How did you originally discover ISV’s programs? What made you select Costa Rica for your first volunteer abroad experience?
Replicating a Leatherback sea turtle nest in Costa Rica.
I first found out about ISV from a recruiter who made an announcement in my Biology class in 2008. I love volunteering and traveling, so it seemed like the perfect opportunity for me. I was studying Zoology and Spanish at the time, and I was able to work with one of my professors to earn academic credit while on the Costa Rica program.
What was a typical day like as a volunteer in Costa Rica?
I worked on a sea turtle conservation project, which meant we spent all of our time on a beach in the Caribbean. During the day, we took turns cleaning up the beach and monitoring the hatchery. When eggs began to hatch, we would count, weigh, measure, and release the baby sea turtles. At night, we walked the beach looking for nesting turtles. When we saw one, we would tag her if she wasn’t already tagged, assist her as much as possible, then collect her eggs and relocate them to our hatchery where they could be safe from poachers and predators. With our help, their survival rate jumped from 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 100.
Rappelling down the Pino Blanco waterfall in Costa Rica.
What was the most memorable experience you had while volunteering abroad in Costa Rica?
I was in awe of the wildlife diversity in Costa Rica. I got close-up views of wild capuchins, howler monkeys, caiman crocodiles, leatherback sea turtles, treefrogs, and so much more.
What was the most challenging part of being a student volunteer?
The work that we did on our project was physically demanding and very hard at times, but it was so rewarding to be able to give back and help to save an endangered species.
Do volunteers need to speak Spanish to be able to volunteer in Costa Rica? What are the benefits of being able to communicate in Spanish?
Jane’s volunteer group on the beach in Gandoca, Costa Rica.
No! In fact, many of our volunteers in Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic speak little to no Spanish. We offer a 1-week Spanish Language Program before the volunteer projects to help our volunteers learn the native language and culture, and all of our Project and Tour Leaders are bilingual. If you do speak Spanish, you’ll be able to interact more with the locals in your community.
What important tips can you give to future participants of the program?
Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and meet new people. I’ve met some of my best friends while on the ISV programs. The overall experience will change your life in so many ways, so give it your all and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
