Michael waterfall jumping in a rainforest along the Pacuare River, during his time as an ISV volunteer in Costa Rica.
What inspired you to volunteer abroad?
When I started my university education, I had a strong urge to explore the world beyond my familiar daily surroundings. I also wanted to travel with a purpose and connect with local people. ISV therefore seemed like the perfect fit.
How did you find out about ISV?
Through a friend from high school who also traveled to Costa Rica with ISV. Her description of the country and her experience inspired me.
What made you select ISV over other volunteer abroad program providers?
Their excellent reputation and helpful office staff.
Why did you choose Costa Rica specifically?
I was studying Spanish at the time, and felt it would also be a great opportunity to improve my language skills. The biodiversity also appealed to me.
Abseiling down the Pino Blanco waterfall - Costa Rica’s largest rappel
What were your housing arrangements like during your time in Costa Rica?
I stayed with a wonderful host family for the duration of my volunteer project, and then a mixture of campsites, eco-lodges, hotels, and motels throughout the adventure tour.
What was a normal day like as a volunteer in Costa Rica?
I’d wake up at sunrise, enjoy an early breakfast of pinto (rice and beans) and coffee with my host family, pack my daypack and walk to our project site with other volunteers to begin work. We were building the foundations of a medical facility to be used by a GP when they visited this quite isolated community. The previous group of volunteers had worked alongside locals on the foundations and we were assisting with brick laying. We would mix cement and lay bricks. The work was tiring, but it was incredibly rewarding to see the walls go up – and being led by locals allowed us to connect with the community in a meaningful way.
Michael’s ISV project group before their infrastructure development work
If you could have changed one thing about your program, what would it have been?
That I stayed in Costa Rica longer!
What advice would you give to other students volunteering in Costa Rica with ISV?
I’ve tried making pinto at home, and it’s not the same – so make the most of all the rice and beans while you can!
How has volunteering abroad impacted your life, other than through your job with ISV?
While I gained a rich understanding of challenges facing a specific community in Costa Rica, being in such a different environment to my own has certainly made me more empathetic overall. Its helped me to understand agricultural, environmental, and developmental concerns in a global context, which is totally enriching – and the impact of being outside of your comfort zone is invaluable.
