Alumni Interview with Josh Clement

What inspired you to go abroad?

We were inspired to go abroad because we wanted to combine travel with something more meaningful. Instead of just visiting a new place, we were looking for an experience where we could connect with people, give back in a small way, and immerse ourselves in a different culture.

Costa Rica stood out as a place where we could do all of that while working with children, which really resonated with us. The opportunity to step outside our routine, learn something new, and share experiences with others made it an easy decision.

Why did you choose International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)?

We chose the IVHQ program because of its strong reputation, clear organization, and the level of support it offers both before and during the trip. The program structure, communication, and detailed preparation materials gave us confidence that everything would be well run. 

We were also specifically drawn to the opportunity to work with school children, as it felt like a meaningful and personal way to connect and contribute. Knowing there was a reliable local partner made the decision even easier, and it ultimately delivered exactly the kind of experience we were hoping for.

What was your favorite part about Costa Rica?

Our favorite part was the people and the overall sense of community. Everyone we met was welcoming, friendly, and genuinely kind. We especially enjoyed experiencing the culture through everyday life—spending time with our host family, sharing meals, and being part of their routines.

Working with the children added another layer to that, as it gave us a real connection to the community rather than just observing it. Costa Rica also has an incredible natural beauty, but it was the people and the authentic cultural experience that made it truly memorable.

Approaching Costa Rica w/ Excitement!

What made your experience abroad extraordinary?

What made the experience extraordinary was how genuine and immersive it felt from start to finish. It wasn’t just about volunteering—it was about truly connecting with people. Working with the children, sharing cultures, and being part of their daily routines created meaningful moments that went beyond expectations. 

Living with a host family and experiencing everyday life added another layer that made it feel authentic rather than like a typical trip. Combined with the natural beauty of Costa Rica and the support from IVHQ, it created a well-rounded experience that was both impactful and unforgettable.

How did local staff support you throughout your program?

The local team was excellent throughout the entire program. From the initial orientation to day-to-day support, they were organized, approachable, and always available if we had questions or needed anything. 

They made sure we understood our roles, helped us feel comfortable in a new environment, and checked in regularly to ensure everything was going well. Their local knowledge and guidance made navigating daily life easy, and it gave us confidence knowing support was always there. They played a big role in making the experience smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free.

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?

If we could do one thing differently, it would be to spend a little more time learning and practicing Spanish before and during the trip. While we were able to communicate and get by, improving our language skills would have allowed for even deeper conversations and connections, especially with the children and our host family. 

That said, the language barrier never took away from the experience—in many ways it added to it, as it encouraged patience, creativity, and a lot of shared laughter. It’s something we would definitely focus on more next time.

Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.

A typical day started with breakfast with our host family, which was a great way to ease into the day and experience local life. After that, we would head to the school where we spent the morning working with the children—helping in the classroom, participating in activities, and joining in during playtime. The days were very interactive and energetic, and no two were exactly the same.

After the volunteer work, we usually had some free time to relax or explore the area before returning home in the evening. Dinner with our host family was another highlight, where we shared meals, talked about the day, and got to experience their daily routines. It was a great balance of meaningful work, cultural immersion, and time to unwind.

What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?

During our free time, we enjoyed exploring the local area and taking in the natural beauty and culture of Costa Rica. We did a coffee tour, which was a great way to learn more about the country and something it’s known for. We also spent time exploring the city on a San José tour, which gave us a better understanding of the local history and everyday life.

One of the highlights was a dinner with traditional dancers overlooking the city, which was both fun and memorable. It was nice to balance these experiences with time to relax after busy days at the school, as well as spending evenings with our host family. Overall, it was a great mix of exploring, unwinding, and continuing to connect with the culture beyond the volunteer work.

A tasty Costa Rican meal. YUM!

What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?

We stayed with a local host family, and it truly felt like living as part of a real Costa Rican family. From the moment we arrived, they were welcoming, kind, and made us feel completely at home. 

What we liked most was being included in their daily routines—especially sharing meals together and spending time around the dinner table.

It gave us a much more authentic experience than staying in a hotel. We were able to learn about their culture firsthand, practice some Spanish, and build genuine connections. 

It wasn’t just a place to stay—it became a meaningful part of the entire experience.

What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?

Come into the experience with an open mind and a willingness to fully immerse yourself. Things may be different from what you’re used to, whether it’s the schedule, the food, the language, or the pace of daily life…but that’s exactly what makes it so rewarding. Don’t expect perfection; expect growth, connection, and meaningful moments.

Also, even a little effort with the local language goes a long way. The more you engage, the more you’ll get out of it. If you embrace the experience instead of comparing it to home, you’ll leave with memories, relationships, and perspective that last far beyond the trip itself.

Would you recommend IVHQ to others? Why?

Yes, absolutely. I would highly recommend IVHQ to anyone considering a volunteer abroad experience. From the very beginning, everything was professional, well-organized, and clearly communicated, which made the entire process feel smooth and stress-free.

What really sets this program apart is the combination of meaningful volunteer work, cultural immersion, and strong local support. The staff on the ground were incredible, the host family experience was authentic and welcoming, and the opportunity to connect with local children made a lasting impact.

It’s more than just a trip; it’s a chance to step outside your comfort zone, give back in a real way, and come home with a new perspective. For anyone on the fence, I’d say go for it…you won’t regret it.

What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?

The biggest benefit of traveling abroad is gaining a new perspective. Stepping outside of your normal environment and experiencing a different culture firsthand helps you see the world, and your own life in a completely new way. It pushes you out of your comfort zone and encourages you to adapt, connect, and grow.

For me, it wasn’t just about seeing a new place, but about building real relationships, sharing culture, and learning from others. Living with a host family, working with local children, and experiencing daily life in Costa Rica made everything feel meaningful and authentic.

You come home with more appreciation, a broader mindset, and memories that stay with you long after the trip is over.

Exploring the city of San Jose

Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?

Now that I’m home, I can honestly say this experience has had a lasting impact on how I see the world and my day-to-day life. It gave me a greater appreciation for different cultures, for simple routines, and for the importance of human connection. Spending time with the children and living with a host family reminded me how meaningful it is to slow down and be present.

It also gave me a renewed sense of perspective and gratitude. You realize how much you have, but also how much you can give, whether it’s your time, energy, or just sharing a smile. I’ve come home more open-minded, more patient, and more motivated to stay connected to experiences that matter. It’s something that will stay with me long after the trip itself.

What does meaningful travel mean to you?

Meaningful travel, to me, is about more than just seeing new places; it’s about truly connecting with people, culture, and everyday life in a way that leaves a lasting impact. It means stepping outside of your comfort zone, being open to new perspectives, and engaging in experiences that go beyond typical tourism.

During this trip, meaningful travel meant living with a host family, sharing meals, participating in daily routines, and building real relationships, especially with the children we worked with. It wasn’t just about where we went, but how we experienced it.

Meaningful travel stays with you. It changes how you see the world, deepens your appreciation for different ways of life, and reminds you that even small moments of connection can have a big impact.