GLA Costa Rica - Animal Rescue & Veterinary Project

This summer I went to Costa Rica with GLA teens, and I had an amazing time that I will always cherish. I learned so much getting to watch vets work, and I even got to assist with the animals that were admitted. I also got to learn about the community and culture of the area, partaking in special activities very unique to this program. Overall, I could not recommend this program enough, the experience I had was truly once in a lifetime.

It gave me a new perspective and experience in different cultures, people, and environment. This helped me grow so much and gave me a glimpse into what I want to do in the future encouraging more growth than I thought possible in such a short time. I'm so grateful to have had this experience because it truly made me grow into a strong and inspired version of myself. I think the home visits especially were very eye opening for me. It helped me gain a sense of higher humility and empathy for people in those situations. It also helped me to broaden my perspective and realized how privileged I am to be in the situation that I am in.

My experience with GLA was amazing. The service was incredible and I really loved being able to feel like I was making a difference in the communities. I really enjoyed the food, the activities we did and the presentations about Costa Rica. Thank you GLA for an amazing and life changing experience!

I grew in my veterinary abilities definitely. I know how to better work in a veterinary settings and I faced challenges that will allow me to better overcome similar challenges at home. GLA was a great way to branch out and really solidify my career path in veterinary medicine. Staff was amazing and supportive, facilities were great, and the activities were fun! I loved volunteering in the animal shelters and working in surgery with VIDA. 10/10 recommend!!

I loved it and I will carry everything I have learned about the people around me and myself with me for the rest of my life. absolutely loved the service here. It made me feel as thought I had a purpose that I never knew I had; I took more of a leadership role than I thought I would and I surprised myself every step of the way.

I think this program has made me become more independent and willing to try new situations with new people. I grew in participating in community service because I got better at my collaboration skills, and learned how to be a leader in social settings as well as listening to my peers opinions. I overcame challenges such as being uncomfortable in certain situations but allowing myself to embrace the uncomfortable and deal with it in ways that were manageable. The beach day because it was break in between all the hard work that we had been doing with the Vida staff.

I learned about other cultures in a new perspective. I am so incredibly fortunate to live in a place where I have everything I could want and it puts things into perspective when you go to places that do not have that luxary. I learned how to effectively share my opinions when there is a language barrier and also to not be as opinionated when the world around me does not reflect something I am used to. I enjoyed the guest speakers because it allowed me to hear about the place I was in from someone who lives here. I also enjoyed the single story and found it very inspiring to learn about others cultures and what makes us unique. Favorite activities were ziplining and hot springs. After days of really learning and the start of service it felt rewarding to enjoy something fun and get to spend time with the group as a whole.

I loved going to the beach and yoga. Most days of our trip were busy so I felt they were a way to relax and connect with the group. The last night in Liberia we were also able to watch a sunset. This was a great way to end our time there and enjoy a night with the whole group. All the activities were great, and the staff too! I thought they were so welcoming and friendly.