Orosi Valley Paradise Experience

There was plenty of time to experience various tours and engage in the culture. Really enjoyed having lunches and dinners with local families. Honestly, the whole experience was amazing - culture, volunteering, food, people. - CHAD JONES

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It was my second time to Costa Rica, but first time to Orosi! Beautiful location, Federico was so helpful and funny! Enjoyed the hospitality and interesting cultural landmarks. I also got to see a sloth on the property, which totally made my day! I enjoyed my week there,

We had some friends who had already done this trip with Globe Aware so we thought we knew what to expect. But once you are there the surroundings just take your breath away. We stayed at a rented house that had unbelievable views of the lush, green mountains. We really enjoyed helping out to build a community center for the entire town. We worked hard but had plenty of breaks. Also, the food was to die for. So many new things we tried and most of them were absolutely great. What made our trip even better was Federico, the guide who was there with us either driving us, talking with us, explaining things, guiding us in the work and even cooking for us. I already told our friends that we should do another trip with Global Aware but we should do it together. Helping out the people of Costa Rica was a very enriching experience and I can't wait to do it again.

This has been a great experience. I loved Costa Rica and the program. Will definitely be back maybe for another program. Federico was a great host and the house we stayed in felt like a resort. I had a great time and enjoyed the scenery, projects and the local people we met and came to know. Happy to have been able to have this opportunity with such amazing people.

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For my first service abroad trip, I could not have asked for a better experience. I was blessed with a wonderful group, a wonderful guide, and a wonderful community to work with. My favorite experience was getting to know the people of the La Flor community. They were the most genuine, giving & thoughtful people. Without speaking Spanish well, I could still communicate with smiles and gestures, as they did too, and I could feel how sweet they all were. Doing service projects for their community made me feel like I was leaving some of myself with them. Personally I grew on this trip. I learned a lot about myself and others. I built relationships. But most of all I was inspired. Coming back to the U.S. was an adjustment, I could have stayed in Costa Rica and volunteered forever. I miss it tremendously. But I'm glad I have the memories I do.

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I traveled alone for a week in Costa Rica. Of course I was trepidatious about the trip. Happily it was a wonderful experience. I was not able to speak the language but felt comfortable communicating with the help of the coordinator. Everyone was welcoming, non judgmental and happy to feed me and show me their world. You realize that their smaller accommodations are actually freeing not limiting. They enjoy nature and their families with no concerns about updating their homes or redecorating ( such first world problems). I had ample time to relax on the beautiful grounds. Additionally day trips to experience activities of my choosing rounded out a fully enjoyable trip.

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The food and accommodations were wonderful, the work was gratifying and our guide and host family were so warm and welcoming. Being immersed in the local community/culture was an invaluable experience that we will never forget. We worked hard but there was plenty of time to see the sights too. Everything was well organized and stress-free. We got so much more than we gave. Highly recommend this trip!

We fell in love with the people, the food, the culture and the climate! One of the things our family loved most was getting to eat most of our meals in the locals' homes, which made the food, and the experience, very authentic. You don't really understand a person until you've washed their dishes, in their sink, using their everyday method and resources. We came home with greater appreciation for our electric dishwasher, black beans at our table more often and hearts filled with love for the people of Orosi Valley!