What inspired you to go abroad?
I had always wanted to participate in a volunteering program and I have always enjoyed traveling, so when I was old enough I started looking for projects I could join.
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio
Why did you choose Volunteering for 16 and 17 year olds in Costa Rica through Kaya Responsible Travel?
I chose this program for various reasons, including that it was available for under 18-year-old volunteers, that I would be able to work with animals (which is something I was looking for), and that it was in Costa Rica, which I believe is a perfect destination for my first volunteering project abroad as it’s a safe, beautiful country.
What was your favorite part about Costa Rica?
It is a very beautiful country and I had the opportunity to visit most of it. There's also a wide range of things you can do in your spare time, like going to the beach or hiking to the mountains.
What made your experience abroad unique?
In general, it was an amazing experience. Specifically, getting to know this different culture and different people from around the world, which benefitted me personally, was very unique. It was the first time I ever traveled alone, and I learned a great deal about how to do things myself.
Puentes Colgantes del Arenal
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
If there was any question or if we wanted advice on what to do in our spare time, local staff always helped us. They also made themselves available any time, so that if something happened they could help.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?
I can't really think of anything specific—I had a great time and I wouldn't change it for anything.
Describe a typical day in the life of your program.
On workdays, I would wake up, have a typical Costa Rican breakfast, and then I'd walk to the bus station where the other volunteers who worked with me were waiting. Then we'd go to the turtle rescue center and work for a couple of hours. My responsibilities included cleaning the cages, feeding the turtles, and helping in the clinic (basically helping out in any way I could). Then we'd have a break, followed by another hour of work or so. In the afternoons, all the volunteers would meet up and eat something or plan our weekends.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoyed meeting with the other volunteers. During weekends, I traveled with other volunteers around the country and we visited different places.
What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?
I stayed in a house in a small town about half an hour from where I worked. I liked the fact it was an opportunity to see what the lives of the locals were like, to taste their food, and to learn their culture.
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?
You should know that some of the people who live in Costa Rica might not be able to speak English fluently or at all, so it would be helpful to know some Spanish.
Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?
It was the first time I ever traveled alone, and I learned a great deal about how to do things myself. I also feel more open to do these kinds of projects in the future.
Would you recommend Kaya Responsible Travel to others? Why?
I would definitely recommend this program to others, as I think that Costa Rica is a perfect place to volunteer, and in your spare time you can also do lots of different activities and visit many places. Although, I would advise that you know the local language, or at least enough to understand basic conversations, because some of the volunteers I was with did have some trouble communicating with their families.
