just feel really lucky to have had this experience.

The Centre where I’m volunteering in Cambodia is an amazing place for any traveller — young or old. The local staff are very welcoming and are always ready to help with any situation or need that comes your way. The program offers cultural immersion and an enjoyable volunteering experience that I would recommend anyone to try.