What inspired you to go abroad?
I wanted to experience something new, to observe and feel what it is like to be in a different place, with different people doing different things. I also wanted to be part of a community that showed me how connected we all are, that love is everywhere, and helps heal you from the past. I wanted to be there.
Why did you choose Greentalist Costa Rica?
As I was looking for a new experience, I saw an ad on Instagram about the organization and volunteering in an indigenous community. I read about the environmental development progress, social impact, and developing leadership skills through real projects. I thought, I want to experience this, and so I did.
What was your favorite part about Costa Rica?
The humble locals that bring us fruits every day, the indigenous people are just different, despite being from the same country, we share a sense of unity and respect for Mother Earth. Living with human beings. The climate, days and nights, the rivers and mountains, the biodiversity, and lots of fireflies.
Animals are free, you find them everywhere just feeding on what land provides
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
The people I shared the experience with, people from different nationalities, the time spent during recreational activities, and the program itself. The environment and nature that surrounded me, the food was amazing, but also all the knowledge and perspectives about life and our world.
In addition, the program gave me a scholarship that covered part of the expenses
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
They were very kind and communicative. Before going to the community, they gave us a virtual session on preparation, and once at the field base, they provided us with training on potential risks.
They were also aware of our advances and needs, as well as the indispensable logistics for the development of the project.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I do not regret anything, I know everything went in the way that was meant to, and I created in that way cause it was who I showed myself to be. I just can't answer that.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
If it were my turn in the kitchen, I would get up at five in the morning to cook breakfast at 6 am, and before 7, we would do some stretches.
At 7 am, we would head to the place we were working. We would have breaks during the labor day, enjoying company and then lunch, work some hours more, and then dinner at 6 pm, and a free night for a bonfire
Mountains of the chirriipo Talamanca and chirriipo river
What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?
I enjoyed going to the river, having deep life conversations, and playing games with friends.
Reading books, going for a walk, and appreciating nature while heading to visit the local people and have coffee with plantains, having naps, playing football and games with kids from the school, watching the night sky, and meditating.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
Our accommodation was, at least for me, nice. We were staying in the same school in a big room. I didn't have the same comfort as my bed, but it's part of the experience. I liked it because of the nature night sound, lots of crickets, frogs, and the wind playing with the forest.
However during the program, I had different accommodations along the way, cause we would be walking for two days to get to the community and so we stayed at other schools, accommodation were just fine for me.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
It can feel strange at first to be in a new place, with new people, a new culture, new food, in short, new things everywhere. But hey, that's also what makes it so exciting! You are getting a chance to experience life from a fresh perspective.
The more you dare, the more you try, the more you try, the more you dare, is about building confidence.
Would you recommend Global Greentalist | Lead & Volunteer in Costa Rica to others? Why?
Yes, I would. Because immersing yourself in a different culture allows you to better understand other people's perspectives and ways of life.
Also, facing challenges and overcoming obstacles helps you grow as a person and develop skills, and be part of a project that seeks to improve people's lives and the environment. Besides, you will meet people with similar interests and build an international friendship. Dare to try it.
The school we were staying
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
The biggest advantage of traveling is the perspective it gives you. Although I did not travel abroad, I did travel to an isolated indigenous community in my country. And I could see a way of life I didn't know, and it broadens your mind, makes you more tolerant, and helps you grow as a person, cause we're all one, the same, but different.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Well, it was a great experience, but it's weird when you get back home to your comfort zone, it doesn't feel the same.
Yes, I have a certain new sense of independence and confidence, but deep within me, I still face myself and Improvements I keep on doing. I have applied some of the teachings and knowledge I got from the experience and realize that I'm not the same but better.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
It means cultural learning, you find yourself surrounded by people you still don't know and never really imagined you would be with.
It means personal development: you open yourself to a new perspective and breathe in the change coming into your life.
It also has a positive impact; you are part of a movement that seeks change, love, and unity.
