Green Life Volunteers

I had such a wonderful time during my month's stay in Costa Rica. Janina was so wonderful in helping me prepare before I left for Costa Rica and every step of the way. She was so reliable and helpful the entire time I stayed and I never felt once that I was alone, even though I did travel by myself. The program itself was incredible. I got the chance to see dozens of turtles, assist in gathering eggs, transcribing information, transporting eggs to the hatchery as well as assist when newborn turtles hatched. It was the most rewarding experience of my life. I was surrounded by many other wonderful volunteers, an amazing host family, and project leaders and community organizers that made me feel at home. It was truly a home away from home during my month stay. I will definitely volunteer again.

I participated in the 2-week solar power workshop in June 2016. I came to the workshop with a general interest in clean energy and a desire for an immersive travel experience. Such a great opportunity to connect with locals and other program participants. In addition to learning all things solar (theory, system design and maintenance, and how to build a panel using cosmetically defective cells), I made chocolate from start to finish on an off-grid farm, practiced my Spanish with the locals, hiked to a waterfall in Matapalo, volunteered at a local butterfly farm, surfed, kayaked, went horseback riding, and observed an abundance of wildlife (dolphins, monkeys, toucans, scarlet macaws, and crocodiles to name a few). Green Life Volunteers does an excellent job of balancing work and play. My experiences were life changing and I wish I could have stayed longer!

An absolutely fantastic experience. Amazingly informative on the practical aspects of solar, while at the same time extremely rewarding and helpful to the host community. I actually got to see the lights go on in a school house that had been powerless for forty years. Mixed with the project was an absolutely amazing adventure, got to experience the wonderful biodiversity of the Osa, from monkeys and dolphins to you name it, and enjoy the exciting nightlife, salsa dancing in the local bars and relaxing with a beer on the beach. As well, the small structure of GL volunteers means that it relies highly on local businesses and all the funding goes directly into the community. Above and beyond expectations in reward and fun! Janina is the best! Also, I was put in a host family on the beach with tropical scarlet macaws serenading me on my way to the workshops. Couldn't recommend enough.